Another VERY LONG DAY - Be warned, do not read if you cannot finish
To make it easier for my mei to read this entry, I've broken it up into many parts. I just have to comment, because in a sense, this day has ended on a very high note for me.
The Morning
I just woke up and instead of washing my face, brushing my teeth first, I hopped straight into the shower and set the water to its coldest setting. it felt warm. I love it! The feeling of an "icy cold" morning shower. I did not manage to complete reading the papers today again because it came late. I need at least 35 minutes to finish it. 20 minutes is too short for me. I asked dad to leave later today, which he did, because I did not want to arrive at Kallang as early as yesterday.
The Racist Sentry
When dad sent me to the base today, he normally stops outside the gate. Today when I was just about to get out of the car, I saw the sentry stretch out his hand, pointing in the direction of the sea, biding my dad to drive further down.
I turned behind and realised that it was JUST a taxi. Not sure if it was full or empty though, but the guy looked really worreid. I just hecked him and came out of the car calmly and took my own sweet time. The sentry had a dismayed look on his face. I turned around to see the taxi drive off - it had made a wrong turn. The sentry was giving me dirty looks so I retorted with "getting out car lax lar!". He just muttered some mumbo jumbo.
I've realised that after Wei Loong and some of the other chinese guys recount their experiences at the sentry post. I suspect that the sentry is a big time racist. He purposes marks and tries his best to pick on the chinese guys ONLY. Well, ALL the sentries are malay. They basically have the worst job in the whole coast guard. On many other occasions, the sentry has tried to find fault with Edmund, Wei Loong and even Ragu. The reason? No name tag. The best thing is that most of the other malay guys don't wear their name tags and nothing happens to them.
All the more one more reason to consider not going to Kallang but rather Gul Base. Seriously, if this sentries pisses me off enough, i'll write a formal complaint and see to it that he gets sacked. I have this very evil thought to get a bunch of chinese people to WHACK him one of these days after we have passed out of the training school.
I don't know, but I personally feel that I am slowly getting more and more violent each and everyday but a very slight margin. Sigh.
Kallang Regional Base
Basically, the morning was spent in the lecture theatre, most of it spent waiting for the briefing officers to come and then for the briefings to commence. I fell asleep during the lecture and OC shouted at me. I immediately woke up and smiled! Its like my eye lids get really heavy and start falling shut during a very boring briefing, another factor being falling asleep at 1a.m last night. The good thing is that OC never scolds, he just rebukes in a loud voice. Luckily for me, SSI (Senior Station Inspector) John was not around, or else I would have just shattered my so called "good image" that he has of me.
The briefing was about the afternoon sortie. During this sortie, I would not have any opportunity to actually "go out to sea", most of the things covered would be confined to the waters of the base. And yesterday, the other group had the chance to go to sentosa and check out the Raffles Lighthouse. OC said that no boat was currently available for our usage. So we would just have to wait. He asked us to go back to class to relax and do our own thing.
Of course, class was not quiet, the other group that went for the sortie yesterday was now having their weapons training. So the sound of M16s being cocked filled the air. Rahmat and I just killed time by debating on the ability and userbility of the various types of guns as compared to the SAR 21 Rifle. Rahmat told me and eventually convinced me to a certain extent that it was a very good rifle. Ok, I'm not the sort to argue. I'd rather just look at situations at other peoples' perspective. I do not wish to be a narrow minded frog-in-the-well kind of person. Dad always told me that I must be learned enough to have suffiicient "depth". I agree.
It rained! I was so supprised! I thought that some workmen were washing the roof till I heard the sound of heavy rain. Its a very much welcomed relief to the terrible heat we've been experiencing lately.
I don't know, but sometimes, some of the malay guys just love to pick on me. Its only a particular few. With my so called knowledge of psychology, I have come to conclude that they dislike me for my intelligence, fluency and confidence at speaking and general knowledge. I am good in every single area that they lack or are bad in. I'm not afraid to say such things as I feel that it is just an honest reflection of myself as compared to them. Perhaps I'm too soft, and give people the impression of a pushover when I readily accept their opiinions and don't retort or strike back.
Oh yes, I will strike back and end up in jail, leaving them practically untouchable in the eyes of the law. The defender always loses whilst the aggressor wins. I'm generally a very peaceful person. But should I be made to anger to the extent of great wrath, my anger can be extremely destructive.
Hmmmm... not to mention. I am way richer than all of them combined. Yes, I am boasting here, but I feel that they are jealous of my blessed life that God has given to me. Very jealous indeed. Its like, certain things can be deduced without proof because as humans, we all house a "sixth sense" in deciphering people.
(I will complete this entry later today, too tired now, need to rest)
Sortie
The muslim guys from the other group where allowed to leave the base and head for the mosque for their friday prayers. The group having sortie was requested to stay in the base. Funny, those who went to the mosque had to report back at 2.15. Whilst those who had sortie had to report to the canteen at 2 p.m. Why then do they not allow the muslim guys with a sortie today to go to the mosque and then start the program at 2.15? Highly ineffiecient and religiously intolerant and insensitive I'd say.
Most of the time before the sortie started was spent sleeping in the classroom and going to the toilet. I drink so much water that when I stay in an air con room for too long, I will have the urge to go the toilet quite often.
Interesting thing is that everyone just slept on the tables, floor, chairs and anywhere else they could find rest for their heads. I think rest is something that all NS men really treasure as the constant feeling of being fatigue can really make one depressed.
When it was sortie time, SSI John asked 4 persons from our group to go collect our lifejackets. The compact "Toyo" type. It is small and flat when worn, but automatically inflates upon entry into the water.
SSI John was just talking and then he suddenly looked in my direction and said,
"Alwyn, Best Trainee!"
I was so dazed that I just quietly said, "no lar, sir"
"Alwyn, anything to bring up?"
"Er, nothing sir"
"What interesting things have you learnt on this course"
I felt like saying that I've been sleeping through lessons, but felt that that was too casual a reply, besides, he might not take to it too well since Ihe has this so called "intellectual" image of me in his head. I just mentioned some stupid stuff and tried to hastily end the conversation. It was all to uncomfortable as everyone was just looking at me. In addition, I think SSI John is just a guy that is way too serious to joke with. He does try to laugh and smile once in a while, but that fails to hide his stern demeanour. But the good thing is that as long as one does things up to his expectations, he'll give you the due respect and won't make life too difficult for you.
Sortie was just ok. I screwed up quite a few times. The first time, I did not double up the rope to tie the bitts together, second time, I did not release the rope from the bitt and the third time, I placed the fender over the exhaust vent - the fender would have melted and I would like just die. Oh well, even if I make mistakes now, it doesn't matter so long as II do not repeat them when doing my work.
Later, OC took us on a tour of the whole boat, all the way from the top to the engine room.He told us to focus on the radar during our training as the rader is the most important part of our life as a personnel in the PCG. It was critically important to have good surrounding knowledge of the ships in the vicinity. OC also helped to point out the various extinguishers and their positions on the boat, in addition to showing us the sleeping quaters and how the duty should be rostered amongst the squad members.
I shall not write any further about the sortie. I am just too excited to write about the next few chapters of what would have turned into a very memorable day indeed.
I though that I would be let off at exactly 5.30 p.m. At that time, I was still stuck in the briefing/debriefing room, hearing the various comments and things that I would have to take note of. I was getting edgier and edgier by the minute as the clocked ticked past 5.30. Every minute felt like an hour and every second really felt like a minute. Still, there are certain things beyong my power and thus I have no choice but to accept them, go with the flow and then break off as soon as I could.
The Great Dash
Poh Yong had promised to take a taxi with me to Tracom as he had wanted to buy some stuff at the sports shop there. Wei Loong wanted to come along as well to "see girls". Funny, when the squad fell out, I was right in the front and they were right at the back, wasting precious seconds of match time. I asked Poh Yong if he wanted to come, He said that he would rather not, since he had changed his mind.
I ran like a dog. I ran like a commando. I ran like I have never run in my life before. I ran, crossing junctions, main roads, divider, fencing and overhead bridges just in a vain attempt to get a taxi. I tried to flag a taxi EVERYWHERE within the National Stadium, Stadium Lane, Stadium Drive and so on. I was furious! Not a single empty taxi and ALL were FULL. If they said that there was an abundance of taxi drivers due to SARS. They were lying. There ABSOLUTELY NO TAXIS to be found.
I ran, I ran from Kallang to Mountbatten road. That's far, believe me. I was very pissed with our "world class transport". Yesterday the SBS, today the TAXI! USELESS system! UTTERLY USELESS! When I don't need a taxi, there are millions of them, when I need one urgently, there is not even ONE to send me there. I made up my mind that If I could not catch a taxi by 6.25, I would just go home myself the long long way - MRT and forget about the match.
I was released at 5.32, I only caught a taxi at 6.01. I RAN so far and so much and so fast, my whole shirt was dripping with sweat. It was totally soaked through and through. I asked the taxi driver "how long" and he said "at least 25 minutes".
I was worried that the match would be over, so I called my brother, Tkoh (Terrence Koh) to check when it would end. He told me 6.30 or 6.45. EVEN if I could watch the final five minutes, it would have been worth it. 10 dollars for 5 minutes. That's 2 dollars a minute. More expensive than watching front row the New York Philharmonic Orchestra Perform in Carnegie Hall, New York City for two hours.
All for ACS Spirit. I had to FEEL some of IT again. The adrenalin rush, the endorphin high, the euphoria, the hysteria. I needed some of it again. It is like a drug that I am addicted to. Almost like a heroin addict.
The taxi driver encountered MASSIVE MASSIVE traffic jams. Red light after Red light after red light. No green lights. I hate it! When its peak hour, the traffic light stays green for such a short period of time and everyone's trying to cut lanes here and there, which contributes all the more to the jam. Our transport network sucks big time during peak hour. Worst than Bangkok.
Arrival
When the taxi drove by the Police Academy, i could see a sea of white only and a little bit of dark blue, almost black in the background. RJC was occupying the side that ACJC used last year. Prominent banners had been reused by the 27th Student's Council. Especially my favourite one:
"Mess with the best, DIE like the rest"
When the taxi driver, finally, after 20 AGONISING minutes reached the Mount Pleasant Gate of the Police Academy. The freaking thing was locked! And there were bewildered people outside the gate. Some signboard said that the gate would be permanently locked as a precautionary measure against SARS. I paid the taxi fee and asked the driver to send me back to the junction. He gladly agreed.
At the same time, I tried to give this other guy on the outside some hand signals to lead him to the main gate. The smart chap opened my taxi door and got in, requesting for a lift. Haha, he asked me which side I was on. When he found out we were both on the same side, we shook hands and smiled.
The taxi driver dropped us at the end of Mount Pleasant Road. I ran with him. I ran so fast that he asked me to slow down, he was an army guy and I was a policeman. Haha, seems like my short distance speed has increased (due to the extreme excitement and commando mentality - no chest pain could be felt)
Upon reaching the gate, i said bye, flashed my PCG Pass to the sentry whilst running pass him. The sentry gave me a bewildered look. I saw so many RJC girls and some VJC and Hwa Chong girls walking out. I shan't comment.
I ran and aI ran towards the fied, then along the sides. RJC had stacked it supporters 3 persons deep, so no point trying to get a view from their side. I ran towards the AC side and pleasantly found some members of the 25th students council there, along with the girls from the 2002 ACJC batch.
The ACS SPIRIT
Immediately, I greeted MANY familar faces and people that I have not seen since the Prom. They were all surprised to find out that I was a policeman. I shook hands with them and went to look for my brother.
I have to say that when AC girls actually tie up their long hair with red, yellow and blue ribbons provided by the students council, wear the yellow PE shirt, wear their normal skirts and normal ACJC footwear, they just look SO HOT! Its like every girl on the field is like a cheerleader. Of course, I can't help gawking at some of the girls as i ran up and down the ACJC flank in my walk out attire.
I received many curious stares. I looked like an SAJC guy, but my black shoes gave me away as a member of the uniformed services. What's more, i looked exactly like some of the policemen dressed in walk out attire around the field - just that I was shaking hands and talking to many of the ACJC people.
We bumped into each other. We punched each other's fists together as a form of greeting. Brother went "ow!" I asked him for water since I was so thirsty after all my sweating. He passed his water bottle to me, for which I promptly drank 4/5 the water inside. Brother is really the best, anything I need, he can provide. Kudos to him man.
I met up with Terrence (not to be confused with Tkoh - my Brother). We exchanged handshakes for a while, then I ran back to join the 26th SC councillors. I started cheering and shouting familar cheers that I had not shouted for a long time. It felt really really good supporting ACJC again.
There was this part where the RJC coach came on the field to complain, in a sense, to gain a short "breather" for his team. The ACJC side just started jeering really loudly with many boos and woos and urhhhhhhhhhhs. At first, I felt that it was bad sportsmanship, but then I thought.
"How often do I get to jeer in front of a live RJC crowd along with the whole school?"
So I just jeered. There were lots of upside down thumbs as well. Haha, the RJC side was just very quiet and stunned. I think they had not expected such bad sportsmanship from the AC side.
I spent the time meant for the rest of the match cheering alongst with most of the people from my batch, student councillors, 2SC1 people, the girls from 2002. We were only restrained by plaited safety ropes that were being held up by some of the trainees as a cordon. Last year, we had moved so far forward that we were literally standing on the boundary line. I think they did not want a repeat of that. Especially since it was exactly the same two heavyweights clashing again.
The score was 13-6 when I arrived, it had not changed up to then.
When RJC scored a try, the whole RJC side when cheering, but we started off with "Lets go AC Lets go!" and "Carwash" along with "Wailo". It felt good. But I think most of the people were already too hoarse, so the shouting wasn't particularly loud. The girls did the screeching cheer really well. My ears were defeaned temporarily after all that shrieking.
The score was now 13-9
Then, RJC was given two conversions. If pulled off successfully, they would tie with us to 13-13. The first kick went in and the RJC side went mad. Then on the second attempt at the conversion.
The RJC player MISSED IT!
We cheered incredibly loud. Then the whistle was blown and it was MATCH OVER!!!!!
We went absolutely ecstatic! I cheered like I have never cheered before in my life. I ran back to celebrate with brother. Then the cordon lines around the prize giving area was formed by the Officer Cadet Trainees (OCTs). All the big shots in the police force were here to give out the prizes. Senior Assistant Comissioner Tan Puay Kern, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Goh Liang Seng and of course, the Legendary Commissioner of Police: Khoo Boon Hui.
Its great to know that he too was from ACS and that his son was in ACJC currently.
When the cordon lines were dropped. I dashed as fast as I could. Last year I could only stand quite far back from the prize giving area, this year, I was determined not to make that mistake. As usual, I went into a commando sprint and managed to secure a very good viewing spot. Right in the front. It was incredible.
The RJC guy that missed the kick was crying and the ACJC team was in tears as well, tears of joy that is. They had achieved what they worked so hard for. Everyone just kept clapping and cheering for them. Cheers of "We are the Champions!!!!" erupted and I felt the AC Spirit once again, uniting ACSians together.
The ACS SPIRIT (II)
Everyone became quiet as the prizes was presented. Some politely clapped for RJC. But when ACJC was announced the Champions, Emotions just went wild, girls were hugging each other, guys were just jumping up and down. Everyone expressing their support for the Rugby players that had brought so much glory to ACJC, and helped ACS capture the Grandslam.
When the Commissioner of Police handed over the Trophy to the captain, he clapped for us as well. People just went even more mad when the the captain thrust the trophy high into the air. It was an incredible feeling of euphoria. I felt SO happy. Incredibly joyful over ACJC's success.
The rugby guys stood together and started to Sing the school song. RJC purposely started to sing their own anthem as well very soon after we started. Perhaps to create "interference". The only thing different from last year was that they were not crying when we had thrashed them 23-0, rather, I think they felt that this was just a very close match.
Oh the school anthem never sounded better.
Matthew said that it served as a warning to us not to be complacent. 23-0 to 13-11. Close indeed. RJC was dominating the second half and ACJC was just defending.
Funny, everyone was being pushed and sqeezed towards the cordon line, but I felt no one push me - my shirt was soaked transparent because of my sweat. I saw my F.I, Mat Noor help the cordon. He smiled when he saw me. I never told him that I was from ACS and he did look surprised.
After the Commissioner of Police was at a safe distance from the Prize giving area, the cordon lines were dropped. I ran again to the collection of ACJC flags and Rugby team members. I was only one meter away from the center of attraction. We kept singing and cheering and clapping for the rugby team. I quickly left the main group as everyone else dispersed so that the rugby team could take a picture with the Commissioner of Police.
The Walk About
I walked around the fied a few times, to look for my bad and to look for familar faces and people. I met so many, so many that I am trying to remember every single person..
As I walked around the students council area, I saw Dorcas Nga, She kept staring at me. Damn, I had to hide my face. She gives me weird looks all the time in ACJC. I heard that she's smart and she doesn't look too bad. But the bombshell only comes later on.
I met Estee, Tkoh, Terrence, Matthew, Dalvir, Julia, Yolanda, Wei Chin, Kaveh, Jeffrey, Charmaine, Ruo Xi, Tai Tat, and I can't remember who else. There were way too many people that I met yesterday that i can't remember all of them, lest type their names down here.
I SAW JIAMEI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AS PRETTY AS EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!AH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I met and had a good chat with Charmaine. She was Esther's Classmate, Brother is also in her class. Strangely, I had met Charmaine at the Police Academy last year after AC thrashed RJ. Now I was meeting her again under the same circumstances. I talked to her honestly and confided in her that brother had suggested that I not join her class dinner later on after all that has happened. Brother told me that she cried when she heard about Esther's passing.
Charmaine is probably one of the few girls I've met that I have been able to click with instantly. I can just TALK to her despite my "communication disorder". Its like we're very much on the same wavelength or something. The best thing is that I know her both in the physical and spiritual. Even for brother, i only know him in the natural, not in the spiritual. Indeed, I have few and far in-between natural-spiritual friends. People whom I know in the physical and spiritual
Charles, Anthony, Matthew, Church people, CF people - a small number of people in my life. Thank God for them
I left Tracom soon after as it was getting dark. Did make a last ditch effort to have dinner with brother's class, but brother rejected the idea firmly and said that it would be better that I not join them. I'm a guy who just doesn't like the feeling of eating alone, unless I'm at home or something. Other than that, I seem to desire companionship when having my meals.
Fond Memories
Later, I walked around the field with Wei Chin, who has also been posted to the police academy. Met some of my friends in Tracom and also some of the more familar adults in ACJC. Mrs Rosalind Tan, LAO SHI and Ms Gracia Ng.
Gracia Ng just waved and smiled at me, she was obviously so happy that we had won the title that she did not care in speaking to anyone else. I shook hands with Aunty Ros. She's as cheerful as ever. Though many people in school don't like her. I respect her because she is really annointed by God. Besides, I would consider her to be my spiritual mother. She has blessed me, helped me and given much assistance to me many times. I thank God for her.
I was very happy when I saw Lao Shi, my chinese Teacher. She's actaully Mrst Tan, but I just call her Lao Shi. She rocks the set! I never had a cooler chinese teacher in my whole life than lao shi! She so funky at teaching chinese. Honestly, without her, I would not have at least gained a satisfactory fluency in speaking in mandarin. Lao Shi Rocks!
She was so surprised to see me and even more surprised to find out that I was a policeman. Hahaha. She never expected me to end up as one I think.
I also met Ms Michelle Tang, former teacher in charge of CF, teacher in charge of Student's Council and Photographic Society. She was like the CF president almost 9 years ago? People say that she's the nicest teacher in the whole entire school. I have to agree. She's more like a friend to me than a teacher. She was there supervising the clean up effort by the Student's Council. When talking to her, I had the opportunity to wave to Hannah as well.
I saluted her and later left. I'll try to meet up with her in August when I have the chance to go back to ACJC.
The Bus Journey
I walked to the bus stop. It was very crowded. Full of RJ and AC people. It was a Friday night, so guess, a night to go out and enjoy totally! AC Tradition: Friday = Have lots and lots of Fun. I informed this guy standing behind the bus pillar that 54 does go to Far East as Well. It turned out to be Terrence. I asked if I could join him for dinner and he asked me to join his class, 2SA2, for their class dinner. In this case, I guess being the extra isn't so bad since I really have no choice.
Matthew called me when i was on the bus if I wanted to join him and the 26th Student's Council for dinner. I told him to call me should they be going to Orchard. Matt didn't, so I can well guess that they didn't go to Orchard either. I saw Melissa on the bus, but did not say hi to her. She looks the same, just that I'm quite surprised that she isn't with any cliche or group or something. Funny, she's a really nice SC girl, surely she would go out with some of the other SC people?
I found out that Brother was also on the same bus, so I had an honest chat with him, talked about his class, and life and Esther and stuff.
Updates on Esther Tan
She did not die physically as I was informed. She was just declared Brain Dead on that particular day a few days back. Brother told me that even though they were at the hospital, they were not allowed to see her because she was in the ICU and SARS caused the no visitor rule to be effected upon them. he told me that they were about to go when they recieved the bad news and basically, the girls cried, whilst the guys tried to hold back tears.
Brother also told me that Karina, her good friend, was also present and just kept crying and refused to be comforted. Apparently , she had been very good friends with Esther. Both were in Tennis after all.
The Bus Journey, Continued
We got off at Far East and proceeded to Scotts Food Court. The place was terribly crowded at 8.30 in the evening. No way we can get places for 9 people. Then one of Terrence's classmates, Nigel, suggested that we go to his father's japanese restaurant at Millenia Walk. We hastily agreed. Everyone was so hungry. We took a train to City Hall and then proceeded to walk to Millenia Walk.
It was a very long walk - almost 20 minutes. And I had been on my feet almost the whole day. My feet were beginning to feel numb and weak when we finally arrived at the restaurant only to realise the "Table for 9" reservation Nigel made earlier had not been heeded. Apparently, the waiter thought that he had been joking. Nonetheless, we managed to get 9 seats in the non air conditoned area.
Just before I actually reached the restaurant. I met an old friend. Kenny Chan. A classmate throughout my secondary school years of Sec 1 all the way to Sec 4. He was working as a waiter in the restaurant next door. It was a great pleasure to meet such a wonderful friend. One of those whom had a heart for God as well. I'm just hoping for him to come online sometime soon so that I can have a good chat with him and catch up on life. I almost did not recognise him, but something pulled me back to have a second look. He too recognised me. I'm glad. An old friend has been found.
Dinner was on the house, Nigel told me. Terrence was not so sure and was qutie hesitant when placing orders. He did not expect the food to be so expensive. Nonetheless, we placed our orders, had a great meal, had an excellent dessert - mine was oreo cheescake and a fried mango. The best thing was that it was all on the house, sponsered by a guy whom I hardly know. Kind fella, I felt that I should not eat too much, so I just ordered the cheapest stuff on the menu. Its not nice to order expensive food when I don't even know the person treating me. I could have paid for the meal. But that would leave me broke for the next 2 weeks. Kudos to you Nigel.
After dinner, I had an honest talk with the 2SA2 guys. Basically, it was just guy talk, all about girls and other assorted nonsense, not to mention today's match. Only one thing caught my attention. Extra information on Esther Tan.
Updates on Esther Tan (II)
Apparently, She had been in a coma for quite some time prior to being declared brain dead a few days ago. Her parents are keeping her on the life support system in the hope that she will wake up from her coma. It was that day that the news of her being declared brain dead was interpreted as her death. Its no wonder why I could not find her obituary in the papers.
I heard from one of the guys that Esther's parents are blaming Mr Lim See Poi. My former Maths and Further Mathematics teacher in ACJC for her death. It is rumoured that Esther only fell very sick after going for a tennis training trip in Australia. Mr Lim, or Old man as we know him, is the teacher in charge of tennis at ACJC.
I think its a case of displaced anger and displaced scapegoat searching.
The Road Home
We broke up after that, because the class girls did not want to go home too late. Understandably, it seems that girls have this time limit barrier of 10 o'clock or something before they go home. Its like they feel Singapore is safe before 10 and not after? Haha, I'm just making a wild guess, but that's what I notice from my observations.
I managed to take 75 home with Terrence. We had a very long chat. I talked to him about so many things. For instance, i never knew that a simple trumpet can cost 2500 bucks. Its so unbelievably expensive. And I thought it was a dirt cheap instrument.
The only thing that stuck out was:
And like, this is the guy that I've seen in CF for one whole year! He is truly so dedicated and on fire for God. Terence told me that he and his dad aren't so close. Mainly for the reason that Jeffrey doesn't do exceedingly well in his studies. He can do very well should he mug, but would rather spend his time worshipping God.
When he leads worship at CF. I can honestly say that he really gives God all the praise and worship. He is so humble and absolutely does not take any glory for himself.
I had the chance to meet him and shake his hand at Tracom. I'm glad to have done so.
I shall not type anymore. I'm very tired now. This entry alone has taken me 3 hours to type out. Been skimming too much off the last few parts. Never again will I write such a long blog entry.
Message to Mei
Dear Mei, I know youre back in SG. I haven't called because of my "communication disorder" - I get really uncomfortable when i talk to girls. Just want to let you know that I still care about you. Though I'm nowhere near your social circle, just want to let you know that I'm just in the background, giving you my support and indirect help. Take Care and God Bless you. Love you in Christ.
To make it easier for my mei to read this entry, I've broken it up into many parts. I just have to comment, because in a sense, this day has ended on a very high note for me.
The Morning
I just woke up and instead of washing my face, brushing my teeth first, I hopped straight into the shower and set the water to its coldest setting. it felt warm. I love it! The feeling of an "icy cold" morning shower. I did not manage to complete reading the papers today again because it came late. I need at least 35 minutes to finish it. 20 minutes is too short for me. I asked dad to leave later today, which he did, because I did not want to arrive at Kallang as early as yesterday.
The Racist Sentry
When dad sent me to the base today, he normally stops outside the gate. Today when I was just about to get out of the car, I saw the sentry stretch out his hand, pointing in the direction of the sea, biding my dad to drive further down.
I turned behind and realised that it was JUST a taxi. Not sure if it was full or empty though, but the guy looked really worreid. I just hecked him and came out of the car calmly and took my own sweet time. The sentry had a dismayed look on his face. I turned around to see the taxi drive off - it had made a wrong turn. The sentry was giving me dirty looks so I retorted with "getting out car lax lar!". He just muttered some mumbo jumbo.
I've realised that after Wei Loong and some of the other chinese guys recount their experiences at the sentry post. I suspect that the sentry is a big time racist. He purposes marks and tries his best to pick on the chinese guys ONLY. Well, ALL the sentries are malay. They basically have the worst job in the whole coast guard. On many other occasions, the sentry has tried to find fault with Edmund, Wei Loong and even Ragu. The reason? No name tag. The best thing is that most of the other malay guys don't wear their name tags and nothing happens to them.
All the more one more reason to consider not going to Kallang but rather Gul Base. Seriously, if this sentries pisses me off enough, i'll write a formal complaint and see to it that he gets sacked. I have this very evil thought to get a bunch of chinese people to WHACK him one of these days after we have passed out of the training school.
I don't know, but I personally feel that I am slowly getting more and more violent each and everyday but a very slight margin. Sigh.
Kallang Regional Base
Basically, the morning was spent in the lecture theatre, most of it spent waiting for the briefing officers to come and then for the briefings to commence. I fell asleep during the lecture and OC shouted at me. I immediately woke up and smiled! Its like my eye lids get really heavy and start falling shut during a very boring briefing, another factor being falling asleep at 1a.m last night. The good thing is that OC never scolds, he just rebukes in a loud voice. Luckily for me, SSI (Senior Station Inspector) John was not around, or else I would have just shattered my so called "good image" that he has of me.
The briefing was about the afternoon sortie. During this sortie, I would not have any opportunity to actually "go out to sea", most of the things covered would be confined to the waters of the base. And yesterday, the other group had the chance to go to sentosa and check out the Raffles Lighthouse. OC said that no boat was currently available for our usage. So we would just have to wait. He asked us to go back to class to relax and do our own thing.
Of course, class was not quiet, the other group that went for the sortie yesterday was now having their weapons training. So the sound of M16s being cocked filled the air. Rahmat and I just killed time by debating on the ability and userbility of the various types of guns as compared to the SAR 21 Rifle. Rahmat told me and eventually convinced me to a certain extent that it was a very good rifle. Ok, I'm not the sort to argue. I'd rather just look at situations at other peoples' perspective. I do not wish to be a narrow minded frog-in-the-well kind of person. Dad always told me that I must be learned enough to have suffiicient "depth". I agree.
It rained! I was so supprised! I thought that some workmen were washing the roof till I heard the sound of heavy rain. Its a very much welcomed relief to the terrible heat we've been experiencing lately.
I don't know, but sometimes, some of the malay guys just love to pick on me. Its only a particular few. With my so called knowledge of psychology, I have come to conclude that they dislike me for my intelligence, fluency and confidence at speaking and general knowledge. I am good in every single area that they lack or are bad in. I'm not afraid to say such things as I feel that it is just an honest reflection of myself as compared to them. Perhaps I'm too soft, and give people the impression of a pushover when I readily accept their opiinions and don't retort or strike back.
Oh yes, I will strike back and end up in jail, leaving them practically untouchable in the eyes of the law. The defender always loses whilst the aggressor wins. I'm generally a very peaceful person. But should I be made to anger to the extent of great wrath, my anger can be extremely destructive.
Hmmmm... not to mention. I am way richer than all of them combined. Yes, I am boasting here, but I feel that they are jealous of my blessed life that God has given to me. Very jealous indeed. Its like, certain things can be deduced without proof because as humans, we all house a "sixth sense" in deciphering people.
(I will complete this entry later today, too tired now, need to rest)
Sortie
The muslim guys from the other group where allowed to leave the base and head for the mosque for their friday prayers. The group having sortie was requested to stay in the base. Funny, those who went to the mosque had to report back at 2.15. Whilst those who had sortie had to report to the canteen at 2 p.m. Why then do they not allow the muslim guys with a sortie today to go to the mosque and then start the program at 2.15? Highly ineffiecient and religiously intolerant and insensitive I'd say.
Most of the time before the sortie started was spent sleeping in the classroom and going to the toilet. I drink so much water that when I stay in an air con room for too long, I will have the urge to go the toilet quite often.
Interesting thing is that everyone just slept on the tables, floor, chairs and anywhere else they could find rest for their heads. I think rest is something that all NS men really treasure as the constant feeling of being fatigue can really make one depressed.
When it was sortie time, SSI John asked 4 persons from our group to go collect our lifejackets. The compact "Toyo" type. It is small and flat when worn, but automatically inflates upon entry into the water.
SSI John was just talking and then he suddenly looked in my direction and said,
"Alwyn, Best Trainee!"
I was so dazed that I just quietly said, "no lar, sir"
"Alwyn, anything to bring up?"
"Er, nothing sir"
"What interesting things have you learnt on this course"
I felt like saying that I've been sleeping through lessons, but felt that that was too casual a reply, besides, he might not take to it too well since Ihe has this so called "intellectual" image of me in his head. I just mentioned some stupid stuff and tried to hastily end the conversation. It was all to uncomfortable as everyone was just looking at me. In addition, I think SSI John is just a guy that is way too serious to joke with. He does try to laugh and smile once in a while, but that fails to hide his stern demeanour. But the good thing is that as long as one does things up to his expectations, he'll give you the due respect and won't make life too difficult for you.
Sortie was just ok. I screwed up quite a few times. The first time, I did not double up the rope to tie the bitts together, second time, I did not release the rope from the bitt and the third time, I placed the fender over the exhaust vent - the fender would have melted and I would like just die. Oh well, even if I make mistakes now, it doesn't matter so long as II do not repeat them when doing my work.
Later, OC took us on a tour of the whole boat, all the way from the top to the engine room.He told us to focus on the radar during our training as the rader is the most important part of our life as a personnel in the PCG. It was critically important to have good surrounding knowledge of the ships in the vicinity. OC also helped to point out the various extinguishers and their positions on the boat, in addition to showing us the sleeping quaters and how the duty should be rostered amongst the squad members.
I shall not write any further about the sortie. I am just too excited to write about the next few chapters of what would have turned into a very memorable day indeed.
I though that I would be let off at exactly 5.30 p.m. At that time, I was still stuck in the briefing/debriefing room, hearing the various comments and things that I would have to take note of. I was getting edgier and edgier by the minute as the clocked ticked past 5.30. Every minute felt like an hour and every second really felt like a minute. Still, there are certain things beyong my power and thus I have no choice but to accept them, go with the flow and then break off as soon as I could.
The Great Dash
Poh Yong had promised to take a taxi with me to Tracom as he had wanted to buy some stuff at the sports shop there. Wei Loong wanted to come along as well to "see girls". Funny, when the squad fell out, I was right in the front and they were right at the back, wasting precious seconds of match time. I asked Poh Yong if he wanted to come, He said that he would rather not, since he had changed his mind.
I ran like a dog. I ran like a commando. I ran like I have never run in my life before. I ran, crossing junctions, main roads, divider, fencing and overhead bridges just in a vain attempt to get a taxi. I tried to flag a taxi EVERYWHERE within the National Stadium, Stadium Lane, Stadium Drive and so on. I was furious! Not a single empty taxi and ALL were FULL. If they said that there was an abundance of taxi drivers due to SARS. They were lying. There ABSOLUTELY NO TAXIS to be found.
I ran, I ran from Kallang to Mountbatten road. That's far, believe me. I was very pissed with our "world class transport". Yesterday the SBS, today the TAXI! USELESS system! UTTERLY USELESS! When I don't need a taxi, there are millions of them, when I need one urgently, there is not even ONE to send me there. I made up my mind that If I could not catch a taxi by 6.25, I would just go home myself the long long way - MRT and forget about the match.
I was released at 5.32, I only caught a taxi at 6.01. I RAN so far and so much and so fast, my whole shirt was dripping with sweat. It was totally soaked through and through. I asked the taxi driver "how long" and he said "at least 25 minutes".
I was worried that the match would be over, so I called my brother, Tkoh (Terrence Koh) to check when it would end. He told me 6.30 or 6.45. EVEN if I could watch the final five minutes, it would have been worth it. 10 dollars for 5 minutes. That's 2 dollars a minute. More expensive than watching front row the New York Philharmonic Orchestra Perform in Carnegie Hall, New York City for two hours.
All for ACS Spirit. I had to FEEL some of IT again. The adrenalin rush, the endorphin high, the euphoria, the hysteria. I needed some of it again. It is like a drug that I am addicted to. Almost like a heroin addict.
The taxi driver encountered MASSIVE MASSIVE traffic jams. Red light after Red light after red light. No green lights. I hate it! When its peak hour, the traffic light stays green for such a short period of time and everyone's trying to cut lanes here and there, which contributes all the more to the jam. Our transport network sucks big time during peak hour. Worst than Bangkok.
Arrival
When the taxi drove by the Police Academy, i could see a sea of white only and a little bit of dark blue, almost black in the background. RJC was occupying the side that ACJC used last year. Prominent banners had been reused by the 27th Student's Council. Especially my favourite one:
"Mess with the best, DIE like the rest"
When the taxi driver, finally, after 20 AGONISING minutes reached the Mount Pleasant Gate of the Police Academy. The freaking thing was locked! And there were bewildered people outside the gate. Some signboard said that the gate would be permanently locked as a precautionary measure against SARS. I paid the taxi fee and asked the driver to send me back to the junction. He gladly agreed.
At the same time, I tried to give this other guy on the outside some hand signals to lead him to the main gate. The smart chap opened my taxi door and got in, requesting for a lift. Haha, he asked me which side I was on. When he found out we were both on the same side, we shook hands and smiled.
The taxi driver dropped us at the end of Mount Pleasant Road. I ran with him. I ran so fast that he asked me to slow down, he was an army guy and I was a policeman. Haha, seems like my short distance speed has increased (due to the extreme excitement and commando mentality - no chest pain could be felt)
Upon reaching the gate, i said bye, flashed my PCG Pass to the sentry whilst running pass him. The sentry gave me a bewildered look. I saw so many RJC girls and some VJC and Hwa Chong girls walking out. I shan't comment.
I ran and aI ran towards the fied, then along the sides. RJC had stacked it supporters 3 persons deep, so no point trying to get a view from their side. I ran towards the AC side and pleasantly found some members of the 25th students council there, along with the girls from the 2002 ACJC batch.
The ACS SPIRIT
Immediately, I greeted MANY familar faces and people that I have not seen since the Prom. They were all surprised to find out that I was a policeman. I shook hands with them and went to look for my brother.
I have to say that when AC girls actually tie up their long hair with red, yellow and blue ribbons provided by the students council, wear the yellow PE shirt, wear their normal skirts and normal ACJC footwear, they just look SO HOT! Its like every girl on the field is like a cheerleader. Of course, I can't help gawking at some of the girls as i ran up and down the ACJC flank in my walk out attire.
I received many curious stares. I looked like an SAJC guy, but my black shoes gave me away as a member of the uniformed services. What's more, i looked exactly like some of the policemen dressed in walk out attire around the field - just that I was shaking hands and talking to many of the ACJC people.
We bumped into each other. We punched each other's fists together as a form of greeting. Brother went "ow!" I asked him for water since I was so thirsty after all my sweating. He passed his water bottle to me, for which I promptly drank 4/5 the water inside. Brother is really the best, anything I need, he can provide. Kudos to him man.
I met up with Terrence (not to be confused with Tkoh - my Brother). We exchanged handshakes for a while, then I ran back to join the 26th SC councillors. I started cheering and shouting familar cheers that I had not shouted for a long time. It felt really really good supporting ACJC again.
There was this part where the RJC coach came on the field to complain, in a sense, to gain a short "breather" for his team. The ACJC side just started jeering really loudly with many boos and woos and urhhhhhhhhhhs. At first, I felt that it was bad sportsmanship, but then I thought.
"How often do I get to jeer in front of a live RJC crowd along with the whole school?"
So I just jeered. There were lots of upside down thumbs as well. Haha, the RJC side was just very quiet and stunned. I think they had not expected such bad sportsmanship from the AC side.
I spent the time meant for the rest of the match cheering alongst with most of the people from my batch, student councillors, 2SC1 people, the girls from 2002. We were only restrained by plaited safety ropes that were being held up by some of the trainees as a cordon. Last year, we had moved so far forward that we were literally standing on the boundary line. I think they did not want a repeat of that. Especially since it was exactly the same two heavyweights clashing again.
The score was 13-6 when I arrived, it had not changed up to then.
When RJC scored a try, the whole RJC side when cheering, but we started off with "Lets go AC Lets go!" and "Carwash" along with "Wailo". It felt good. But I think most of the people were already too hoarse, so the shouting wasn't particularly loud. The girls did the screeching cheer really well. My ears were defeaned temporarily after all that shrieking.
The score was now 13-9
Then, RJC was given two conversions. If pulled off successfully, they would tie with us to 13-13. The first kick went in and the RJC side went mad. Then on the second attempt at the conversion.
The RJC player MISSED IT!
We cheered incredibly loud. Then the whistle was blown and it was MATCH OVER!!!!!
We had won the grandslam for the second year running!
We went absolutely ecstatic! I cheered like I have never cheered before in my life. I ran back to celebrate with brother. Then the cordon lines around the prize giving area was formed by the Officer Cadet Trainees (OCTs). All the big shots in the police force were here to give out the prizes. Senior Assistant Comissioner Tan Puay Kern, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Goh Liang Seng and of course, the Legendary Commissioner of Police: Khoo Boon Hui.
Its great to know that he too was from ACS and that his son was in ACJC currently.
When the cordon lines were dropped. I dashed as fast as I could. Last year I could only stand quite far back from the prize giving area, this year, I was determined not to make that mistake. As usual, I went into a commando sprint and managed to secure a very good viewing spot. Right in the front. It was incredible.
The RJC guy that missed the kick was crying and the ACJC team was in tears as well, tears of joy that is. They had achieved what they worked so hard for. Everyone just kept clapping and cheering for them. Cheers of "We are the Champions!!!!" erupted and I felt the AC Spirit once again, uniting ACSians together.
The ACS SPIRIT (II)
Everyone became quiet as the prizes was presented. Some politely clapped for RJC. But when ACJC was announced the Champions, Emotions just went wild, girls were hugging each other, guys were just jumping up and down. Everyone expressing their support for the Rugby players that had brought so much glory to ACJC, and helped ACS capture the Grandslam.
When the Commissioner of Police handed over the Trophy to the captain, he clapped for us as well. People just went even more mad when the the captain thrust the trophy high into the air. It was an incredible feeling of euphoria. I felt SO happy. Incredibly joyful over ACJC's success.
The rugby guys stood together and started to Sing the school song. RJC purposely started to sing their own anthem as well very soon after we started. Perhaps to create "interference". The only thing different from last year was that they were not crying when we had thrashed them 23-0, rather, I think they felt that this was just a very close match.
Oh the school anthem never sounded better.
Matthew said that it served as a warning to us not to be complacent. 23-0 to 13-11. Close indeed. RJC was dominating the second half and ACJC was just defending.
Funny, everyone was being pushed and sqeezed towards the cordon line, but I felt no one push me - my shirt was soaked transparent because of my sweat. I saw my F.I, Mat Noor help the cordon. He smiled when he saw me. I never told him that I was from ACS and he did look surprised.
After the Commissioner of Police was at a safe distance from the Prize giving area, the cordon lines were dropped. I ran again to the collection of ACJC flags and Rugby team members. I was only one meter away from the center of attraction. We kept singing and cheering and clapping for the rugby team. I quickly left the main group as everyone else dispersed so that the rugby team could take a picture with the Commissioner of Police.
The Walk About
I walked around the fied a few times, to look for my bad and to look for familar faces and people. I met so many, so many that I am trying to remember every single person..
As I walked around the students council area, I saw Dorcas Nga, She kept staring at me. Damn, I had to hide my face. She gives me weird looks all the time in ACJC. I heard that she's smart and she doesn't look too bad. But the bombshell only comes later on.
I met Estee, Tkoh, Terrence, Matthew, Dalvir, Julia, Yolanda, Wei Chin, Kaveh, Jeffrey, Charmaine, Ruo Xi, Tai Tat, and I can't remember who else. There were way too many people that I met yesterday that i can't remember all of them, lest type their names down here.
I SAW JIAMEI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AS PRETTY AS EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!AH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I met and had a good chat with Charmaine. She was Esther's Classmate, Brother is also in her class. Strangely, I had met Charmaine at the Police Academy last year after AC thrashed RJ. Now I was meeting her again under the same circumstances. I talked to her honestly and confided in her that brother had suggested that I not join her class dinner later on after all that has happened. Brother told me that she cried when she heard about Esther's passing.
Charmaine is probably one of the few girls I've met that I have been able to click with instantly. I can just TALK to her despite my "communication disorder". Its like we're very much on the same wavelength or something. The best thing is that I know her both in the physical and spiritual. Even for brother, i only know him in the natural, not in the spiritual. Indeed, I have few and far in-between natural-spiritual friends. People whom I know in the physical and spiritual
Charles, Anthony, Matthew, Church people, CF people - a small number of people in my life. Thank God for them
I left Tracom soon after as it was getting dark. Did make a last ditch effort to have dinner with brother's class, but brother rejected the idea firmly and said that it would be better that I not join them. I'm a guy who just doesn't like the feeling of eating alone, unless I'm at home or something. Other than that, I seem to desire companionship when having my meals.
Fond Memories
Later, I walked around the field with Wei Chin, who has also been posted to the police academy. Met some of my friends in Tracom and also some of the more familar adults in ACJC. Mrs Rosalind Tan, LAO SHI and Ms Gracia Ng.
Gracia Ng just waved and smiled at me, she was obviously so happy that we had won the title that she did not care in speaking to anyone else. I shook hands with Aunty Ros. She's as cheerful as ever. Though many people in school don't like her. I respect her because she is really annointed by God. Besides, I would consider her to be my spiritual mother. She has blessed me, helped me and given much assistance to me many times. I thank God for her.
I was very happy when I saw Lao Shi, my chinese Teacher. She's actaully Mrst Tan, but I just call her Lao Shi. She rocks the set! I never had a cooler chinese teacher in my whole life than lao shi! She so funky at teaching chinese. Honestly, without her, I would not have at least gained a satisfactory fluency in speaking in mandarin. Lao Shi Rocks!
She was so surprised to see me and even more surprised to find out that I was a policeman. Hahaha. She never expected me to end up as one I think.
I also met Ms Michelle Tang, former teacher in charge of CF, teacher in charge of Student's Council and Photographic Society. She was like the CF president almost 9 years ago? People say that she's the nicest teacher in the whole entire school. I have to agree. She's more like a friend to me than a teacher. She was there supervising the clean up effort by the Student's Council. When talking to her, I had the opportunity to wave to Hannah as well.
I saluted her and later left. I'll try to meet up with her in August when I have the chance to go back to ACJC.
The Bus Journey
I walked to the bus stop. It was very crowded. Full of RJ and AC people. It was a Friday night, so guess, a night to go out and enjoy totally! AC Tradition: Friday = Have lots and lots of Fun. I informed this guy standing behind the bus pillar that 54 does go to Far East as Well. It turned out to be Terrence. I asked if I could join him for dinner and he asked me to join his class, 2SA2, for their class dinner. In this case, I guess being the extra isn't so bad since I really have no choice.
Matthew called me when i was on the bus if I wanted to join him and the 26th Student's Council for dinner. I told him to call me should they be going to Orchard. Matt didn't, so I can well guess that they didn't go to Orchard either. I saw Melissa on the bus, but did not say hi to her. She looks the same, just that I'm quite surprised that she isn't with any cliche or group or something. Funny, she's a really nice SC girl, surely she would go out with some of the other SC people?
I found out that Brother was also on the same bus, so I had an honest chat with him, talked about his class, and life and Esther and stuff.
Updates on Esther Tan
She did not die physically as I was informed. She was just declared Brain Dead on that particular day a few days back. Brother told me that even though they were at the hospital, they were not allowed to see her because she was in the ICU and SARS caused the no visitor rule to be effected upon them. he told me that they were about to go when they recieved the bad news and basically, the girls cried, whilst the guys tried to hold back tears.
Brother also told me that Karina, her good friend, was also present and just kept crying and refused to be comforted. Apparently , she had been very good friends with Esther. Both were in Tennis after all.
The Bus Journey, Continued
We got off at Far East and proceeded to Scotts Food Court. The place was terribly crowded at 8.30 in the evening. No way we can get places for 9 people. Then one of Terrence's classmates, Nigel, suggested that we go to his father's japanese restaurant at Millenia Walk. We hastily agreed. Everyone was so hungry. We took a train to City Hall and then proceeded to walk to Millenia Walk.
It was a very long walk - almost 20 minutes. And I had been on my feet almost the whole day. My feet were beginning to feel numb and weak when we finally arrived at the restaurant only to realise the "Table for 9" reservation Nigel made earlier had not been heeded. Apparently, the waiter thought that he had been joking. Nonetheless, we managed to get 9 seats in the non air conditoned area.
Just before I actually reached the restaurant. I met an old friend. Kenny Chan. A classmate throughout my secondary school years of Sec 1 all the way to Sec 4. He was working as a waiter in the restaurant next door. It was a great pleasure to meet such a wonderful friend. One of those whom had a heart for God as well. I'm just hoping for him to come online sometime soon so that I can have a good chat with him and catch up on life. I almost did not recognise him, but something pulled me back to have a second look. He too recognised me. I'm glad. An old friend has been found.
Dinner was on the house, Nigel told me. Terrence was not so sure and was qutie hesitant when placing orders. He did not expect the food to be so expensive. Nonetheless, we placed our orders, had a great meal, had an excellent dessert - mine was oreo cheescake and a fried mango. The best thing was that it was all on the house, sponsered by a guy whom I hardly know. Kind fella, I felt that I should not eat too much, so I just ordered the cheapest stuff on the menu. Its not nice to order expensive food when I don't even know the person treating me. I could have paid for the meal. But that would leave me broke for the next 2 weeks. Kudos to you Nigel.
After dinner, I had an honest talk with the 2SA2 guys. Basically, it was just guy talk, all about girls and other assorted nonsense, not to mention today's match. Only one thing caught my attention. Extra information on Esther Tan.
Updates on Esther Tan (II)
Apparently, She had been in a coma for quite some time prior to being declared brain dead a few days ago. Her parents are keeping her on the life support system in the hope that she will wake up from her coma. It was that day that the news of her being declared brain dead was interpreted as her death. Its no wonder why I could not find her obituary in the papers.
I heard from one of the guys that Esther's parents are blaming Mr Lim See Poi. My former Maths and Further Mathematics teacher in ACJC for her death. It is rumoured that Esther only fell very sick after going for a tennis training trip in Australia. Mr Lim, or Old man as we know him, is the teacher in charge of tennis at ACJC.
I think its a case of displaced anger and displaced scapegoat searching.
The Road Home
We broke up after that, because the class girls did not want to go home too late. Understandably, it seems that girls have this time limit barrier of 10 o'clock or something before they go home. Its like they feel Singapore is safe before 10 and not after? Haha, I'm just making a wild guess, but that's what I notice from my observations.
I managed to take 75 home with Terrence. We had a very long chat. I talked to him about so many things. For instance, i never knew that a simple trumpet can cost 2500 bucks. Its so unbelievably expensive. And I thought it was a dirt cheap instrument.
The only thing that stuck out was:
Jeffrey Khoo's Father is the Commissioner of Police!
And like, this is the guy that I've seen in CF for one whole year! He is truly so dedicated and on fire for God. Terence told me that he and his dad aren't so close. Mainly for the reason that Jeffrey doesn't do exceedingly well in his studies. He can do very well should he mug, but would rather spend his time worshipping God.
When he leads worship at CF. I can honestly say that he really gives God all the praise and worship. He is so humble and absolutely does not take any glory for himself.
I had the chance to meet him and shake his hand at Tracom. I'm glad to have done so.
I shall not type anymore. I'm very tired now. This entry alone has taken me 3 hours to type out. Been skimming too much off the last few parts. Never again will I write such a long blog entry.
Message to Mei
Dear Mei, I know youre back in SG. I haven't called because of my "communication disorder" - I get really uncomfortable when i talk to girls. Just want to let you know that I still care about you. Though I'm nowhere near your social circle, just want to let you know that I'm just in the background, giving you my support and indirect help. Take Care and God Bless you. Love you in Christ.
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home