Post-ORD Celebration with BMT buddies

22 September 2007

This BMT gathering was organised as a post-ORD celebration for ourselves. Zhong Sheng, Darryl, Chris and I met at Somerset MRT station. We proceeded for some window shopping at the malls before meeting Tiong Peng at Wisma Atria. On our way to meet Tok Soon at Orchard Building and KC at Somerset MRT, the 5 of us discussed on where to have our dinner and my recommendation for Waraku was accepted.

Shortly after settling down at the alfresco table, Weimin called as he couldn't find his way to the restaurant, so I went out to fetch him. Ryan could not attend as he has to look after his girlfriend, who fell sick... Finally, with everyone present, the 8 of us placed our order and have a nice dinner. After a pleasant meal, there was some discrepancy on individual bill payment, which took us quite a while to resolve. After settling the bills, the 8 of us walk out of Starhub Centre.

Along Cuppage Road, I bumped into Michelle and Frankie. Knowing that Michelle is my crush in ADM, these buddies of mine start to sabotage me. These brothers started asking me to introduce Michelle to them, but when Michelle agreed to say hello, they went to hide. The atmosphere is rather awkward! But I am grateful for the encouragement they gave me after that moment.

Following this, the 8 of us went to Cineleisure for more window shopping. As Tiong Peng showed much interest with the "Mr Masturbate" t-shirt, I bought it for him as a birthday gift and insisted him to wear it to school on next Monday!


random "play" photo with my bed buddy Chris...

Feeling bored and tired, the 8 of us decided to have supper at Boon Keng roti prata. Like our last visit, we cracked silly jokes, passed sarcastic comments, shared future prospect and had some good laugh over numerous stupid and funny moments (that had been repeated numerous times) of our BMT classic moments.

After chilling for some time, I took bus #23 back home...

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Post-ORD Celebration with BMT buddies   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.

Reflections °f DINOSAURS

27 July 2007

NTU ADM Freshman Orientation Camp
This post "Reflections °f DINOSAURS" is a full report on my experiences at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) School of Art, Design & Media (ADM) Freshman Orientation Camp (FOC), which happened from 24.7.07 to 28.7.07.

After much consideration, Eileen (my band junior and future coursemate) and I decided to sign up for School of Art, Design & Media Freshman Orientation Camp on 3.7.07 as a positive effort for quick adaptation back to school life and to make new friends.

School of Androids, Dinosaurs and Mayhem
The school is specially renamed "School of Androids, Dinosaurs and Mayhem" to fit into the theme of this camp.

An official email on the camp details was sent to us by Boo, organizer of the camp and one of the Androsaurus (name for neutral party) on 14.7.07. Whereas Ellen, my Orientation Group Leader (OGL) for Dinosaurs Orientation Group (OG) 6 send us another email and a sms to inform more about the camp, in particular details of my group and contacts of the Assistant Group Leaders (AGLs).

With much experience gained from army life, packing for the camp was completed within a short time on the day before the highly anticipated orientation camp.

Day 1
Leaving home at 8.30am, I finally reached ADM at 10.10am after more than an hour ride on bus #293, MRT and bus #199. After registering myself and collected my goodies bag, I am directed by Xiu Ming (Digital Filmmaking Year 2), who happens to be my AGL to ADM Lecture Theatre (LT) and introduced me to Ellen (Digital Filmmaking Year 3). I sit next to Lydia and we become friends instantly.

Close to 80 freshmen (out of an approximate total of 150) enrolled for the camp. The freshmen are divided into 8 OGs, each comprising of 9 or 10 freshmen lead by an OGL and 3 AGLs. OG1 to OG4 are categorized under Androids house, while OG5 to OG8 are grouped under Dinosaurs house. After much waiting, Boo (Digital Filmmaking Year 3) briefed us on the camp and introduce us to all the Androsaurus, OGLs and AGLs through a short video.

breaking the ice
OG family time began after the introduction brief. Ellen brought the group out to the Sunken Plaza for ice-breaking. OG6 consists of Deborah, Frankie, Hera, Jia Hui, Lydia, Lynne, Martina and I. Ellen formally introduces us to our AGLs Xiu Ming and Jun Hao (Visual Communication Year 2). It is quite surprising to know that Jun Hao is my actually my high school senior, as I have never seen him before.

After some ice-breaking games, the group learnt some cheers, which was further practiced when we combine with the 3 other Dinosaurs OGs. Each OG would break up again to design and construct a mascot for the OG that would be used to store tokens won from games.

Hall of Residence 9 48-4-929(M)
Following that, Ellen, Jun Hao and Xiu Ming lead us to Hall 9 and check-in to our rooms. Frankie and I are allocated to Hall of Residence 9 48-4-929(M). This is where we will be staying for the nights and experience living in a school hostel.

After unloading our stuffs, we gathered at Canteen 9, before walking back to ADM B1 Lobby for lunch.


Hall of Residence 9 48-4-929(M)

up the Roof | down the Water
After lunch, all OGs gathered at the iconic Roof of ADM for 2 simple roof games. The first game requires every member of an OG to pick 1 poker card and arrange them in the correct order without speaking and signalling. The fastest group with the correct sequence wins the game. The next game requires 1 member from every OGs to sit next to each other, whereas the remaining members take turn to be blindfold, spin 20 rounds and transport a marble to that sitting member who is holding on to a cup. OG4 won both roof games and was awarded 2 tokens.

Next, all OGs proceed to the basement for water games, which will be held at the Carpark and Sunken Plaza. Before the game start, Ellen introduced 2 new members Michelle and Wei Ling to OG6.

The first water game requires 1 "dead" member to lie down on the floor and hold on to a bottle over his forehead. Another "blind" member will pour water from a cup into the bottle without looking. The 3rd "deaf" member will instruct the "blind" member on the direction to pour. The 4th "mute" member will use expression to direct the "deaf" member on how to give instructions. The remaining members would need to stand in a single line, transporting cups of water behind the back to the next until it reach the "deaf" member. OG6 lose to OG1 (Eileen's OG) for this game...

We proceeded to Sunken Plaza for the next station. Here, 2 OGs have to get into the fountain, with a member from each group getting ready by the opposing end of a row of chair. Once the game start, a representative from each OG has to cross the chairs while seated to the opposing side. When members of both teams meet, they have to play scissor paper stone. The loser has to return to the back of the queue and is replaced by another group member. The winning party get to proceed until reaching the opposite side or when meet with another opponent. After a tied match, OG6 finally won the bonus round, thus awarded 1 token.

Following this game, OG6 has to compete with OG1 again. This time, we need to transfer water bombs from one end to another via 4 black trash bags. OG6 lose this game again.

Finally, at the last water game, group members have to take turn to dip their hands into ultra-cold ice water while memorising 15 vocabulary. Being the last member, I also have to memorize a bonus 'freaky alien language' sentence. Although OG6 only managed to remember 3 words, we get bonus point for the sentence (thank god that I am used to memorising lyrics of J-pop songs).

"Girly Man"
Everyone consumed our dinner at Sunken Plaza before moving to the LT to learn songs of ADM. Most of the songs are covers of pop songs, but rewrote with cheeky lyrics that reflects the life of art students. For example, the lines of Trademark's classic "Only Love" was rewritten as "2am and the rain is falling, here we are, at the lab partying with my mac..." and the line "The sun will shine one day" becomes "I really need to pee" and "I haven't got to pee"...

The Androsaurus also get every OG to lucky draw a video that we are supposed to get inspiration from for our Bash performance on the last night. Then the Androsaurus played every video for us to watch... OG1 gets a horny snippet from the 80s classic movie "Grease"; OG2 have "Hero"; OG3 got a funny Thai facial TV-CM "Smooth E"; OG4 takes "Finding Nemo"; OG5 got hold of Britney Spears hit "Baby Give Me One More Time"; OG6 got the hilarious Bollywood PV "Girly Man"; OG7 obtained a part of "Kill Bill" and OG8 snatched majestic "300". Obviously, OG6 did not recovered from the aftershock of "Girly Man", which will be very embarrassing to perform...

Next, everyone needs to learn a camp dance that is choreographed to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" at L1 Lobby.

The Great Blackout
The Great Blackout is the final activity for Day 1. We are required to take off our shoes and be blindfolded using a piece of black cloth, which is reassured with a masking tape over our eyes. However, when my eyeballs are being rolled to the extreme ends, I can still see some vision through the thin black cloth.

With much hype and tension, members of OG6 formed a train and Ellen lead us around ADM for this infamous activity. Along the way, we are being warned about obstacles and given instructions on ways to avoid or conquered them. However, when we raised our hands to feel the objects, we feel nothing... so we start to assume that the obstacles are fake. But being blindfolded, we do not have any choice but to trust our OGL and AGLs.

After much shock, we arrived at the 1st station where we have to free fall down a ledge of unknown height. As I'm being blindfolded, it makes me really afraid of this free fall motion of unknown height... Thus, when it is my turn, I subconsciously tried to grab something near me, which I pulled Wendy (another Androsaurus who is in-charged of this station) down along with me. Wendy hits the ground without any cushioning and I am really very guilty about this. When all members finished the free fall, OG6 move on to tour the school in darkness, crossing many invisible obstacles with lots of disturbances from Jun Hao and other AGLs from other OGs.

At the next station, members within the OG are paired up and directed to a toilet. I'm paired with Michelle for this station. Before we enter the toilet, a balloon was burst in front of us. The hilarious part is that, before we experience this fright, Xiu Ming told us that this is actually an unknown spiritual act. In the toilet, the station master wants us to choose which colour (either green or brown) do we want to drink. After making our choice, she would give us the corresponding beverage. I took the brown one and I swear that this is the worst drink I had ever drank in my entire life. It smells like raw grass freshly cut from the field that is mixed with lots of crunchy debris that taste like twigs and leaves. Michelle finished the drink really fast while I throw up some of the debris in the basin (which is why I know the venue is a toilet). After this, members of OG6 discussed among ourselves and we realized that both the green and brown drink are actually the same beverage. We pestered Ellen to tell us what we had drink. Ellen told us it is a mixture of wheat grass, lemon grass and some other ingredients which only the station master know. From the taste, I suspect the other ingredients might be coriander, bittergourd and basil. Although upon knowing some of the ingredients made us feel slightly better, the horrible taste still lingers in my throat that indulges a vomiting sensation for a while.

Finally, OG6 arrived at the roof for the last station, that is to slide down the iconic steep roof of ADM! Here, our 3rd AGL Dominic introduced himself to us. But since we are blindfolded, the introduction is rather awkward and redundant. It was a very tedious day for us and after a long wait on the spiky cow grass, half of OG6 decided to forgo this game. From verbal reviews by those who slided down, it is a fun but scary activity and they get completely wet from the dew, which is bad for a cool 2am morning.

Activities for Day 1 ended at about 2.30am. Deborah fell sick and needs to leave the camp. After distributing the night snack, we walked back to Hall 9 for a throughout wash up and I slept at about 3.30am.

Day 2
Early in the morning, Frankie received an urgent call from his boss who wants him back in the company to attend to some serious matters. Frankie handed me our room key at around 7.30am and subsequently left the camp. This gave me the privilege of having the whole room to myself. After lazing on the bed half asleep for another hour, I wake up, wash up and snap some photos in the hostel.

At 10.15am, OG6 gathered at Canteen 9 and we are formally introduced to Dominic (Animation Year 2). I bought a bottle of Lemon Tea before proceeding to B1 Lobby to have glutinous rice for breakfast.

T-Shirt Paint Bomb
T-Shirt Paint Bomb is the opening act for Day 2. Initially, I'm don't really bear to dirty my newly issued white Dinosaurs T-Shirt, because it is too beautifully design. But in order to fully enjoy myself in this game, I decided to ignore this. After all the game is planned to colour the T-Shirt uniquely.


Dinosaurs T-Shirt before the T-shirt paint bomb game

Held at the field, Androids and Dinosaurs have to attack the opponent house mascot using water bombs filled with colourful T-Shirt dye; while at the time defend our own mascot from being destroyed by enemy forces. Meanwhile, attackers running across to the opposite end will be bombed by OGLs and AGLs, adding more fun to the game.

I am an attacker and we are completely wet when we reached the Androids. Bombing the mascot is difficult and ineffective, so we decided to squeeze our bomb on top of the mascot to make it wet instantly. Many of us also destroyed the mascot by scrapping the paper-made mascot violently, leaving the Androids with a mess of wet newspapers. In order to save as much time and resources as possible, Dinosaurs attackers started to rob bombs of Androids. While snatching a red pail full of water with an Androids defender, I accidentally hit Eileen and we tear up the pail...

This is the best game in campus. However, I am quite disappointed because my Dinosaurs T-Shirt is completely wet, but not stained with any obvious dye. Jia Hui left the camp after this game. Hera also needs to rush off to present her exhibition.

Day 2 Lunch
After some brief washing up, we continue to construct our OG6 mascot at the Vending Lobby. This is followed by some group games that bond the group further. We also have lunch at the Vending Lobby and have some casual chat with Ellen, Dominic, Jun Hao and Xiu Ming on their school life in ADM.

Short films made by our Year 3 (Pioneer Batch) Digital Filmmaking seniors were screened in the LT. Basically, the videos can be classified into 2 categories, either artistic or comedic. These short films are so professionally made that it is hard to distinguish them as a project work by an undergraduate. Ellen, who is a Year 3 Digital Filmmaking student, also take this opportunity to share with us her experience in filmmaking and other projects.

Exterminating Genesis
Immediately after the film video screening, OG6 proceed to Level 2 for our Laser Gun Battle with OG2. It is an intense fight between the Androids and Dinosaurs. With only 6 people remaining, OG6 lose both rounds.

I sprained my right ankle while running down the stairs when snatching the virus from the Androids, which turns out to be a misunderstanding about the rules. Therefore, in the end, I did not managed to get the virus, was shoot dead by my opponents and suffered a bad sprain.


Fracture Right 5th Metatarsal

Following the fierce battle, Ellen, Jun Hao, Xiu Ming and Dominic lead OG6 for an official tour around ADM. Besides touring important venues of the school, we also have to keep a lookout along the way to trace 20 physical objects of the photo treasure hunt. OG6 manage to locate all objects except the spoilt switch.

Treating my sprained right ankle at NTU Medical Centre
While touring the school, my sprain gets more serious and the swelling becomes bigger, which causes walking difficulties. Ellen reports my situation to Ying (Digital Filmmaking Year 3), who is another organizer of the camp and another Androsaurus. Ying decides to drive me to the Medical Centre for treatment. Xiu Ming follows me to treatment and I get to know a little more about ADM curriculum from her. The doctor who processed my Pre-Admission Medical Examination states that my injury should be minor and I should recover in days. Having just recovered from a fracture, her words assured my mind with a little ease. However, I'm quite sad that I am going to miss a lot of fun in upcoming activities, particularly the Amazing Race tomorrow.

Burning Night
Returning from the Medical Centre, I joined the rest to watch the 2nd session of the short films screening. After which, OG6 have dinner at the Sunken Plaza. Everyone would then make their way to L1 Lobby to practise the camp dance. As I have injured my foot, I went searching for a locker before returning to the LT. While waiting for the rest, I get to watch a couple of video clips played by the Androsaurus seniors.

After they finish practising with the dance, Ellen fetched me to the Carpark to watch them played Burning Night, a series of games played under the dim candles light. Here, I have some chat with Lydia, who is fell sick after the wet and foamy roof slide last night.

Next, everyone proceeds to the LT to learn more ADM songs. These comprises of several funny covers of famous pop songs. After the singing session, Boo gave a brief insight for tomorrow activities and the items to pack. This is because we will be checking out of our hostel the next morning. I reached my room at 12am. After washing up and done some packing, I went to bed at around 1.30am.

Day 3
Waking up to the alarm at 7am, I began to wash up, packed my belongings and proceed to check out Hall of Residence 9 48-4-929(M) at 8.15am at Canteen 9.

I bought a bottle of Green Tea while waiting for the rest of my group members to arrive. We exchanged contacts before proceeding to B1 Lobby to have banana leaf nasi lemak for breakfast. It is a filling breakfast comprising of chilli, peanuts, ikan bilis, egg and fish. I'm quite guilty for not being able to finish the fish due to time constraint.

ADM Amazing Race @ ADM
After breakfast, Jun Hao leads us to the LT for the ADM Amazing Race briefing. In the LT, Boo gave a detail brief of the race proper and the supplementary Scavenger Hunt bonus.

The Amazing Race comprises 8 stations scattered around Singapore City. Groups that completes all stations before the end time will receive bonus points. At every station, group will be asked to complete a task and a choice for a bonus challenge. The bonus challenge will double the score of that station if succeeded or deduct the score of that station by half if failed. As for the Scavenger Hunt, groups have to take photo of the person or object that meets the criteria stated, which are categorized under simple or difficult.

ADM Amazing Race @ Lau Pa Sat
Jun Hao is the only AGL who will follow us in the race. He issued us our opening quiz. After some brainstorming, Lydia solved the quiz, thus won us the 1st clue. Michelle managed to decode in split seconds and we hurried to our 1st station at Lau Pa Sat.

Once on board bus #199, Lynne faced a little scenario as her EZ-Link Card has expired and is confiscated by the bus driver. Therefore, Lynne has to pay cash for all subsequent rides.

On the MRT ride to Raffles Place and along the way to Lau Pa Sat, we spotted several candidates that fulfil the criteria for the Scavenger Hunt and almost all of them are willing to help us. The more memorable ones include the black dress lady, auntie of the bag shop in Raffles Xchange, lady with high heels, lady with long earrings, chasing the bus with Tamagochi advertisement and girl with 3 hair colours.

Mattina left us temporary as she has to hurry back to her company at Harbourfront. The company just closed down and she needs to collect her pay and take back her stuffs.

Arriving at Lau Pa Sat, we have to buy 6 foods that correspond to the colours red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple with $8 and all must be from difficult stall. The bonus challenge is to eat these foods without using hands and every $1 save from buying the food will earn us 5 points each. With much discussion, we buy sausage for red, papaya for orange, egg tart for yellow, pandan cake for green, strepsils mentol for blue and agar agar for purple. As instructed, we used the food to lay out Jun Hao's face. Thereafter, we began to eat the food without using our hands. For this station, we scored a total of 35 points and received the next clue.


ADM Amazing Race @ Lau Pa Sat


"Jun Hao"


Cat in Yueh Hai Ching Temple

ADM Amazing Race @ Clarke Quay
The clue shows MICA Building and we decided to walk to Clarke Quay for our next station. Along the way, we encountered a cute and lively cat in Yueh Hai Ching Temple. We also snapped more photos for the Scavenger Hunt, including Mcdonald's, a bald man and ZO cards. When we reached Central, the station masters said that all stations must paused for lunch. Thus, we have to wait until 1pm to play this station. Although it is only a short 10min, OG6 decided not to waste time and combed Central to see if we can take more photos for the Scavenger Hunt, in particular, for a photo of a feather.

Back at station 2, 2 group members have to paint their face using face crayons. Wei Ling and I are chosen for this task. As our theme is "fairy", we decided to draw a half butterfly on my right face and another half on the left face of Wei Ling. When our face were joined together, it will portrait a full butterfly. The bonus challenge for this station is to paint a body part of another member using body paint that can be quite difficult to wash off according to the same theme. Michelle volunteer herself for this task and we painted her left leg with flowers and trace of the butterfly.

Upon completion of this station, OG6 received our 3rd clue, which shows Garden Bridge. We rushed down to Clarke Quay MRT station for a 1 stop train ride to Chinatown. Besides taking photo for Scavenger Hunt, Michelle who is holding on to the camera, also started taking photos of OG6.


ADM Amazing Race @ Clarke Quay

ADM Amazing Race @ Garden Bridge
The sky was overcast when we reached Garden Bridge. It started to drizzle, which gradually grew into a downpour. For this station, the group has to run barefoot on the foot reflexology pebble path and after every round, member has to drink 3 spoons of cheng tng before going off for another round. This process continues until the whole bowl of cheng tng is being consumed. As I injured my foot, Jun Hao replaced me and I became the cameraman for this activity.

Although there is some yelling from the pain, OG6 completed the 1st round relatively easily. But for the 2nd round, members started holding on to the railing while running. From the 3rd round onwards, they began pouring their body weight over onto the railing. There was more screaming and speed as greatly reduced. Finally, after much torture, Lynne finished up the final spoon of cheng tng!

For the bonus challenge of this station, group members have to carry their AGL and walk 1 round along the pebble path. Taking pity on my group, which only has 4 girls left to carry Jun Hao (who is quite tall), the station masters decided to help by joining in the game. With much screaming and yelling, the group finally completed this bonus challenge and was given the 4th clue.


ADM Amazing Race @ Garden Bridge

ADM Amazing Race @ Takashimaya
This clue was a little trickier, but Michelle still managed to resolve it skilfully. The clue wants us to proceed to Takashimaya Shopping Centre. It started raining heavily and more group photos were taken on bus #143.

Drenched from the rain, the group stopped for a short toilet break before meeting Mattina at our 4th station. At this station, Wei Ling and I are chosen again to act an embarrassing script on shotgun proposal to a crowd. Performed at a deserted corner, our 1st take garnered little crowd, so we decided to relocate to the busy corridor leading to B1. It is more successful this time, but at the same time, very embarrassing.

The bonus challenge for this station is to apply peanut butter as beard and nutella as moustache. OG6 took this opportunity to dirty Jun Hao face.

The clue given for this round is by far the most difficult. After working on the crossword puzzle for some time, we concluded that the next station is at Bras Basah Complex. Before proceeding to the 5th station, OG6 have a quick lunch from Auntie Anne's. We combed various spots of Ngee Ann City, Wisma Atria, Raffles City and CHIJMES for more Scavenger Hunt photos. The more surprising photos we took were the $20,000+ ring from SK and the cosplay girl.


Quick lunch from Auntie Anne's @ Takashimaya [L-R: Me, Michelle, Lydia, Lynne, Wei Ling, Jun Hao]

ADM Amazing Race @ Bras Basah
When we reached Bras Basah Complex Level 5 (the void deck above Basheer), the station master want us to paint a replica of a painting using very limited poster colours and resources, which consists of a tiny brush, ice cream sticks, straws, cotton and our hands. The bonus challenge for this station is to produce a quality artwork that will earn us an extra 20 points. As we foresee there would be very little time left after we completed this station, OG6 decided to give our best shot for this station and forgo the remaining 3 stations instead. Finally, after much hard work, a beautiful painting on a pot of sunflower by Van Gogh was completed using limited resources and paints. We were awarded the quality bonus of 20 points.


ADM Amazing Race @ Bras Basah: OG6's replica of Van Gogh's "Sunflower"

ADM Amazing Race @ Art Museum
The 6th clue lead us to Singapore Arts Museum, which is just a short distance away. With ample time (as the ending time of this Amazing Race was extended till 6pm), we decide to run to our 6th station. For this station, we have to study various artworks located at level 2 of the museum for 15min and we will be tested on questions based on the artwork. The bonus challenge for this station is to build a 10 tier structure using rectangle blocks and the structure has to remain standing in order to earn the bonus point. OG6 make it again for this bonus challenge. As the race has stopped, we did not managed to complete the Suntec City and Haji Lane stations.

ADM Amazing Race @ Water City
OG6, together with the station masters of our 6th station, waited for remaining station masters stationed nearby, which includes Ellen, who is at the Haji Lane Station, before going to our destination at Sentosa as planned. Mattina left the group only to join the rest at Sentosa the following morning.

Upon arriving at Harbourfront, the OGLs and AGLs went to buy dinner. OG6 took this opportunity to shop for gifts at Candy Empire for Ellen, Jun Hao, Xiu Ming and Dominic. I also bought a gift for Wendy as an apology for pulling her down during the free fall.

Being sick and injured respectively, Lydia and I fall out from the camp. We had a long chat at VivoCity Starbucks while waiting for our luggage and for our parents to pick us up. We left the happening camp at 6.30pm after receiving our luggage from Boo. This is a really fun camp that I will remember for life and it is a good gear up for school life again. It is a pity that I got injured and cannot participate till the end of the camp.

[Postscript: Mattina was revealed to be a fake freshie. She is actually a Year 2 Digital Filmmaking who was tasked to be an undercover to help break the ice and reduce awkwardness. Lynne is the only member who stay till the last night of the camp.]

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Reflections °f DINOSAURS   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.

BMT gathering (21.7.07)

21 July 2007

Tiong Peng and I initially planned this as a shopping trip months ago, but it expanded into a full-scale BMT gathering. KC has some personal issues to settle in the day, while Chris is involved in NDP. Therefore, the two of them could only join us for night activities. Ryan cannot join us, as he is away in Malaysia to celebrate his grandfather's birthday...

Tiong Peng and I meet at 1.30pm, which I was 20min late, at Bugis Junction Old Chang Kee, before going to MOS Burger to meet Zhong Sheng and his friend for our shopping adventure. The four of us began combing Bugis Junction. Tiong Peng and I were rather disappointed with the closure of The Edge. We then crossed over to New Bugis Street, exploring the numerous exotic miniature shops, before accompanying Zhong Sheng to buy DVD-R at Sim Lim Square. Zhong Sheng's friend left after this. The 3 of us returned to Bugis Junction, where Tiong Peng bought a T-shirt and a bag. It was followed by some bites from Tori-Q and Crystal Jade Bakery.

At 4.30pm, the 3 of us took bus #33 to Queensway Shopping Centre, where we shopped for quite long. I bought a T-shirt at Converse and we continue searching for my ideal Puma shoes and football jersey, but in vain... We proceeded to Anchorpoint Shopping Centre food court for dinner, before taking bus #64 to Dhoby Ghaut.

After walking a long distance to Wheelock Place, we meet up with KC for kopi at Coffee Bean. Black Forest Ice Blended taste good, with the perfect mixture of mocha, chocolate and cherries...

After chilling out for some time, the 4 of us took bus #65 to Boon Keng, where we meet up with Chris for roti prata supper. This supper is undeniably the highlight of this gathering. We joked about silly moments of BMT, making sarcastic comments, and share future goals and prospect. The 5 of us had a really good laugh over the stupidest repeated telecast of BMT classic. We stay there until 12am before going home.

While waiting for bus #23 or bus #65, I am attracted to the signboard (showing a huge deep sea grouper) of an interesting fish soup specialty restaurant. I hope to try it next time...

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BMT gathering (21.7.07)   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.

10th Occupational Therapy (20.7.07)

20 July 2007

For the past 2 weeks, besides continuous stiffness from long inactivity and cold room temperature, I still can't crack my fingers and have difficulties counting numbers from inside out. My left wrist and fingers can also still feel the aching. This might be because I did not do the ball exercise for long interval...

This is the final time I'm taking bus #21 to TTSH... While listening to Shiina Ringo's "平成風俗", I am busy snapping shots of the roadside scenery from the bus...

Upon arriving at TTSH, I will always go for a toilet break at the toilet beside Clinic B1A before proceeding to the Department of Occupational Therapy for my appointment. Hand washing is essential before every session and I really love the fragrant scent of the pink soap...

As usual, Pei Fen conducted a Q&A with me. Being the last session, we had longer casual chat throughout...

Although the 15min fluidotheraphy never fail to make my left hand red, this hot grip treatment do help to reduce stiffness of the fingers. This is because the heat improves blood circulation... Like on the bus, I am crazily taking photos of myself while doing the treatment...


fluidotheraphy treatment

Occupational Therapy Review
Next, Pei Fen directed me into the exercise room where I am reviewed on my left hand at the BTE PRIMUS exercise machine. The review compared the percentile differences between my left and right hand through 3 types of grip tests on strength, movement speed and endurance level... Through this review, Pei Fen concluded that my recovery is fast and good, except that I am still suffering from muscle atrophy. I requested a memo from Pei Fen on my recovery for future reference and administrative procedures...

Graduation from Occupational Therapy
As today is the final session, I requested to take a photo with Pei Fen for memorial... I was given an open date appointment period for the next 3 months... Before leaving, I received blessing from Pei Fen and other staffs, who deem it as a graduation. They will welcome me back as a designer or volunteer if volunteering or community service is necessary during university life...

Hello & Goodbye Novena
After the treatment, I strolled around the shops and pharmacy. I had lunch at TTSH Kopitiam food court, eating chicken rice...

Next, I went for a long and satisfying shopping experience at Square 2. I ate a banana chocolate waffle, which is very crispy and delicious. I also drank a cup of green apple milk tea.

Being attracted by the retro-futuristic interior decoration, I walk into "The Attic" CD shop. "The Attic" just shifted from The Centrepoint and is only officially opened earlier today. I had a long and informative talk with the owner on music genre, US Import version and the record industry.

I bought a metallic silver SIGG water bottle for $33 from Outdoor Life at Novena Square...

Shopping at Orchard
I continued my enjoyable shopping experience at Novena with another long and enjoyable shopping at Orchard. I visited various shops like Topman, Gap, Fila, Sony Gallery and Isetan at Wisma Atria; followed by various fashion boutiques at B2 of Ngee Ann City. I also read up "oricon style", researched on summer hair styles and bought "NANA 17" at Kinokuniya. Shopping at Orchard is never complete without stopping by The Heeren for HMV.

I continued window shopping at The Centrepoint. I am surprise to know that "Supreme Audio", the huge CD shop that used to be located at Ngee Ann City B2 had shifted to The Centrepoint. For the longest time, I though the shop had closed for good. I had another long informative talk with the owner, whom I felt is like having a long chat with an old friend. We talked about the decline of J-pop, rise of K-drama and the record industry...

It is really great to discover (or re-discover) 2 great CD shops in a single day, as many familiar stores are closing down one from another. Especially so for CD shops... It is a pity that I do not have any new titles that I want to buy and both stores do not have stock of any item that is on my wishlist...

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10th Occupational Therapy (20.7.07)   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.

BMT gathering (19.5.07)

19 May 2007

This was a rather last-minute gathering organized by my bed buddy Chris. The initially plan was to meet on 4pm at Bugis Junction. However, this was drastically changed to 3pm at Holland Village. Immediately after attending the "6.5 million: Growing Singapore, Planning Ahead" talk, I boarded the MRT to Somerset (with a short detour to HMV) and transferred to bus #106.

Upon arriving at Holland Village, only KC was waiting outside Cold Storage. Tok Soon arrived shortly after me. As Tok Soon had not taken his lunch, the 3 of us accompanied him to the Food Centre to grab some food... After waiting for about 45min, Chris and Tiong Peng finally arrived. Zhong Sheng turned up shortly... Once Tok Soon and Tiong Peng finished eating their food, the 6 of us crossed over to Ya Kun Kaya Toast for a light afternoon tea... After having some toast and kopi, the infamous decision-making problem hitted us again...

The final decision was to head towards Queensway Shopping Centre for window shopping. Being a 'Ghim Moh local', KC lead us to a bus stop, where we boarded bus #196 to our destination. We wandering around the mall for quite a while, before we decided to head to West Coast Recreation Centre via #198 for a game of pool. It's a pity that I can't participate as my left hand had not fully recovered...

Feeling hungry, the group decided to stop the game and go for dinner. Tok Soon returned home to eat with his family, while the rest of us crossed AYE to Clementi Town Centre, where we had our meal at Sumo House.

After dinner, Chris left to go to his grandmother house. The remaining 4 of us decided to chill at a café... Taking into consideration the distance to our home, KC suggested a central location - Orchard (I am a little touched as I am the only Eastie)... Once again, we boarded #106 and alighted at Orchard for a coffee session at Wheelock Place Coffee Bean. After chatting for over an hour, KC left to meet his friend. Tiong Peng, Zhong Sheng and I walked towards Dhoby Ghaut MRT station to catch a train home...

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BMT gathering (19.5.07)   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.

3rd Occupational Therapy (19.4.07)

19 April 2007

A week had passed since the last Occupational Therapy session. After a long #21 bus ride, I'm again late for my appointment...

For unknown reason, my hand was very swollen. This is the worst swelling since the injury. This shocked Pei Fen, who instructed me to continue massaging my hand. To prevent the swelling from getting worse, Pei Fen recommended ice treatment and she had her intern Joan to carry out the ice treatment for me...

After the 10mins ice treatment, Joan massaged my swollen hand and she teaches me 2 more finger exercises and a wrist exercise... The first exercise requires bending of the knuckles only, which is very similar to a previous exercise. The second exercise is the bending of all knuckles and joints to form a hook. The wrist exercise is added to reduce swelling and to increase the flexibility of my wrist. It comprises a front-back and left-right movements. But due to the close proximity to the fracture, I am not able to complete this exercise as intended...

After the injury, my 3rd and 4th fingers appear to be about the same length. Pei Fen explained that the fracture had caused my metacarpal bone to overlap at the crack and this causes the shortening. This is very common in fracture... Pei Fen also clarified my query that exercises might more or less affect the wound, but the impact of dysfunction would be worst if I do not exercise my fingers...

For better conformability, flexibility, reduce swelling and to achieve better recovery, Joan adjusted my splint to make my fingers bend at 90º... During this session, I had lots of casual chat with Joan. Joan is a scholar of TTSH. Upon completing her attachment here, Joan will graduate from NYP. She will further her studies at the University of Sydney before serving her scholarship bond with TTSH...

After the 1.5 hour treatment, I proceed to meet Tian An at Orchard MRT station to watch "Nightmare Detective" starring hitomi. As Tian An said he will be late, I spend the time shopping in Kinokuniya. I also took this opportunity to sms Joanne and Wei Zhen on how to go to NTU Medical Centre for my Pre-Admission Medical Examination tomorrow. Suddenly, Joanne called me and we had a long chat over various random issues. As the two of us are hogging the lines, Tian An was unable to contact me when he arrived... At Cineleisure, the 1.50pm slot would leave us with little time for lunch and the 5pm slot is too late. So we decided to have lunch first before checking show time at Shaw House to find out that "Nightmare Detective" is not screen there. Thus, we walked to Plaza Singapura and decided on the 4.20pm slot... "Nightmare Detective" is those typical Japanese movie, which is being filmed too artistically that would easily bored and confused every viewer. I successfully struggled to understand the storyline, but Tian An seems really confused...

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3rd Occupational Therapy (19.4.07)   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.

Occupational Therapy (22.3.07)

22 March 2007

After a long but refreshing 70min ride on #21 (that reminded me of TPJC days), I arrived a little late at TTSH Occupational Therapy Department.

Being my first treatment, the therapist explained what occupational therapy is about. Occupational Therapy is a type of treatment that uses activities to help prevent, reduce or overcome effects of disabilities. The fundamental purpose is to maximize functions and quality of life. She said that through Occupational Therapy, I am able to regain 70% of my grip after 3 months time from removal of cast, and chances of 99% recovery after 6 months time from removal of cast is high. Several activities like playing the piano can be carried out 3 months after the removal of cast, while activities like driving a car, riding a bike and playing of woodwind instruments is only possible after 6 months from removal of cast. Most importantly for now, I must not exert strength on my 3rd finger to prevent twisting, because if this happen, I will not be able to form a normal fist and functions of my left hand will be very limited.

During this session, the therapist teached me several finger exercises. But due to the restriction imposed by the cast, the therapist wants me to try these techniques as much as the cast allows. To reduce swelling, the 1st exercise requires me to elevate my hand above heart level and try to spread my fingers apart, then make a fist. Oedema control can also be done through massaging the fingers with moisturiser towards the body in one direction only.

The next finger exercise requires me to keep my fingers and knuckles straight, and then bend the middle and tip joints of each finger while keeping the large knuckles straight. This exercise was the first from a series of similar exercise to restore flexibility to my left hand.

Results for all exercises are best by elevating my hand above heart level, because gravity enhances fluids flow, thus reduce swelling. It would also be good for me to elevate my left hand above heart level whenever possible, like while sitting or sleeping.

To prevent my left elbows and shoulders to become stiff, an exercise consisting of raising my left hand up straight, touching the back of my neck and touching my shoulder blade is included. All exercises require me to hold the position for 3 seconds. I should do a minimum of 15 repetitions per session and at least 3 sessions per day.

The treatment lasted for slightly less than an hour and it was relaxing. Following the treatment, I had an early lunch at TTSH Kopitiam food court, eating cai fan again. After lunch, I went to shop for a while at Square 2, before proceeding to my much awaited trip to Orchard to replenish my stock of music and books to keep me entertained at home.

Upon arrival at HMV Heeren, Amuro Namie's latest DVD "BEST TOUR "LIVE STYLE 2006"" caught my attention. While listening to Hamasaki Ayumi's best album "A BEST 2 -BLACK-", I saw the huge promotion poster of Nakashima Mika's 4th original album "YES" at the rear, which leads me to search for this highly anticipated release, but to my dismay. The store assistants told me that the OS version of "YES" will only arrive later at 3pm, so I decided to try my luck at Cineleisure Sembawang and Orchard MRT CD-RAMA. After purchasing the "世界那么大" book from Kinokuniya and a stroll in Ngee Ann City, I returned to HMV at 3pm to learn that "YES" will only be released later that day, so I returned home.

That night, I received a call from HMV Heeren that my order for Namie's "Baby Don't Cry" is here. I'm happy and upset at the same time, because my long awaited order has arrived, but if it arrived yesterday, I could collect it when I was in the store this afternoon... The next day, I went to HMV Heeren in the afternoon to collect my copy of "Baby Don't Cry" and also bought a copy of "BEST TOUR "LIVE STYLE 2006"", "YES", Utada Hikaru's "Flavor Of Life" and GLAY's " rare collectives vol.2".

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Occupational Therapy (22.3.07)   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.

Chinese New Year (CNY) 2007

20 February 2007

Every year, during the last few days before Chinese New Year (CNY), my family will do our CNY shopping at all CNY shopping locations across Tampines. Usually, we will cover the Town Centre (TC) and all Neighbourhood Centres (NC) scattered around Tampines. This CNY shopping trend continues to be my favourite highlight of CNY every year.

CNY shopping (15.2.07)
After the specialist review appointment, Mumy and I went to take a look at the new wing of Novena Square. After which, Mumy brought me to pray at Bugis Waterloo Street Kwanyin Temple and we started our CNY shopping at the Rochor / Bugis area... I bought a new OP T-shirt at OG and the highly anticipated "NANA 16" at Kinokuniya... Both of us continue to shop at Tampines Central...

Later that night, my family went to Tampines Neighbourhood 2 Centre (N2C) for dinner and some CNY shopping. As I was really bored, I started taking photos to document the CNY atmosphere of N2C. I am really looking forward to more CNY shopping tomorrow...


Tampines N2C (15.2.07)


Tampines N2C (15.2.07)

ECNYE shopping (16.2.07)
I woke out around 10am. After taking a shower and a hearty early lunch of beehoon, I embarked on my solo part of Eve of Chinese New Year (ECNYE) shopping at around 12pm. I purposely took the hour long bus #10 ride to Vivocity to recollect memories of Grade 5 Music Theory lesson and the numerous Saturday rehearsals of NDP 2006. It is also because as bus #10 starts from Tampines bus interchange, I will get a seat, which is important for me, as I am still nursing a fracture injury. Upon reaching the destination, I admit that I was really giddy...

After grabbing 9 long-wanted releases for just $45 at Vivocity music junction (MJ) on 2.2.07, I bought TRF's album "BRAND NEW TOMORROW" and 3 of their concert VCD "BRAND NEW TOMORROW IN TOKYO DOME ~PRESENTATION FOR 1996~", "TOUR '98 Live in Unite!" and "TOUR 1999 EXICOAST TOUR AT OSAKA Live" today. I purchased these 4 titles for just $20! At $5 each, these 13 purchases were absolutely value-for-money, considering that most of these releases are Out-Of-Print (OOP) now and retails that still sell them would usually charged a high price of $25 or more for each of them.

After some wandering at Vivocity and the cosy bookstore, I took bus #65 to Orchard. I bought Every Little Thing's acoustic album "ACOUSTIC : LATTE" at Orchard MRT Station CD-RAMA before returning home at around 5pm.

After a short rest at home, Mumy and I went to Tampines Neighbourhood 5 Centre (N5C) for some light shopping at around 6pm. This marked the beginning of the latter half of this year's ECNYE shopping. I bought BoA's 5th album "MADE IN TWENTY (20)" and Ito Yuna's 1st album "HEART" from Century Square Sembawang.

As I am determined to obtain ABRSM Music Theory Grade 8 this year (partly also because I am really bored and free due to my injury), I bought a copy of "A HANDBOOK OF MUSIC THEORY GRADES 6 - 8" from Yamaha for self-study.

To my greatest surprise, the long-awaited "The Official Singapore Street Directory 2007" has been published. Needless to say, I bought a copy of "The Official Singapore Street Directory 2007" at Tampines Mall Popular. This is one of my biggest dream come true.

My brother rode his bike to join us at around 7pm. We went to shop for some vegetable at Tampines N5C before going home.


Tampines N5C (16.2.07)

After another short rest at home, we reached the climax of tonight's ECNYE shopping. At around 9pm, the whole family went to Tampines Neighbourhood 1 Centre (N1C) for our annual ECNYE shopping pilgrimage. We had lor mee for dinner at 137 food centre first, before we carry on to shop at the market for the delicious handmade meatball, braised duck and roast meat. After buying a walnut cake from prima deli, we returned home to put down our purchases before heading to our local Tampines Neighbourhood 4 Centre (N4C) for the finale of ECNYE shopping. N4C looks empty, as if it had been badly "raided" during an emergency.

It is a fulfilling day with tons of purchases. The most notable purchase (of cause) would be "The Official Singapore Street Directory 2007"!


Tampines N1C (16.2.07)


Cakes @ Tampines N1C (16.2.07)

CNYE (17.2.07)
I woke up very late on Chinese New Year (CNYE) at 3pm. Reunion steamboat started rather late this year, at 7pm...


Reunion Dinner (17.2.07)

CNY 2007 (18.2.07 ~ 20.2.07)
Despite sleeping rather early on CNYE at 2am, I woke up rather late again on CNY1 at 12pm... Sick and tired of explaining my injury again and again, I decided not to go to Ah Mah house at the very last minute, which is the first time I did not go for CNY visiting...

I continue to sleep early on CNY1 and CNY2, before 1am, and I woke up very late at 2pm for CNY2 and CNY3... Out of the blue, I decided to curfew myself from using my computer for all 4 days of CNY for no particular reason, and I make it. I realized that my daily routine for these 4 days are basically rinse & shine, late lunch, watch TV, dinner, watch TV and sleep... I did not do anything that is particularly interesting, but I guess this CNY will be memorable, due to my injury...


lion dance

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Chinese New Year (CNY) 2007   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.

*scrap

11 January 2007

I planned to handmade a present for my best friend of 8+ years, Tian An (also known as Anna), who celebrated his 21st birthday on 26 September 2006. However, I was too busy in August and September (due to NDP and Alert Red) to make a meaningful gift. Hence, the idea was put on hold. Eventually, I combined his belated 21st birthday present with his X'mas 2006 present.

In order to make this scrap for Anna, I signed up for a scrapbook-making workshop conducted by "made with love" on 10.12.06... "made with love" is located at Plaza Singapura and it is one of the few art shop in Singapore that sells scraping materials. It is also one of the few enterprise where Singaporeans can learn art and craft outside school.

The workshop was definitely worth my fees as I learnt basics of scraping. The workshop also provide materials and tools for participants to make 2 scrap pages.

I made and brought home 2 scrap pages. One of which was made into the present for Anna... I intend to transform the other into a gift for my parents' 22nd wedding anniversary next year.

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*scrap   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.

X'mas

24 December 2004

December is my favourite month of the year... because it is the beginning of winter, my birthday on 11 December, and the 2 festivals that are associated with the white season of winter: Winter Solstice and Christmas (X'mas). I love both Winter Solstice and X'mas. In fact, X'mas is my 2nd most celebrated festival after CNY...

X'mas Choco
Chocolates are a must for a merry x'mas... My favourite chocolate for X'mas are Kit-Kat, Andes Mint Parfait Thins and Storck Mint Chocs.

When I was young, my peranakan neighbours (who is an air stewardess) would always gave my brother and I a packet of nicely wrapped Kit-Kat as X'mas present. Kit-Kat was later substituted by other kinds of chocolates, which were more fanciful (although I still prefer Kit-Kat). Her family continues to give us chocolates, until we moved out of #05-71 in 1998. Glad we still keep in touch with all the neighbours; after all, we only shifted to the next block...

In 2002, my brother introduced Storck Mint Chocs to my family and we got addicted to it instantly. Our addiction to Storck Mint Chocs is partly because we have always loved mint-flavoured ice cream and chocolates...

Orchard X'mas Light Up
When we were young, Papa will drove us to Orchard to look at the Orchard X'mas Light Up. We were always very amazed by the Orchard Light Up then; the Light Up and decorations successfully brought the seasonal ambience and festive mood to the tropics. Our annual drive through the Orchard X'mas Light Up continued till December 1993...

X'mas with friends
In 2004, Shih Jia proposed the idea to gather as many schoolmates as possible for a X'mas gathering. After much discussion, we think it was a good and workable idea, so we decided to implement and titled it as the "Great X'mas melting pot"...


Orchard X'mas Light Up 2004

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X'mas   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.