I am a fireman!

I encountered a caucasian at a cousin's wedding. She, being the SPG that she always was and still is, only considered caucasians for marriage. But out of this disparity, i gained an opportunity for enlightenment.

I was seated at a table with this skinny cowboy styled caucasian at her wedding. Initially, the wedding felt too commercialised and overly rigid yet at the same time hints of plans trying to satisfy both western independence and oriental tradiations were too obvious.

Nonetheless, I sat there waiting to eat more than to wish this cousin well. I am human, nasty, brutal and downright despicable; I know. hehe. Still, I couldn't help but talk to this cowboy next to me. He seems interesting enough not to kill me with boredom. Most of the small talk and usual formalities were executed right. He was tall, dark, gusty and dressed in denim, long sleeve checkered shirt and leather shoes.

I asked him "What do you do for a living?"
It wasn't his occupation nor his status that was astounding.
Hearing my question, as though he anticipated, he grinned beyond a smile, sat up straight, chest out, stomach in and shoulders back. With a tint of pride, satisfaction and smirk, he said "I .... my newly acquainted friend, am a fireman!"

If you were to ask a local fireman what his occupation was, the reply would be the same. Some would hide behind the bureau's civil defense officer status. Others would be shy away, even to the point of being apologetic.
But this caucasian replied with gusto. It was clear that he was proud to be a fireman. I could even infer that his society values firemen.

Taking another case, I have a friend who visited Italy. There were many things different in Italy beyond pasta and pizza. But the songs of praise that came from this lady's mouth were mainly about the italian policemen. They were fit, handsome, well dressed. They were proud of their uniform, proud of their jobs, of their roles in society.
They patroled the streets more of overseers than nannies. They would stop fights in the action rather than watch and wait. They displayed their badges, small arms and head dresses. They walked with a certain bounce in their stride as though they were humming a tune.

If you were to ask a local policemen what his occupation was, I can only imagine the sorry sight.

What's the difference?
Now I think I understand more why this cousin is SPG and only considered caucasians.

Officers' Basic Training Course Nov 2005

Was doing some backup for my last 4 years work as a civil servant teacher. Came through photos for OBTC Nov 05.
At that point in time, I was a lot fitter. One may say I exchanged my fitness for insight into human weaknesses.

Thought I share it here.

I enjoyed my training to be a NPCC Officer. And I must admit that I initially set out to add value to the system.

It would be wrong to say that I was always against the system. I see my optimism despite the regiment and the uniform.


Here, I see my tent mates during the OBTC. Roy from New Town, myself, Owyang from Tanglin and Sin Min whom (though few would suspect) is from my batch.



I have always felt that there were flaws in the system. But to me, systems can be changed. It can be modified. It can be improved.

I assumed that because these were civil servants, they would look beyond their own selves to make improvements based on logic and facts.

I was wrong.

Apparently, people would join the service for all sorts of reasons. And they would protect their arses against all odds. What's with the obsession with arses?


Still, somehow I managed to make good friends. Kindred spirits who share common beliefs, common objectives and stand on common ground.


Now, all that is left are memories and the prayer that things will improve for the students and kids.

The end of KR days

Funny things I hear these days.

Cheryl: Cher, I listen if you don't leave.
Chitra: Don't leave lar.
Sam: Don't leave. You're good.
Faiz: Why you leave?
Ka Weng: I don't understand why you want to leave.
Leta: Huh!!!
Rabiah: Best NP Officer!
Aik Choo: I will miss you.
Kai Le: [sigh]

In contrast, and for discretion's sake, names will be withheld.
Leader1: No teacher is indispensible.
Leader2: Bryan is not following instructions.
Leader3: Bryan takes all NT/NA classes.
Teacher1: This is what I've learnt in KRSS. Do my worst and no one will ask me to do it again.
Teacher2: You must cover your own backside.

It's monday, the 28th. I have heard many things in the short 3 years I spent here. Here, many things happened to me. My personality changed. I put on weight like a puffer fish. I learnt that the best teachers are not the best civil servants. I learnt that the best civil servants know how to be silent.

I also learnt that despite the nonesense I get from the rascals, they actually know what is good for them.
I will use my experience in bringing up my own. I also know that people do not actually mature: they remain as they are. Why? I see my corporals in NS. They are exactly like the kids in my class. Only physically older.

It's been a ride. But I have no regrets. I will continue to help others. In different ways. But helping others nonetheless.
And so ends my journey in Kent Ridge. I miss my Sec 5 classes whom I saw since they were Sec3. But wait! They are still here with me! Hahahaha!

A good gathering 20Jul08

A family is more than blood relations. It is a pool of common interests, beliefs and history.

Yet, fragile as it is, it can be strengthened through trials and tribulations.


And in so many occasions, I wondered if my family truely had common grounds. People can be divided and stubborn, myself included.

And sometimes, I observe these silent chats in cliques.

So, what makes family ties strong? When the waters are calm, it is easy to call it a family. But when the waters are rough, that is the true test.








Will we hold on to our faith in family and loved ones?
Or will we fall to our flesh and concern ourselves with only survival?

Or will we stand firm and believe? And flourish in tests and rejoice in failures as well as successes? Will we stand together for one another closely even for a trial shot?




I trust in the Almighty, the "I AM" that He is the glue and He is faithful.



"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved, you and your HOUSEHOLD." - Acts 16:31