I finally found somewhere to get good durian...for free.

Two days ago I went to Yishun park for a walk, just opposite my house. I walked past the two huge durian trees at the other side, and happened to look up.

There were still scores of durian hanging from the branches, about 30 metres up, and there were definitely good. How do I know? The smell was so strong, it was heavenly.

They looked like miniature mines hanging in the air, spiky thorns ready to explode.By the way, Yishun park used to be part of a small durian plantation, before NPB made it a park.

So I decided to walk around and see if there were any on the ground. Then I realised, I'm not alone. Two Ah-peks were standing at the base of one tree, literally waiting for the durians to fall. I realised where they came from. An enterprising group of Ah-peks had been selling durian at 6 dollars per kg (an outrageous price) at my void deck for about 1 and a half weeks. Now I knew where they got their golden fruit.

Having no time to wild away like them, I left. Yesterday (that means Friday, now's already past midnight) I returned (after a 9-6 win of pool with darryl lau). This time not only were the Ah-peks there,they brought along their wives! Thay already had at least 6 collected and were waiting for more.

It seems that I have serious competition. That's why I'm going there this morning when light breaks, as durian usually falls in early morning.( even now they are falling, I can almost hear it)

Of course, there is always the risk of a durian smashing on top of your head, but, oh well, anything for good durian!

Ryan, if you are reading this, don't get ideas into your head and start prospecting for durians as well. Remember, you need to first beat a bunch of old men and a carrot, all durian mad.

rambutans today, durian tomorrow!!!!

May today live on in my memory...
Until I am called home...


Today is a memorable day... I will not forget it. Today is the day that marks the completion of my work in BB and the culmination of all the hard work put in.

Today is the day I handed over my portfolio as Company Sargeant Major and officially stepped down, after seving 48th as CSM for exactly 1 year and 14 days.

Today was a beautiful day, everything just went so well for me. The service and sermon were very appropriate and today is one of the rare days I felt the presence of God fill me like a spring of life throughout the day. The worship was so heartfelt, my eyes watered.

Looking back this past one year, leading the company has never been easy. At times I felt overwhelmed and drowned by circumstances and from problems dumped on me by those who once called me friend. But mere words cannot express my gratitude and thankfulness to Him who was able to keep me from stumbling and whose grace is sufficient for me, who has protected my health and sanity and carried me through when I no longer had the strength to carry on....

Thank you Lord....

It has been a most enriching, learning, fulfilling and heartbreaking year for me but I leave 48th with the knowledge that I have served faithfully and willingly and have done my best. I have run this race, and I have fought the fight. and now my reward awaits me when I return back to the Lord. I have treasured the moments of touching one's life, changing it for the better, leading and guiding my juniors.

Ultimately, it seems, at every end of the road, it matters not what you have accomplished, but rather how you have accomplished it. It matters more how the race is run, not the end result. I may not have accomplished much outwardly, but I know that I have made a difference in some lives and I have held on and endured tribulation, and now my work is done.

The new CSM is now SGT Zuyao, and it was a good choice. As I formally handed the Red sash to him, I was reminded of 1 year ago when Peison handed over to me.

That is, his whole body was trembling. It is quite natural actually, taking over the company is a huge task and priveledge and honour and can be overwhelming.

Hahas and I also got my promotion to staff sargeant.

Congrats to James for his promotion to sargeant. I know who will be the first to congratulate him tomorrow heeheehee...

I think I have chosen to focus on the positive than the negative. Instead of focusing on the pains and hurts and heartbreaks, i choose to focus on the good things. Its no use dwelling on anger and resentment. If my Father in heaven can die for those who cursed him, out of love, I believe i can do the same.

So the day ends and an era ends, tomorrow starts a new era, a new day. the younger generation will now lead. My work is complete. And as the GB would say:


Captain Divine, our work is now complete
And as we part, we gather at Thy feet
To give our labours and ourselves to Thee
Without reserve, Thy cause to serve
O Captain Hear us as we pledge to be
True to our creed, in thoughts and deeds


And as for us , we say:

Great God who knowest all our needs
Bless Thou our watch and guard our sleep
Forgive our sins of thoughts and deeds
and in Thy peace Thy servants keep
We thank Thee for the day thats done
We trust Thee for the days to be
Thy love we learn in Christ Thy son
O may we all His glory see

AMEN, Lord....

I think I've discovered a new talent.


6 days ago on the night before youth day, I had a fantastic dream. really something special. Dreams don't usually come for the asking, but it does happen. Anyway, this dream was about


me and some friends stumbling into a fantasy world where everything is so different, and we were wandering aroundthis wide valley, which was like a heavenly place. Totally out of this world. Everything was like a more pure form of itself, the grass greener, fruit tastier, juicier, the wind calmer and yet a wildness in it as well. In the valley on the North sides was a city, one that gave an impression of gracefulness, beauty in its soaring heights. When we walked toward it, we.......


At this point I awoke. Then I thought, what a waste, and fell asleep again and almost immediately the visions began again....


we, or rather I , saw a girl, probably my age, looking at us amongst the trees. I can't remeber her facial features, but it struck me that she had an exceeding beauty, both lithe and sun kissed look, and she seemed to be beckoning us toward the city or whatever that was. So we when, and I had the distinct impression of flying through the air at will, speeding towards the city....


Then I woke again. And thought, what kind of story would I tell to continue the dream? One where I get to meet the mysterious girl personally and perhaps her family. So I sank back to dreaming....


...we were in the blackness of the city's bowels, rushing up to a pinprick of light that steadily enlarged itself to a wide hole in the floor of the city, and there we saw rows of what resembled letterboxes, and appeared to be residential. There was a young woman who resembled the girl, she said she was her mother. I spoke for my friends, and she agreed to host us. I glimpsed the fleeting shadow of the gorl, and then.......


At this point I found that I could actually, it seems, direct my thoughts and actually plan my dreams the way I wanted to dream them. It sounds absurd, but I tried to test my idea. So...


For what seemed like eternity, we spent exploring the new world and the girl showed me many pecularities, including the ability to fly. She had no name but a warm and cheerful personality which poured sunshine into my soul. All too soon we had to leave.......


So far so good.....


After saying farewell, we were flying towards the sunset, facing another city which gleamed golden sparkles bathed in the sun;'s last rays, sitting on a promotory or precipice at the valley side, like a jewel still in its ore but already crafted magnificently. The beauutiful girl accompanied us as we accelerated at breakneck pace......


Here, I woke, and dreamt no more. I know this not to be imagination as it was too vivid and yet mystically fuzzy, like how a dream appears in the morning. Yet it left me with a warm fuzzy feeling of wellbeing inside that lasted the day. So much for a Youth day present....


So, I've been trying to continue dreaming but seems when I'm too tired, I won't even dream. So tioday I'm sleeping early and putting away thoughts of the World Cup, C. Ronaldo's acting skills, the samba boys lack of chilli football and Mrs Lim's impending high blood pressure and stroke, not to mention sore throats. I'm sure this will work, so I'm proving it tonight. If it works then it shows I can create my own dreams and virtual reality at will. Cool right???


For those who believe in the power of dreams, sweet dreams

Me, the phoenix will dream soon.

Tata!