Life as an Electrical and Electronic Engineering student in NTU

This post is supposed to be written in May when I have just finished everything related to EEE course. LOL, lazy + no time to write.

On this day, 14th May at 11.30am, after I had ended my FYP presentation at LT23, I could finally let go of myself and said '終於完了'... Like any other uni course, it wasn't an easy route for me - have to put in lots of hardwork and efforts and reap the fruit of the labour. However, as with all things, you have to give and take in order to achieve what you really wanted. More on this later.

As the saying goes 「人生如戲，戲如人生」, rewinding the tape brings back year 2009, not long after I ORDed in Dec 2008. I still remembered having to 'work' night shifts or rather just general 'working' for the past 1.5 years, suddenly ORD just like that, was a 解脫 yet a bit lost coz I'm too used to the routine life liao. 整個人生霎時平靜下來了，因為接下來的都是要靠自己，朋友不會在身邊了。不會有人跟你站一起聊天，也不會有人時不時來kajiao你了，精彩會少一點，sian會加多一點。On the other hand, everybody's mindset was after NS is to continue study in university. The only problem was that the break was far too long - 8 months!

So for the first half of 2009, I went to work part-time. Life wasn't too bad actually: keeping myself occupied yet can earn some pocket money while waiting to start school in NTU. Having very satisfied with part-time life, I didn't go to the freshmen orientation camp (FOC). Kinda regret coz realised it's very hard to get into a clique, but then again, I've tried to become even more independent than I thought I was in NS liao.

Pre-matriculation
The first thing was medical checkup at NTU. This was the first time I visited my future school. I didn't familiarise myself well with NTU campus beforehand, so I alighted 179 at LWN library instead of Innovation Centre. LOL, but at least I walked with the crowd and so coincidentally I arrived at South Spine liao. Haha... The medical checkup consisted of two parts, first was taken at the medical centre (urine test etc.) and the second was at the mobile car below it (take X-ray).

Having mentioned FOC, which I didn't attend, another thing was to formally register myself as a student under the course Electrical and Electronic Engineering. I had to choose a network account ID out of the three choices available, back then NTU had some weird algorithms to generate the ID according to one's surname and name initials, which made the whole ID not easy to remember. In the end, I chose something made up of numbers which IMO, were easier to remember than alphabets. Haha...

Then it's the photo. NTU required me to submit one passport-sized photo online. But I don't have photo nor scanner, so I just took one with the Sony Ericsson C905 (back then it was crowned as the king of the cameraphone) in my bedroom. LOL~ And it worked!

Last was concession card and matriculation card. Both were easy to settle, applied for concession card at Lakeside MRT station in July. and they were collected in NTU campus, quite convenient.


Year 1
Year 1 Semester 1
School started officially on 10 Aug, course materials were uploaded to the famous EdveNTUre portal before this date and I already started doing first 3 maths tutorials a week before, 'cause nothing to do. =.= They were not difficult, in fact very similar to A level C+F maths kinda standard.

Felt rather strange on first few days in school. The very first thing I felt was no need to wear uniform liao, compared to uniform system in JC. Teaching styles were same. Secondly, NTU seemed more crowded than JC, in fact it was! Practically, went straight home if nothing on for that day, rather than spending some time exploring NTU. 此地不宜久留 lol...

Year 1 syllabus was same for EEE, CEE, ENE and ME. As the group was too big, they splitted us into group A and B. I was in group A and YZ, Ann Eng those in ME was in group B though.

Timetable for year 1 were pre-allocated, so no need to fastest fingers (STAR war), but free to add/drop any module though. So here are the modules taken in this semester:

FE1002 Physics II
This module covered basic materials for an EEE student, those electric/magnetic concepts, quantum, optics bla bla bla, which I felt not very applicable to CEE, ENE and ME students lor. They were rather useful - I had to refer to these notes even when I in year 3 or final year. They were not very difficult, but just calculation intensive, lots of integrations and trigo formulas liao. The first paper I took was this subject at SRC. Didn't know the air-con was super cold and I was shivering while doing the paper. What an experience!

FE1003 Chemistry
I thought I no longer need to study for chem for the entire of my life after A levels. But to my horror, it was back haunting me again. I was really bad at this subject and now they made it compulsory for an EEE student like me. T.T I did tried to study for this subject, but ended up getting B only. Those JC students who got A and B for their A levels probably would be laughing their way till exam and still getting A+/A/A- lor.

FE1006 Mathematics I
My favourite subject! Literally it's like F maths revision to me with some additional new concepts, so definitely was a big big advantage compared to most of the cohort liao. Only guys with F maths (already small number) would probably benefit from it, girls may have a hard time, even with their graphic calculators, coz not much graph plotting. Still remember I did quite fast for this paper and there was this question asking about proving a three dimensional vector will have no sth sth. I used an example to prove it. Passed this with flying colours though I didn't study for it!

FE1008 Computing
This is a totally new module to me. Basically I had to learn a machine-level (C/C++) language which I thought it's more difficult than human-level language. But I can't do the CA and barely make it at exam with an average grade.

FE1071 Laboratory 1A
Had to do experiements related to all engineering disciplines, from EEE to ME. Usually 3 hours long, but occasionally can leave earlier ^^ The sad thing is it's worth only 1 AU. :(

HE191 Principles of Economics
Another new module and it had one of the largest cohort in NTU as lessons were conducted in LKC-LT. Can imagine how big it was! Learnt the supply-demand curve, the rest all forgot liao. LOL! Again, some peeps from JC already studied econs before, so this module was no-kick to them.

HW110 Effective Communication
This module taught me how to speak/write confidently and effectively. Assignments include giving a speech, designing a brochure and an essay.

Year 1 Semester 2
FE1001 Physics I
Kinematics, thermodynamics, angular motion, energy all the physics concepts need by ME. This one really took most of my time of this semester, all because for the extra 10% marks awarded, got something extra called webassign. Every weekend stayed at home and kept doing the physics questions. T.T Come exams, remembered it was an open-book exam, but I could only do 2+ questions only. In the end got A, meaning everybody died together in this module.

FE1005 Materials Science
Compared to the one taken by Group B in sem 1 conducted by MSE, now changed to MAE staff to teach. Heard from YZ that this sem's one was more 'difficult' as the exam has one extra question. Didn't really pay much attention to this module. Got A- for CA when I see half of the class getting A. Towards exam, locked myself up in my bedroom to brute memorise the contents, then vomitted everything out in exam. In the end A for this.

FE1007 Mathematics 2
Upgraded version of Maths 1. Double triple integration, partial differentiation these kind of stuffs. Don't know what I did during exam, got B only.

FE1072
Same as FE1071

BS1004
Another useless module I took. Had no bio background and crash to study this was a torture. T.T

HMJ1 Japanese Language Level 1
Initially tot can no need to spend extra $$ to study foreign language is tan tio. But after this module I told myself not to take up any language anymore. Firstly, already disadvantaged by people already know Japanese beforehand. Secondly, Japanese is totally different from Chinese and the grammar rules are super confusing. For once, I feel Chinese is easier haha as it is more straightforward - you don't have to memorise terms from day 1 to at least day 10 for the month and also memorise 'pun' or 'fun' for minute. But writing and pronouniciation Chinese is harder though.

The syllabus also leave no spare room for slow learner. NTU expects people know how to listen Japanese speech at such fast speed, especially at listening test/exercise when we are just level 1, not level 5 or 6 leh. Speak slower won't die ba? Should have S/Ued this subject. A bit regret now.

EE8086 Astronomy - Stars, Galaxies And Cosmology
The topics are fun and the 3-hour lecture was divided into 2 parts. First part was normal lectures while second part was watch video clips. Sometimes I ponned the second part and went home early haha! But come to CA and exam... I didn't really do well. Only conclusion, I'm weak at MCQs.

Year 1 special semester 2
Special semester 2 was conducted from June to July. Altogether 10 lessons in 5 weeks and it's not free. $500 for one module which is not cheap, that's why no A/A+ a bit wasted. Still remembered

MB101 Accounting: A User Perspective
Different from other modules, this module was entirely conducted in a seminar room. Teacher was from outside one and for the first time textbook was REALLY required. Everybody had to go up and present their assigned tutorial questions once. So coincident I'm the last presenter and I'm the only one to be required to go up 2nd time to explain to everybody about my concept. On several times, I also corrected the mistakes other people made. Haha, felt happy about it hehe. But exam didn't do as well as during normal times. Sad...


Year 2
Worked in Keppel during the 4-month long vacation. Reason being NTU was selected as one of the YOG site for accomodation I think, so we have to start 2 weeks later. During this 4-month vacation, I really did enjoy myself well and to recharge myself for the upcoming year.

Year 2 Semester 1
EE2001 Circuit Analysis
Though it looks simple, but V = IR is not enough to do the calculations here. A lot of times the circuit is more complicated and questions like to ask time-based questions. So have to use laplace transform to solve it, so much easier! On top of that, the KCL and KVL are two very basic but very powerful concepts to solve the complicated questions. Still use it in year 4. Then still remembered I was very confident on question 3 in the exam, finished the paper feeling quite satisfied though question 1 and 2 were really killer. Until left the last 5 mins when I double-checked the paper again then realised that I forgot to draw out part of the circuit on answer booklet as I didn't see it. But then I couldn't erase/cancel and redo everything so I left it as it is. In the end gotten a B+.

EE2004 Digital Electronics
I actually quite like this module as the stuff that I learnt was interesting. Perhaps lecturer played a part too. The lecturer for the first part - Prof Goh Wang Ling - sometimes went high after side-tracking a bit. As everybody is new to electronics, basic theories and concepts such as Boolean algebra were taught in this module, so it made the learning rather enjoyable. LOL... Exam wise, the questions were creatively set, but not too difficult, which pretty sums up the pleasant experience for this module.

EE2006 Engineering Mathematics I
One of my favourite modules! Maths! But level 2 is much more harder than level 1 where fourier/laplace transform, partial differential equations being the ultimate killer for most of cohort. Even for me, I find PDE really something quite challenging. Statistics wise, it was managable as I learnt most of them in A level already, while numerical analysis totally new for me, but it was easy too. A+ for this module.

EE2008 Data Structures & Algorithms
Thought this module is 100% about programming, but it's only 50% about programming. Instead of learning how to write the program, concepts as to how data mining is carried out were taught. The only constraint is time, so to save time spent on searching the desired data, certain algorithms are fit for a particular application, while others are suitable for another application to maximise the efficiency. In exams, only require to write pseudo-codes out, no need formal programming language. Compared to EE1008, I did significantly better in this module because I put in more effort to it - did all tutorial questions and attended every tutorial.

EE2071 Laboratory 2A
This is not level 2 version of EE1071 as all lab sessions were EEE related and they ranged from power to electronics to programming. Report writing was based on L212 Two-port Network Parameters and Transient Response. 31 pages long. Simple exercise, but lots of measurements and off-site calculations. I was very pissed off with my lab partner for this sem - he was all the time blur, didn't do most of the work, didn't know how to use breadboard at the end of the sem, wore slippers, late, etc... How to work with a person like that?!

HW210 Technical Communication
The main objective of this module was to learn how to write a good engineering report, not so much about presenting oneself in front of a group of audience.

HG803 Technologically Speaking: The Intersection of Language & Tehcnology
Chose this elective as I thought it's similar to EE2008. Indeed some of the stuff within were exactly the same as EE2008, but this module focus more on the language structure. But I felt it's neither programming nor pure language analysis, making me hanging in the air after learning - don't know what was I learning about. But the take-home message is that due to the different language sentence structures, it's impossible to achieve 100% perfect translation by machine. First time I exercise S/U option.

MP4F02 Manufacturing Systems and Automation
This module was intended for ME students to take for their final year as a technical elective. At the same time, it was offered as unrestricted elective too. Took it as I had some interests with it. The first part was about prototyping, aka 3D printing. The prof, Prof Chua Chee Kai whom I think is quite famous now as 3D printing now really caught world's attention, taught this part and there was a trip to visit those huge 3D printing machine. There is one of them looked very similar to the good old inkjet printer! The second part was ok, but not as interesting as the first one. Also S/Ued this.

Year 2 Semester 2
EE2002 Analog Electronics
This is most likely the killer year 2 module for all students. Just the look at the lecture notes, formulas and diagrams all over the page, some even squeezed into the slide, see liao also *eye-roll*. Studied about BJT and MOSFET. Basically these 2 devices are enough to make our mind confused. It's not only on/off that simple, but also different regions of operations. The analysis is not very difficult, but the almost infinite combination and configuration of devices in the circuit and the forever long calculations were enough to scare people away. Still remembered Yong Rui didn't calculate the numerical answers but instead wrote down all the steps in algebra and still manage an A-. That's the power of bell-curve moderation liao.

EE2003 Semiconductor Fundamentals
Quite content intensive for a starter module. Prof Ng Beng Koon spoke really fast at bullet speed while we were trying hard to catch what he's saying, afterall the contents were new to us. Calculations were much simpler but theory-wise it's difficult to understand sometimes, especially the energy-level diagram. During exam, the paper didn't provide the bandgap voltage of silicon and caused a bit of uproar amongst us. In the end, I only provided qualitative analysis because I didn't have the necessary number to work on. After that, heard that the bandgap voltage of silicon was something that we were EXPECTED to know.

EE2005 AC Circuits & Machines
This module is light and kinda complement the heavy content of EE2002. Learnt 3-phase, AC motors and transformers. I'm lousy at the 3-phase thingy. For exam, knew how to do all questions except for question 3 where transformer was asked. I thought I knew, but I realised it's not I expected.

EE2007 Engineering Mathematics II
Again, this is another favourite module and it's the last maths module I took for the whole uni course. It had some of the more abstract topics such as linear algebra, complex number analysis and vector calculus which is quite matrix related. However, a little careless mistake I had didn't get me the A+ I wanted. Result still good though. Also, the exam paper fell on the voting day and the examination officer announced that candidates could take the shuttle bus to major MRT stations around Singapore to make it in time to cast their vote during 2011 Singapore General Election.

EE2010 Signals & Systems
This module wasn't difficult, but the hardest part lies with anything related to fourier transform. Afterall, EEE engineers are interested in the frequency spectrum rather than the time one. Guessed maybe Prof Ma Kai Kuang didn't like students kept talking during his lectures then during exams, he chut stunt - the questions from him were so difficult. One of them needs to prove the pulse train using fourier transform (people already struggling with fourier transform) then last question was somewhat funny but was actually do-able if one could understand the question. Everybody ‘中招’ and was cursing and swearing lol... It's deal or break for the 2 questions. If can do, A+ wasn't a problem. If can do 1 question I think A/A- wasn't a problem liao. I didn't manage to finish the last question...

EE2072 Laboratory 2B
Same as EE2071. This sem's lab partner was so much better than last sem one. Ohh~ What a relief! Report was on L226 Semiconductor Parameter Measurements.

EE2079 Design & Innovation Project
Formed up a team with Yuan Sheng's poly mates - I'm the only JC ppl there. Back in sem 1, we first looked for Prof So Ping Lam but got rejected. We then find Prof Choo Fook Hoong instead and he agreed to take us in. Both of them happened to be the sem's EE2005 lecturers. Then somehow, the prof wanted us to be involved a project which was to convertHowever, The project involved modifying a electric 4-wheeler bike into something that requires the physical input from the rider and takes power from solar panels. Programming with the LCD really was no joke IMO, perhaps I wasn't naturally inclined to do programming in first place. Nonetheless, I must really respect the dedication and profession they put into the project and realised how left out I was when comes to hands-on. This is one major disadvantage of the JC education.


Year 3
Year 2 was really an exciting year and for the first time I went out with Nicholas to study together for exam. That's when my results started to improve bit by bit. Now the GPA would've been 4.49, 0.01 short of 4.50! Argh... Since I'm already here, might as well work for first class... 已經無回頭路了…… So the moment school started, I put in all effort I can to get better result.

Year 3 Semester 1
EE3001 Engineering Electromagnetics
This module has the most number of formulas I guessed. On top of that, need to visualise in 3D. Worst of all, most of the calculations involved complex numbers and there was integration in 3D! Imagine taking square root of a complex number. Luckily I bought the fx-991ES calculator in year 1 which can do complex numbers at ease. Smith chart is a genius invention and a powerful tool to calculate the transmission. Happy that I got A+, guessed I scored full marks for it. Hehe^^

EE3002 Microprocessors
Easiest module of all and because it was simple, it was hardest to get A/A+ - everybody could do the exam paper and passed with flying colours. Exam questions didn't change much, so it's predictable during my turn. So a little careless mistake will drop to A- or below. The programming was somewhat easier than I thought and we learnt other stuff example timing issues, memory addressing etc. Towards the end, Prof Chan was really humorous which liven up the mood to learn lol...

EE3003 Integrated Electronics
Another killer module, but IMO, I don't think it's so much more difficult than EE2002. Actually, I find it a little bit easier to digest the information. Once understand, they don't pose an issue during exam liao. I thought Prof Yvonne Lam taught quite well, at least she can relate the concepts to something else which we can understand easily. Prof Zhang Yue Ping's part even easier! Got attend his last lecture he would have given some tips, totally spot-on! LOL~ Spent most effort in this module, but in the end only got A. Those pros are really pros.

EE3012 Communication Principles
3 lecturers taught this module and I don't find it difficult, maybe need a bit of time to understand. And through this module began to realise that I kind of like communication modules - I could understand the analog and digital ways to communicate well! From analog to digital communications to sampling theories to modulation schemes, at least they were not so hard as pure electronic modules. Forgot to bring watch into exam hall and I was very far behind from the exam hall front where the clock was located (Hall A). So I did the exam paper real fast, probably finished it in about slightly more than an hour LOL~ Lots of time to recheck the answers. I guessed I scored full marks(?) for this paper? LOL...

EE3013 Semiconductor Devices & Processing
This was essentially a revision of EE2003 with the second part introducing the fabrication process, those etching, deposition, lithography technologies. Prof Tay Beng Kang was kind enough to give out the tutorial solutions to aid in the revision. Also did quite fast in exams lol...

EE3071 Laboratory 3
Same as EE2071/EE2072. Report was on the topic L312 Analog Circuit Design which was really easy. No need to hands-on but rather draw out the circuits on the computer and ran simulations. Got the results and put them in the report.

EE3072 Project
Really don't like this module because it's all programming! Ranged from JAVA to hardcode machine programming. And it's via this module I got to notice this guy called Kang Yang who was expert in those programming. He was big-sized so it was quite noticeable and everytime he left class really early caught my attention - how come he so skilled at programming... and studies... he had been on dean's list every year! Didn't did well for it but at least had some exposure to what's programming like.

HC8005 Directed Readings of Modern Chinese Song Lyrics
Although it's UE and I S/Ued it, I really liked Prof 梁文福's lesson. This is the only module which I didn't stray myself outside classroom while at lesson - I paid full 100% attention to 梁文福. Afterall, I find him a bit familiar because I took up the O-level Chinese oral preparation classes which was conducted by his wife at the tuition centre co-managed by him and his wife! So I saw him before actually... I was amazed how 梁文福 analysed the lyrics and give them a totally new meaning! From those concise text can 延伸出那麼多的意思與領悟，實在厲害！Halfway thru the semester, I began to record the lesson down for Bay, 順便為自己收藏起來…… Because I S/U-ed it, Bay thought I could have scored at least A to help in my GPA, given that I was totally glued to the lecturer during lessons... 算了吧，S/U終究都是比較保守的選擇。

Year 3 Semester 2
This semester saw me working at ExxonMobil as Intern. Went to their Pioneer site for interview where I used to do my duties there. 回憶啊～ I liked its working culture, but too bad wasn't lucky enough to be invited to join their family. Actually I kinda looking forward to working... Hehe


Year 4
This was an important and busiest year of all! Because I need to work on FYP which stretched for 2 semesters long. On top of that, I still got my first ICT ever in December to go for. Well, looks like didn't have time for enjoyment le. At least the last few days of 2012 still got a bit of time to slack a bit and went celebrate countdown with friends on 31 December. Maybe they were sian with it liao, this time round with different people?

Year 4 Semester 1
EE4041 Human Resource Management
This one, I, together with the rest, really disliked it. Found the tutor (happened to be the lecturer) a bit fake. On surface he said I presented the slides well, but when results came out, I only got B. I didn't perform so badly during exams leh as I did studied for it and could do those questions. 會的都會，不會的大家也是不會啊…… So the only thing that could pull the grade down was the presentation. On top of that, the rule said everyone must turned up for tutorial in business suit, whether or not they were presenting for that day. Really sian. But I was quite surprised that Max did so well for this module.

EE4303 Mixed-Signal IC Design
This module only 2 AU and is mostly involved hands-on stuff. Everyone had to pair up and do the exercises and the project (used as assessment as 1 AU, the examination is worth another 1 AU). Exam wise, only 1 question worth 100 marks. But each sub-question could worth from 20 to 40 marks and they were somewhat easier than those core modules. The very last question only ask for qualitative answer, I went on to do the numerical calculations. Only then realised I was stuck halfway. After the exam, then I knew how to do it, it was so simple. 有時候教授要的東西是很簡單的，我們學生卻複雜化……

EE4341 Advanced Analog Circuits
This was the upgraded version of EE2002/EE3003! Was the very first lesson for this semester and I was late 'coz I couldn't locate where was TR103?! I thought it was at NBS level 1 there but was wrong. Went up and down, rushed here and there and was late for the lesson for about 10 mins. And the moment I sitted down panting, the lecturer Prof Ng Lian Soon already gone into the topic and start introducing new fomulas for the low-pass filter when the rest probably still giving introductory speeches! Aiyoyoyo... Mind blocked during exam so didn't do well despite spending the most effort for it.

EE4648 Flat Panel Display Technologies
Another module I took for own interests. Got ang moh lecturer! Finally understood how LCD, OLED, plasma displays work. But exam wise, I don't why I got the grade when I felt I did quite well for it leh?

ES8001 Natural Hazards, Climate Change, and Society
This is an UE, which taught by all ang mohs, took away a lot of our time as if we had only this module for the whole sem! One week one 3-hour lesson. Each lesson splitted into 3 one-hour lessons. There was a quiz before and after each lesson and they all counted towards the CA! Each week already done 6 quizzes liao. Had to read the extra materials and videos posted on edveNTUre to prepare for it. Still remembered I woke up at 6.30 am just to digest the information before the quiz on that day T.T Maybe this was the American style of education they were talking about - students have to constantly and vigorously do their revision and tests kept coming out every now and then. A lot of contents too!

HW0310 Professional Communication
Splitted into 2 parts - resume/cover letter writing and oral presentation. Topic I did was on Taobao/Alibaba. I didn't blame Chun Xu for using vulgarities every now and then when the other 2 teammates not around. Really, I was too very fed up with that girl and guy - 不是遲來早退，就是懶惰，什麼鬼都沒做就上陣去present. Saturday supposed to meet up and do the slides and rehearse for the real thing. Me and Chun Xu already sacrifice the previous time to come down to NTU, especially Chun Xu when he lives at Yishun. Instead counting themselves lucky to stay in halls, they both were late and the guy said he needed to leave early! #^%&*(!$ 真的啞口無言去…… 遇到這樣的隊友不氣到爆炸才怪！I really followed the tutor's advice and included the pointers when I do my resume now. But somehow, luck wasn't on my side when I'm looking for job now.

Year 4 Semester 2
EE4040 Engineers and Society
On surface it's call ENS, but I think this is a history lesson which we engineering students had trauma. This is also the only module which local students definitely had a big advantage over those foreigners! Because the modules introduced Singapore history, from Raffles founded Singapore to British governance to self-governance to independance. Didn't do well for report (did well for my part though) and got to redo and couldn't get at least A-. :( The guy lecturer was very fussy about our work and pointers. We were not majoring history why torturing us with that high standard?! T.T At least Jessica Ng was better. Tiagong the guy was strict with report but lenient with presentation but Jessica Ng was the other way round. But the engineering ethics I thought it would be quite beneficial when we started working ba. Exam got to write long essays for the guy lecturer's part, but for Jessica Ng's part it was managable.


EE4079 Final Year Project
Project was 'Digitally Assisted Low Dropout Linear Voltage Regulator'. Way before I start my FYP, Prof Siek already asked me if I want to do FYP which I was reluctant. Learnt almost everything myself, including the software Cadence. The project itself was ok, but frustrations always came when my simulations result didn't come out the way I want. Also a lot of times when I did nothing at the lab. Slowly, the lab became my venue for revision. Often stayed until 11-12 pm then go home feeling tired, sometimes having instant mee as dinner at late as 1 am! And so coincident that Prof Ng chosen this project as the examiner. 其實我還蠻怕他的，因為他腦筋轉很快，怕回答不到他的問題…… Max got scolded by Prof Ng during the project demostration but I felt it was ok, maybe preferential treatment? The finale oral presentation was held at LT23, I gave the first and last presentation at a LT with Prof Siek, Prof Ng and Jeremy as the audience! Felt like I was a lecturer lol. Luckily the effort put in wasn't wasted :)

EE4188 Wireless Communications
Took this as for interest as I felt I had a flair to study communication module. LOL... Didn't know Prof Soong Boon Hee was somehwat a relative of sec sch classmate Mie Lin?! Prof Peter Chong taught cellular systems which included frequency reuse concept, interference, cell splitting etc. And they had a lot more calculations! But got to admit, I did a bit wrong for his part. Thanks to EE4304, EE4341, I understand what does the gain in dB actually meant which helped me a bit in one of the exam questions. Gotten the only A for this sem - realised that a lot of people only chiong their FYP in final sem, causing less time to study for core modules. No wonder my sem 2 result was better than sem 1 lo.

EE4304 Radio Frequency Integrated System Design
This is a totally RF design module and I had no idea what I was doing at that point of time. I just merely follow what others were doing. Even the simulations did not make much sense to me. This was first time Prof Zhang Yue Ping taught this module, so had no idea how he will set the exam question. But luckily the exam was open-book and I happened to notice that the question styles didn't change much over the years, so I made solutions on my own and brought it together with PYPs and lecture notes into exam hall to 博一博. Indeed,

EE4344 Analysis & Design of Integrated Circuits
Although the stuff learnt here were more or less learnt before in year 2/3, but the exam paper was most epic ever. For the first time I felt so unconfident about it, almost every question I couldn't finish it or anyhow do. Maybe it's the last paper, already no mood in taking the exam liao, haha! The question that asked about input resistance and output resistance was really difficult and I wondered who would have gotten the answer right. Wouldn't be surprised if Kang Yang or Mei Lei got it though. Luckily this I still got B+, maybe all of us didn't really do well for it ba.

EE4839 Fibre Optic Communications
First half taught by Korean lecturer Prof Yoo Seung Woo. Chatted with him even before first lesson, found him quite friendly wor. Scared to leak some Korean words out later found out by him I got learnt Korean lol... Overall, it was an enjoyable module. The pace was ok actually but the exam was epic! First time taking exam on top of the medical centre. Still remembered that we tried to bargain/hint to include more calculation questions than theory types before the exam. So both lecturers set the questions until each and every question required calculations after explaining the theories/concepts. It was so vigorous, tedious and tough until all of us couldn't finish the paper!!! But the result turned out quite well, heehee~

Outing with JX and WX: Ender's Game

JX felt bored yesterday and he wanted to ask me out for a movie or chill. But it was noon time when he asked, a bit late liao wor so I was a bit relunctant to go out. Nonetheless, I told him why not ask WX who was in school after his class.

WX suggested go out today to watch Ender's Game lor. He even suggested 1pm show @ Vivocity. Left house at 10.30 pm and while on my way there, JX said who late who treat the lunch. So in the end...

I reached the earliest and he's latest!! Haha!

*Saw Jer Wei and the ex-lunch mates at HarbourFront Centre while walking towards Seah Im. Think they are going towards the food court above. Didn't greet each other though...

Lunch at Seah Im hawker centre. I had my $3 lor mee (had been patronizing this particular stall when I was an intern) and they bought yong tau foo. Looked good for the food they had! Probably I could try it next time.

About the movie. I felt something was lacking in the 2-hour movie. It was doing well, but somehow I can't describe what was missing. The story centred itself around a teenage boy named  Andrew "Ender" Wiggin who was very intelligent and was on a mission to destory the aliens - by launching a war with them. The initial rounds were simulations where the army led by Andrew and his group of fellow teammates had to fight and win off the aliens. The twist came when the commanders didn't tell him that the last round was the real battle. Feeling betrayed, Andrew was very angry at the commander. Anyway, he was still given the rank promotion. Towards the end, he looked for the alien and promised to find another planet for the aliens. Perhaps he felt that the aliens didn't have a very evil intention to destory human mankind afterall.

Felt that perhaps the movie could 交代 more stuff - the main lead's sister only appeared twice! - but that would mean a longer film.

Damage: $7 (學生優惠價)

After the movie, went to Daiso to help mum look for some stuff. Then walked walked around Vivo and HarbourFront Centre, nothing much to see actually. Cold stone creamery just opened a new store in front of GV! Another chilling place to go to~

In the end, we went to shop at Giant! JX bought some groceries while I swept 10 pepero snacks, 5 for $3.95, left last few days for the offer liao. Bought the danish pastries too! We shared the food and chit chatted a bit before head home at about 6 pm.

Also bought the cheese sticks, 2 boxes for $1.99.

*Heard from them PG 毒到鬼, don't care own buddy - didn't talk at all ds. Not weird meh?

*Weird uncle who blasted music through the loudspeaker...

不得不承認這幾天都有這樣的想法——現時狀況確實有改變我一些，感覺回到比較樸實的我，像還是學生的我吧，都不會要求很高的物資上的享受。之前可能會想要出門啦、吃好料啦、出國啦、買東西啦，如今我不會對它們那麼期待了……

本來想要買一台monitor的，由於手頭緊，最終打消念頭了。電影呢，我覺得看不看都無所謂，所以現在可以避我都盡量避，開銷不小咧！再來就是吃，之前還會想蒞臨餐館上咖啡廳吃好料和下午茶之類的，可是現在我偏向小販中心了。出國呢，短期不會出，所以沒什麼影響。但如果再這樣下去，我連出國計劃要挪後幾年了。雖然說我很享受出國的日子也很期待下回出國，但是畢竟之前這25年我都能待在新加坡，就算不出其實我還好的，相信拖延一下下應該沒問題。

這些都是一些省錢方式，我不知道什麼時候才能對自己放鬆些……當作是為未來做好一些心理準備吧，一點理財觀念都是對自己有益的。

Crisis

Think I'm in a serious crisis now.

Given that still jobless now, is already a crisis. Now another crisis adds on, I begin to wonder if I happen to start work in Jan/Feb or even later, then probation period overlap with RT period. How har?

Most likely have to take RT on Saturdays so it won't affect my performance during probation period.

But my real concern comes in when probation period overlap with the ICT in June next year? Even if it's not, I don't know if this will affect any of the performance key indicators for promotion or whatsoever.

Imagine start working, soon after, I got to submit SAF100 to boss and look at his reaction. The thought of it is quite discouraging, saddening and emo. Oh well, 只能認命了……

新劇：On Call 36小時 II

Following PH and YB's recommendation on Sunday, I began to catch the show.

Didn't watch the original series, but still I can pick up things well in part 2. The story is about doctors working in a particular hospital and talks about the work, relationship (with family members, wife and also with patients), life etc...

Not to mention it's quite informative too as the drama will explain how a surgery is like by describing the procedures or educate public about the illnesses.

Theme song so-so only leh...

The language used also ok, local dramas I can't see actors using profound idioms, proverbs but I can see that in HK dramas, even if it's 時裝劇.

Overall, I think it's quite nice. It's realistic and not draggy unlike those 'fairy tales' from Korean dramas. HK dramas still have its charm over Japanese and Korean counterparts as it has more variety in the themes, from hospitals to fire-fighting to lawyers to even family. Japanese maybe still can but I can't think of one for Korean.

晴天霹靂

Was xyy talking to PG then PG said HH asked him any app that can blurred out certain parts of the photo. PG still making fun of it.

The next moment, what appeared on instagram and FB was the job confirmation letter HH got from MOE! Both me and PG were in shock, literally...

完全預料之外！

Just as I thought I could get a job faster than him, he was faster afterall. Guess 99% he will take up the offer le shuo~

I didn't work, all time looking for job and attend interviews. Already went for 13 interviews liao. Somemore first class, shouldn't it be very easy to get a job?! In fact, all people are expecting me to secure a job in a very short time, including myself too.

我自己以為的東西，結果是事與願違。我自己都不敢相信會這樣……

慌了。

Now can only saggy and emo one corner.

Gym session 3 + Freeing SG adventure outing with sec sch classmates

Gym session 3 + Freeing SG adventure outing with sec sch classmates

Had the 3rd gym session in the morning. This time round I did more repetitions for the dumbbells, 20 instead of 10. The rest of exercises were as per normal. So it's pretty routine. Lunch was lor mee ($3), don't really like it as I thought the amount was lesser than I expected. Bought the ben-kueh (潮州飯粿) for 70 cents. Quite nice!

Reached home around 1.30 pm. Only got to rest a little while before I need to go out again. 真是忙……

Sharon had this idea of getting everybody participate in some reality escape game. It's quite creative and new. Of course I agreed as I wanted to try it out myself. But previously in Sept because everybody not free that's why it wasn't realised. This time round 勢必一定要去玩玩看！In the end, we chose Freeing SG over Xcape as nobody has tried the former before lol. They should look largely the same ba?

The ones who attended the adventure outing were:
1. Me
2. Sharon
3. YB
4. YS
5. PH + her BF
6. Jesslyn

Supposed to meet in Bugis at 3.30 pm but only reached around 3.35 pm and I wasn't the latest to arrive lol. YS was trying to find a carpark lot. YB and Sharon watched the movie The Hunger Games: Catching Fire in the morning, so they already in town for whole day liao. James last minute couldn't make it. So only 7 of us came down lo.

*I don't understand why the comment was considered 'offensive', I don't mean anything unless you think it's something else or you think too much... 無奈中……

We were told to wait about 30 mins for whatever reason, so the whole group went to Taipei Station 台北站 as some wanted to grab a bite. I didn't buy anything though as partly because I don't want to spend $ on unecessary stuff and also I'm trying to lose some weight too, so eating less could actually help!

Then the real thing started. The game was divided into 3 stages with 1st stage having 2 parts. I was first to solve the 1st part of the puzzle, but also contributed to the 2nd part of it. Then we moved on to the 2nd stage where everybody was scrambling around lol... But PH and her BF were really quick in solving the puzzle. But it was me who found the key to the next stage!

The last stage somehow was slightly easier that 2nd one IMO. The colour code thingy was solved by both YB and I. Yay! We were quite fast in solving anything related to numbers. LOL~

Anyway, it was fun!

大家摸索嘗試解開難題之餘

不忘了擺pose拍照！

耶！成功了！

Within 45 mins we solved everything and came out from the room safely. Well, actually it's quite nothing. I feel that to successfully complete the mission, one has to be logical, think on the spot and out-of-the-box (i.e. if this method cannot, try another one) and have a clear mind. That's all.

Damage: $22.40

Because everybody wasn't hungry, I even had Japanese sweet potato before I left house, so it's dessert time at Dessert First (糖水先).

Again I didn't order anything as I don't want to spend $$$. And they asked me about my job hunt. TBH, I was rather shocked by the market rate they told me, only 2.6-2.8k?! No wonder I still no job now lo. But what I observe among my friends is that engineering graduates minimum should have 3k and that's my baseline too. Probably I'm too picky le ba, but still I have my set of principles to follow when come to job hunt. Still, a bit hard to believe seriously... Imagine FCH taking < 3k pay. Suddenly, the hard truth that now society doesn't emphasise on the results did hit hard on me le lo. Getting a job is real hard. :(

*I still putting my hope onto the previous interviews, hoping to get good news from them...

Then YB made fun of Sharon about the activating SIM card on the new phone. Recently she changed her phone from Samsung Galaxy Ace to iPhone 5S, which I think could be good or bad thing for her. The good thing is that it is easy to learn how to use the phone for someone who is not tech savvy like her, but on the other hand, she has to understand how the whole iTunes sync works! But anyway, she happy can liao. So the OMG part was that Sharon ordered the phone online and had it delivered to her house. After putting in the SIM card, she turned on the phone and waited. Knowing there was no network reception and she thought it's alright!!!! Until YB asked her how's the phone, then YB realised Sharon forgot to activate the card. Aigoo, she didn't read the additional notes that she needed to call telco to activate the line lo~

Next, we moved to this Thai mookata restaurant called New Udon Thai Food @ Golden Mile Complex aka Little Thailand, as YS suggested to have a Thai BBQ for dinner. Both PH, her BF and me walked from Bugis to Golden Mile coz we don't really mind walking than taking a taxi there. The rest went by YS's car. Oh well, I did feel quite awkward lo...

About the venue, it was rather oily but the ventilation was quite good. I don't dare to use my new phone and put it on the table, later become oily phone.

分量算多啦

那辣椒甜甜辣辣的，不錯一下的說

若不小心，肉會跌進周圍的湯裡面！

7 of us shared two pots with two sets of food. One set cost $39, not really cheap IMO. One interesting feature about Thai mookata was that the pot had 2 functions, BBQ and to boil soup around the BBQ area and they are joined together. So we had occations where the BBQ meat fell into the soup below! LOL...

The meat were marinated with some sesame oil and they tasted really good after BBQ! I quite liked it leh. However, I didn't take the 豬肝 as I don't really like it. In fact, I was quite glad it wasn't buffet style as I trying to lose weight now.

The Thai milk tea was nice, still sweet but a lot less sweet than the one I had at Bangkok Jam lo.

大家笑一個！

Towards the end of the meal, we were chatting what are the nice dramas recently on air. PH and YB recommended HK drama . YB recommended TW idol drama 「回到愛以前」 too. Surprised that Sharon didn't suggest anything.

Damage: $13

We separated and went home after dinner. Took the car ride with the rest, except for Pui Han couple as the car couldn't sit so many people. I don't mind taking public transport home as I could enjoy some individual space de. Just don't ask me to share cab home. Thanks YS for the ride! Reached home around 9 pm.

回程途中，我比較有機會跟YS聊天。由於現在他駕的車是2007年年尾註冊的，也就是說2017年要換車了，所以YS打算在2017年換去Honda Stream七人座多用途汽車。問他為什麼換成這麼大輛，而不是一般五人座汽車或小車，他說到時候已經是成家立業做爸爸老公的時候了，出門要載老婆孩子還有自己父母還有岳父岳母。也就因為這樣，他給自己大概兩年時間找伴侶結婚生孩子咯。好像很有規劃呢！

一個關於車的談話竟然聊到人生的未來打算去……

聽了他的回答之後，霎時間，我感覺身邊事物好像已經隨著時間去改變，而且還變很多！而我好似還原地不動。歲月真的是不留人，身邊的人個個開始有戀愛伴侶了，有些都已經結婚/生子了的說。不是說我沒打算還是什麼，找工作已經是問題了，所以我不可能去想那麼多。

*I don't really appreciate someone who takes things for granted, not as if he/she is entitled to it. I mean I don't mind if I don't get the offer, not that I die die must get the offer, but he/she is assuming things here. Perhaps, I'm right to withstand my viewpoint back then.

Was quite heartache when my new phone (< 1 month old) dropped on the floor! :(:(:(Was talking to PG on phone with earphones plugged in with my position lying on my bed. Then I felt quite hot and stuffy - was sweating away, so I stood up and talk. Then suddenly my hands gave way! First thing I noticed is that the earphones began to unplug itself, the next moment was that the phone landed on floor and is halfway separated from the casing! I picked the phone up and it was restarting itself. Then I inspected the phone thoroughly, and found the top right corner of the phone had some minor cosmetic damages, not too serious though. Sibei sian, got to live with it for 2 years... Not used to such big phones...

The only consolation I had was that everything worked perfectly - lucky the screen didn't crack!

Another thing to blog is that finally I have access to 4G network. Gone were the days where the maximum speed I have is 1Mbps. Did a speed test to see how is the 4G network at my area and it came out quite well, a bit slower than wifi that's all. Guess I won't use it unless I'm outside and really need to access webpage fast.

First Samsung update!

Just now did a update OTA on my Note 3. This is the first Samsung update I did. Hopefully it solves the bugs that I've discovered:

1. Keyboard lag during show up
2. 'User manual' bookmark couldn't be shifted up or down

Old firmware was MJ1

The firmware was 123.25 MB in size. Not sure if the upgrade via Kies will download the full firmware or not. It would probably be more than 1 GB.

After about 10 mins, it was done! Yay! Still 4.3 Jelly Bean though.

New firmware is MJ7

Have to observe a few days before I could make judgment about the battery life.

Meetup with Jordan: Running Man Korean restaurant + 味香園 + I am cafe

PG accidentally discovered this Running Man Korean restaurant @ Chinatown at Instagram on Thursday. After he SIC me, I got hooked on immediately. Jokingly enough, I said let's go to this place on Friday and he wqbx. LOL~ And to justify the sudden outing yesterday, we invited Jordan and JX as well. Of course Jordan is the main character for this gathering since I haven't see him for about 10 months liao. Hee~ Talking about this I forgot I need to blog about the previous outing with him and Nicholas when they both were back in SG in early 2013, but I leave it to future then post, course I have no content to write lol. OMG, backlog still can't clear finish... T.T

Since now not working, no work means no income, no income means go out have to try not to spend so much. Even for my transportation cost, I also trying ways and means to see how I could spend the minimum amount yet I could reach my destination. Last week I took the bus option to/fro vivocity and could save 46 cents. This time round I took the train instead of bus to Chinatown. Supposed to meet at Chinatown MRT, but I got off at Outram and decided to walk to Chinatown. Bus cost $1.63, train (EWL -> NEL) cost $1.60, train (to Outram) only cost $1.51!

Reached Chinatown before 6 pm. Saw Jordan and PG there chatting away. Jordan stated that he's back in SG not for holiday but for internship and he is starting work next week. Schedule is pretty tight and after 1 month working at an animal clinic he has to fly back to Australia, meaning he will miss 2014 CNY le. JX again was late (he said he didn't expect a traffic jam at Serangoon there!). Aigoo, he's the most free now, yet still late =.=

位於牛車水小坡的韓國餐廳

招牌真的用Running Man的標誌

不會被SBS發現嗎？

 

菜單做得蠻精緻的

First to get served was 김치찌개 ($12+). There were veggies, tofu and fish cakes. It's not too spicy, but somehow I felt the soup could be a little bit thicker to make it nicer.

김치찌개 (泡菜湯)

味道還可以再濃一點

Next it was 해물파전($19+). I liked this dish - warm and crispy! 진짜 아주 맛있어요!

해물파전 (海鮮煎餅)

這個好吃！

The last dish to serve was the main dish lo - 닭갈비 ($35+, rice $3x2)! IMO, I felt the sauce was a bit lacking in amount and the chicken meat could be cut into smaller pieces so that the sauce could marinate the meat more thoroughly during cooking. The taste was ok. The one I had tasted somewhat bland in the centre of the meat. And also the serving was a bit small, I knew it was for 2 persons, but I look at the actual stuff, I thought it was a bit small.

닭갈비 (炒雞肉)

這個應該是大家的最愛了…… ^^

Then we added in rice to the remaining meat to get 볶음밥 or fried rice in Korean. They didn't put seaweeds inside as contrasted to Big Mama, so my vote goes to Big Mama for 닭갈비!

볶음밥 (韓式炒飯)

The service was a bit slow. Could understand only one husband, one wife and one local helper to manage the whole restaurant. Guessed the wife prepare the dishes, husband cook or BBQ and the local girl helps to recommend the dishes and take orders from customers. We waited rather long to pay for the dinner.

耶！

Damage: $19.80

*Oh ya, saw Kok Kiat at the restaurant too! But he didn't see me and we didn't greet each other lol...

Next, Jordan wanted to eat some 'local' desserts. He recommended this 味香園 in Chinatown but was unsure how to get there from the current location. However, after some walking along Temple Street, we managed to find the shop at one shot!!! Haaa~

JX was super undecisive at what to order. =.= In the end, we had the banana chocolate 雪花冰 and green tea 雪花冰. The former tasted quite strong which was nice but the latter was quite bland. BXDS! But nonetheless, thanks JX for the treat!

 綠茶雪花冰

賣相不錯

但味道真的不敢恭維

香蕉巧克力雪花冰

這個味道還OK

右下角那些‘珠子’吃起來好像是魚卵

可愛的說

Damage: supposedly $2.75, but $0 in the end! :)

After the desserts, me and PG wanted to bring them to try out some cakes at a cafe. We decided to walk to Bugis, the last stop of gathering - I am cafe. From there on, JX kept kena bombed by PG. 他的話真毒！一路上有說有笑. Been reading blog posts from 2009 and happened to came across something - I wrote saying Jordan, for some reasons, quitted his holiday job after 1 month after he ORD. I didn't state the reason. I was quite curious after reading it and asked him what was the reason. Actually the reason was that he was somewhat discriminated, biased and overworked while working at a cafe near his home.

Talking about BMT, me and Jordan could reminisce the field camp where I made myself famous in front of the whole company. The part about Jordan and PG being called out by sgt was something I did remembered though. Pretty interesting and amazing memory!

The moment I saw the cafe - I am cafe, it was quite different from what I had expected. I thought it was air-con, enclosed and not too crowded kinda setting. But what I saw was open area, no air-con... Got to Q up for seats. PG totally saggy when saw the seats opposite to the cafe were in dark - not good for taking photos. But it's unique because I think it's halal certified

Then it suddenly rained! The moment of waiting + rain actually did dampen my mood towards the desserts session @ the cafe though.

*Finally that big group which chatted for so long was getting ready to leave. Got hope to get seats liao!

Ordered one fries ($6.90) and one rainbow mille crepe cake ($8.90) to share, while Jordan had busrahmint and JX got himself a mug of orange juice. Fries was normal, somewhat Carl's Jr quality. Then the crepe cake was so-so also. The taste was the same regardless of the colour and IMO doesn't justify the price.

普通的薯條

讓以為是truffle fries的我

頓時覺得失望！

Rainbow mille crepe cake

這個其實沒有我想像中好吃

Spent our time trying to understand Jordan's schedule. He will start his internship at an animal clinic in Yishun on Monday which will last for 1 month. Working hours is 10am to 8pm. After which, he will go back to Australia to complete his final year. So he would graduate December next year!

We walked to Bugis before Jordan parted his way - he's going to Boat Quay, JX parted his way - he took eastbound train to Paya Lebar before changing to circle line to Serangoon. Anyway, it's a rare sight that both of us got a seat on a night train back to the west!

Damage: $4.25

Nice cross section of a door lock

Simply amazed by how simple the mechanism of a lock can be!

Absurd job employment survey

Click on image for 100% view

Honestly I doubt this survey. Want to publish, at least check whether is it realistic enough and match to what we observe (see/hear) outside mah.

Like what Bay says, the survey was from jobstreet, the jobs there may not be just for university fresh grads. Also most likely the jobs that fresh grads wanted wouldn't be listed on jobstreet. So in one way, it may not be totally wrong. But at least it must match to the average level nation-wide mah.

啼笑皆非……

Most of people I know already getting more than $3000 per month liao leh and they are not even doctors. Doctors should be getting at least $6000-7000 per month lo.

Nice ads

안녕하세요 Hello Counselor

Recently hooked onto this Korean talkshow called 안녕하세요 aired by KBS every Monday in South Korea. The program takes in concerns written by the public and picks those who are airtime-worthy. One episode contains 4 concerns and audience has to decide if the concern is really causing a concern for the person who writes in. The winner or last week's winner gaining the highest votes from 150 audiences will take away 1 million won as the prize.

The reason why I was addicted to this show is because the stories are so absurd that I just want to keep on watching to hear what they have to say about it. They are more towards social, family issues and therefore could relate to everyone of us. Such stories probably won't appear on SG though. They may appear to be exaggerating or could be mocked up stories, but some stories have actual evidence to prove the point so I guess all the stories are at least 80% true.

The 4 hosts are funny yet at time they could rebute back to 'the accused' and pwn that person until he/she nothing to say. About the hosts...

Lee Young-ja keeps thinking about food, the things that she said on show also mostly related to food. LOL!

Kim Tae-kyun mimics a 20-odd years old girl's voice by talking in a high tone until the audience gets greasy with it. LOL... They call him 'Okhui' is coming out!

Shin Dong-yeop is another host on the show. While the hosts have the mindset that he keeps thinking dirty and relates those erotic stuff to him, but I don't really see he ACTUALLY HAS those thinkings leh. But nonetheless, also a funny guy.

Jung Chan-woo... Errrr... Other than being funny, he doesn't have any special feature for me to remember him lol.

I also like the computer effects used, especially the wind blows, leaves falling down and the screen went black-and-white. LOL... And also the vibration effect when something very absurd was mentioned.

The latest episode:

告別舊鞋 迎接新鞋

 今天這雙鞋子即將退役了咯

The outgoing new balance running shoes, which had served me well, is retiring today. It was bought from Clementi Camp e-Mart on 26 Aug 2008. The reason was due to the muddy field at the Padang caused by the rain the night earlier before the AHM 2008, otherwise the shoes are in working condition. I had no choice but to throw that away and buy a new one.

So it's 1911 days or 5 years 2 months 24 days old! Due to wear and tear (the bottom sole already almost detached out liao), it will retire itself today. It's a rare sight to see this pair of shoes nowadays because they keep changing the shoes for NSFs. After a few months after I enlisted, they changed the pattern but retain the manufacturer and model of the shoes, then some 2 years ago, they changed to ASICS shoes which I bought in July during my ICT...

青色的新鞋

美到～～～

Tada! This is the pair of spanking new shoes I got myself. I don't know whether is it better. Have to try running and season it then know.

一波未平 一波又起

Well I did mention that I prefer to complete ICT quickly so that I no need to go for IPPT/IPT/RT anymore. 但會不會太快啦？！Received the SAF100 just now stating next ICT is coming up in June next year.

If I'm working now, I don't think I have any problem.

The problem comes as I'm jobless as of now, once I got the job, 怎麼辦好呢？

Mermaid Princess 인어공주 人魚公主

去年尾韓國電視台SBS主辦가요대전(歌謠大戰)中，我蠻喜歡裡頭的特別計劃組合드라마틱 블루 (Dramatic Blue) 的눈물나게 아름다운 (Tearfully Beautiful)。

相隔一年後，我發現另外一組미스틱 화이트 (Mystic White) 的인어공주 (Mermaid Princess) 也是很好聽，就在此推薦一下。

Gym session 2 + cafe session with PG

Ever since the towel rule incident, I made sure I got bring a towel along to my 2nd gym session. And this time round as I wanted to focus a little bit more on abs and arm exercises, I did some exercises with the dumbbells - they were HEAVY!

The rest were kinda routine now. I tried out almost every workout machine. The end result was that my arms very fatigue!

Then got the chance to try out the weighing machine... Didn't know this thing exists in the gym, therefore I didn't get to weigh myself from the first try. Anyway my weight now is 67.2 kg, the BMI is 23.25. The Korean standard is BMI 22. Anything between BMI 18 and 23 is considered healthy, so I'm a little bit unhealthy here. Partly due to jobless. Then staying at home, nothing to do and eating snacks liao. Supper is the most evil of all, because shortly after supper I went to sleep liao. All the energy is converted into fats and stored in the body. Not very good lo. Diet plays a big part in determining the weight whether I'm overweight, normal or underweight.

My target is around 60 kg. That means I need to shed off some 7 kg, seems a bit impossible yet possible - unless I underwent BMT one more time. LOL... But I trying hard to get as light as possible without having to go severe starvation. Trying to eat a lot less rice/noodles now. Nowadays I scoop only half the amount of rice than I used to be on dinner occasions. For noodles, say instant noodles, I cook only 1 packet instead of 2 for those dry versions one. Also drastically cutting down on snacks liao and I try not to eat after 9 pm. LOL~

Exercise is also another factor to burn away the fats stored. So I force myself to go run almost everyday, depending on the weather, also trying to breathe in fresher air and better surrounding rather than staring at computer all day.

After some resting, went to JEM with PG. He bought some cheese wafer sticks from NTUC. Looked good. More on this later.

Visited and dined at Paris Baguette JEM branch for the first time where I tried out the Wake Up Jane bread ($6). The verdict? It was really really nice. Looks healthy as there are vegetables underneath the bread. But I hope the bread could be served a little bit warmer. It was really air-con temperature lo.

 Wake Up Jane ($6)

有香腸、雞蛋、番茄和菜

吃起來不會因為有蛋黃而覺得不健康

因為麵包保持原狀沒拿去烤

而且有番茄蔬菜

其實是蠻健康的

Next went to Starbucks. Dang, I forgot the stores outside are more expensive than school outlets. $6.80 for a small soy green tea latte!!! Wah, damn chor leh... But it's a nice drink :)

 Soy Green Tea ($6.80)

 比起之前喜歡的Dark Mocha Frappe

這個也是比較健康一點的選擇喔

PG saggy when the 13th cup redemption offer has ended. wq saggy去～ LOL~ Chatted about jobs, mousehunt. Too bad my phone died too fast. If not seeing the Gnawnian train 戰績 on mousehunt is very 緊張 one.

Party World karaoke session

*Turned down the job offer. Now awaiting for a more ideal job which doesn't require so much travelling...

Went woodlands to find Bay for karaoke session at Party World @ Woodlands Civic Centre. He xyy nudged me on Skype yesterday and asked me want go karaoke now or not. I replied 'siao' back to him. Where got so super last minute one, not as if it's la kopi session lol.

*Also didn't went out with HH as he initiated dinner/movie gathering. LOL~ 冷感都不想出門的說…… In the end, Sebastian, HL and ZX很給力，又看戲又18 chefs又Paris Baguette，開銷好大啊！好才沒去呵呵～～

Took 187 there as I thought now take bus or train doesn't really matter anymore as train moves so slow between JE and Woodlands, the time taken by either mode of transport should be around the same liao. Anyway, I want to sit my way throughout the journey. The bus went past Bukit Batok and Bukit Gombak, the scenes of learning driving suddenly popped up as the bus whizzed past roads of the relatively tranquil Bukit Gombak. Things didn't change much, just that the cars now upgraded from Honda City to Honda Fit?! That's even easier to learn how to drive 好不好？

I still remembered the roads that I took when I learnt driving under BBDC. Although I didn't remember the words or the route exactly, by looking around the surrounding I could vividly remembered the days. The instructor didn't take me to JE/JW or even Clementi, though I knew Edwin had a chance to drive to Clementi.

The junction between BB West Ave 5 and BB Road was wider than last time, something like upgrading works must have occured to this junction. Anyway 187 went back to the 160 route and continue until Bukit Panjang before take the BKE to go Woodlands.

As soon as we reached Party World, we discovered that the outlet hasn't opened for today's business yet. 3.07pm liao leh! And the business hours there wrote 3pm onwards. Bay thought it was 2pm, luckily I dilly dally dragged till 3pm. LOL~

Bay super high over those 五月天 songs while I picked those familiar songs to sing, without any restrictions. Songs from 林俊傑、周杰倫But my 嗓子沒開, had some difficulties with high keys. A lot of times 走音去, psps for Bay to 忍受我的走音。

$18.80還是不夠Neway JB便宜。

Dinner was settled at LJS. I went along with Bay's suggestion to order Crispy Chicken Delight ($5.90). It included fried chicken drumstick, chicken fillet, fries and coke. A bit disappointing is that there wasn't any those 一粒一粒脆脆的東西. Quite different from LJS I used to know. Anyway I seldom eat fast food also.

Chose the bus route when coming back too. Wanted to take 180 as 187 detours around Gombak area, 氣到我的是180在我的187前面，根本到站時追不上180的。Then again 187 was quite fast too, reached home in 50 mins liao.

Catch-up with JX

Surprised that NOV called yesterday and wanted to make offer to me. After going through the interview on Tuesday and I need to make a decision by tomorrow. Dilemma.

Asked surrounding friends and they strongly advised against it, even Lizhi's friend's friend who turned down the offer. I predict most likely the job does not fall in line to my expectation lo.

Went Vivo to find JX after his interview at PSA. Took bus down as I could save on the fare. Surprisingly HH also went PSA for some port tour! And only from JX then I know that the interview process is something like this: port tour -> 1st round interview -> 2nd round interview. JX also said that his interview was 2nd round le. Oh well, hope everything turns out fine for him ba.

*I also hoping I passed my other interviews too. Micron didn't get back to me, guess chances are almost to 0%... T.T

Went lunch at basement Kopitiam while HH had his ebi burger at Mcd Alexandra Arc branch. I ordered 蜜汁炸雞塊飯 and JX had his Korean set meal (fish and chicken). Shared with each other about own interview experiences and JX gave his input on NOV offer made to me. He felt I should go for it, but my main concern is the travelling and bond lo.

*蝦米？！Kenneth Ng changed job?! From what I know, he should have started working on 22 July as some management trainee. So fast quit liao?! Now I think first job very important, cannot anyhow jump into the hole liao.

Went walk around Vivocity. I took a look at the new iPad - finally! Personally, I think it is a big improvement to my iPad 2. There's something I want to comment: the display now looks a bit more recessed into the device. The glass grown thicker now? I was hoping the display should look something like iPhone 4/4S/5/5S wor. Nonetheless, I will wait for the successor of this iPad as iPad 2 is performing very well with iOS 7, just that the display is not retina that's all.

Then, JX wanted to take a stroll at Franc Franc to look for a fancy looking box to safekeep the stuff brought back from his grad trip in Europe. While, I wanted to go Daiso to look for a plastic container instead. LOL, we have different objectives. In the end, JX bought a box from Daiso while I returned home empty-handed.

After done with shopping, we went to Ben 'n' Jerry for some ice-cream chilling session. JX quite impressed with my phone just that the phone is a bit too big, i wqxyy~ $16.90 for 3 scoops mix 'n' match was quite expensive leh. Was astonished by how things are so expensive now... Just wow.

三種口味：Triple caramel chunk, maple tree hugger, coffee coffee buzz buzz buzz

個人覺得自己選的焦糖巧克力口味最好吃了

嘻嘻！

一輩子都做不到的咯

Kenneth got gold for IPPT?! Wow, that's very rare among the NSmen liao leh... I joked that if he went through another round of BMT after our ICT in July lol. He wqbx hearty laughed hahahahaha...

Interview at NOV

*HH got temporarily confirmation for his general education officer?! 我都要aigoo去了說～～～

Morning went to Tuas South for interview at NOV. The only reason I could think of why HR could contact me was that I sent my resume to one finanical consultant's friend as I don't remember I apply jobs at NOV on my own accord.

*The feeling of going Boon Lay bus interchange had the NTU nostalgic feel to it. This time round it's 182 instead of 179.

The journey on 182 was a bit winding and I noticed the MRT works had already started along Tuas West Drive. 感嘆 really a lot of surrounding things are changing, it's no longer the usual SG I used to know of le. Got off the bus before I reached the former workplace I used to work during part-time.

The interview was more of one-way rather than two-way, kinda relief that I don't need to answer some tricky questions or even technical tests. But with regards to the job scope, I had some reservations about it - the travelling, i.e. the duration when I'm out of SG is a bit too long. How about my other committments? But I still observing see got other offers made to me lo.

Overall the interview was okay. Felt it was one of the better ones among the interviews I went so far.

On way back, thanks to the rainy weather, my shoes kena some mud. =.= Luckily didn't have to wait for 182 at these ulu places - the bus came as I reached the bus stop opposite of the road. The journey was fast also, nobody taking it at 10 am. LOL... Within 30 mins I reached Boon Lay Int. Just when I was about to decide whether to go see the new iPad Air or to go home, 198 was about to departure.

First time gym

The title is correct if the time context is after I ORD 'coz I remembered I went gym when in K9 unit before. It's actually an initiative by WX to force ourselves to exercise on a comfy Sunday morning to slim down instead of sleeping our way till noon time.

Met WX and PG at JE sports complex. Fee is $2.50/session, not expensive to be honest. Going by our schedule, work out once per week, one month only need $10, which is very cheap! And there is no duration limit, only valid on that day itself.

氣到我, I didn't bring a towel along when the gym has very strict rule on this. In the end have to fork out $1 to buy the towel. Saggy...

It was rather crowded, but not until full house that kind. Tried out almost all the machines, from threadmills, to stepping machine, to cycling, to those leg lift hand lift machines, except for dumbbells. My hands have no strength at all. Anyway, my aim is to get rid of the belly and my weight. I already suspect I weigh more than 65 kg liao.

After 2 hours of gym session, went to lunch at 347 market/hawker centre. Had $4 Penang char koay teow, very very nice and satisfying!!! What's more, it has only 500 kcal, i.e. low calories. Definitely a more healthier choice. Will come back for more.

 $4的檳城炒粿條

真的好好吃！

林俊傑時線Timeline世界巡迴演唱會

這是生平中25年來第一次去演唱會，所以超期待的。要感謝爸媽幫我弄到入場券！^^

入場券只有兩張，就跟妹一同去看林俊傑本人。出門前還在考慮要不要帶相機，因為之前有看到場地禁止攝影。可是另一方面又看到Bay要跟我借相機去看S.H.E演唱會，似乎好像又可以帶相機進場，所以我都亂了。最後還是沒帶相機去，第一次去就看看情形是怎樣的了。

爸媽驅車利用PIE載我們去室內體育館，途中在接近室內體育館的Sims Way遇到嚴重塞車。原來是沙石車在路中央壞掉……浪費一點時間後繼續開車要轉進Nicholl Highway，赫然發現入口處被封閉。在沒有辦法之下，又要繞一大圈經過Beach Road上ECP，但在進口處又塞車！原來是在Benjamin Sheares Bridge下坡那段又有車壞+車禍……

……

真的無言去。原本早到變成擔心會遲進場。後來在Fort Road轉進Tanjong Rhu Road就到室內體育場，感覺外面沒有很多人——他們應該都進去就坐了。好才演唱會還沒開始的說，所以比較欣慰一點。過一下子後演唱會就開始的說，呵呵！

第一首獻唱歌曲是「靈魂的共鳴」，曲子蠻好聽一下的。本來我不知道歌名是什麼，直到隔天妹在找出演唱會唱過的曲目才恍然大悟。聽了原曲之後，發覺演唱會版的比較好聽喔，呵呵……

過後一系列耳熟能詳的歌獻唱出來，大家都在一個很熱騰騰很歡樂的氣氛下度過2013年11月9日。不過中間有一段幾首我連聽都沒聽過的歌，差一點就冷場去。這次演唱會比較注重較新的歌曲，比如修煉愛情、飛機、小酒窩、黑闇騎士等。

喔，還有脫衣秀！哈哈！林俊傑裸著上半身一下子就離開舞台跑去後台的說，應該整首歌裸上半身嘛，許多女粉絲大飽眼福到夠本。

孫燕姿擔任特別嘉賓，這個有驚喜到我。除了跟林俊傑合唱她負責作詞的「她說」，她還獻唱「逃亡」。聲音跟錄製的好像有一點不一樣，不懂是不是麥克風的緣故。我原本以為Hebe田馥甄或者阿信會來助陣。Hebe出席的機率應該蠻低的，因為上個禮拜S.H.E才來新加坡開演唱會而已，而阿信有在「黑闇騎士」對唱，所以以為他會來的。

除了孫燕姿，特別來賓還包括林俊傑一家人……林俊傑還跟哥哥一起唱「飛機」呢

最後以一千年以後收場，結束這個蠻成功的演唱會。

開場前的模樣

已經是人山人海了

鐳射效果

個人覺得有時用太多會有反效果

而且很刺眼……

藍色主題還蠻美的

聚光燈打在林俊傑身上

他就是今晚焦點！

背景不錯下

白燈光效果，美！

跟哥哥林俊峰一起唱「飛機」

背景出現他們兒時還有成長的相片

這時來個橙燈光效果

當晚孫燕姿擔任特別來賓

一起唱「她說」

聊天時，孫燕姿大讚林俊傑才華洋溢

演唱會進行期間，看到很多工作人員站崗在最貴也是最接近偶像的觀眾座席，原因是有些人會偷帶DSLR單眼相機進場攝影。結果被我看到有人被工作人員請出去場外，取出相機才能再次入場。但他們不能禁止現在主流的有相機功能的手機，所以大家都是用手機拼命拍。我呢，我要喊，卻聽不到自己的聲音，因為聲響很大聲，這也就是演唱會該有的特色。在音樂渲染整個室內體育場之下，聽林俊傑唱歌感覺真的不錯。

比較遺憾的是，我想聽的西界、被風吹過的夏天、自由不變這些稍微舊一點點的歌沒有唱到。啊～可惜咯。如果幾年前辦的演唱會我有去的話應該多好啊～只能遺憾中……舞台的設計，那個有水的部分算有一點驚喜又有一點創意。可是比起我看過其他的舞台設計真的不錯咧。像是韓國電視台在年杪主辦的가요대전（歌謠大戰），舞台設計完全贏林俊傑的演唱會。而且只是電視台而已hor，林俊傑的是演唱會門票都不便宜了，所以當然會認為自己開演唱會的水準高一些。整個背景都是屏幕，比起林俊傑的一小部分真的覺得電視台很看重這個節目，出手也闊綽。

*不知不覺對演唱會有一點欲罷不能，中毒上癮的跡象了。如果五月天/蕭敬騰/S.H.E來新加坡開演唱會，我想我應該會去支持他們。如果換是韓國歌星來呢？