A levels are over!!! but...

somehow a tinge of sadness too. I shall make this post short before I go off to emo =x

How should I put this in words.. Well I guess I'm really thankful that the As are like FINALLY OVER after all the dry hours of studying, burning midnight oil and being zombified during the papers.. but unfortunately this also marks the end of the JC2 year..

Well, I'ld say the depression comes from the fact that as JC friends, we won't be seeing each other as often anymore, and for some, not at all (other than results day... ugh). Well, friends come and friends go, we all know that from our course of education for the past 12 years or so... But how should I put it.. it just doesn't seem to be like the ordinary: "Hey PSLE/O levels over! Ahahaha we're free! Cya next time!" For quite a number of my friends, the next time hasn't even come, not even now. Well except for some but only with the occassional hi wassup conversation on msn.

I don't even know what I'm typing now.. My mind's in a swirl right now, so much to say but yet so restricted with every letter or word that I punch in right now with my fingers...

...

And I just stoned for five minutes thinking of what to write

...

And another three minutes... Well my SDone, my CF friends, my OG, my all the other random friends whom I made in school, thank you for making this entire AC experience what it turned out to be. I'll never forget the times where we spent together chatting/playing/studying/doing all kind of stupid things be it in college or out of it. Maybe the days we spent together may have been taken for granted, since we would be so sure that we would see each other again someday in school somehow, but definitely not now. Even if we do go back to school hoping to see each other, it would never be the same as it was when we were still studying as one cohort.

Indeed, God has weaved His plan so intricately to bring us all together at the same place, at the same time, for the purpose that He had intended it to be. This journey through the two years has left a huge mark on my life and I'm sure it has to for you. Still, life has to go on, we can't keep looking back into the past wishing we can be back where we were. But that doesn't mean we can't look back into the past and appreciate the sweet memories that we have built up in our two years here in AC. Hmm... I'm feeling a little philosophical over here...

...

I just stoned for another five minutes..!!! Maybe it is true that words are sometimes too inadequate a tool to express one's feelings: I'm certainly feeling that effect now. But well, to everyone but especially to SDone (yes I'm being biased here =p), thank you for supporting me through this two years in all aspects. I really appreciate all of you ^_^

Hmm, not so short a post, or is it? I don't know, I shall just stop typing since it feels as if most of what I'm typing is gibberish cause I'm really not thinking properly right now as you can see from this very paragraph where most of it doesn't really make sense so I should just stop typing this post for the sake of typing otherwise all subsequent paragraphs may end up being as monotonous, dry and meaningless like this one as if the previous ones weren't already and do you notice that this whole paragraph is made of of only two sentences?

Ok g'night people, God bless all of you abundantly =) Once again, thanks for making this whole experience such an awesome one =D

Exam thoughts

Just another random post cause I'm so BORED of studying.

Maths Chapter 18: Normal Distribution

The normal distribution is the most important distribution in statistical theory because it is a suitable model for a very large number of distributions of data. A continuous random variable X is said to have a normal distribution with mean mew and variance sigma square if X has probability function f(x) = whatever, where x is greater or equal to infinity.

Now assuming that I have a box of apples with mean mass 50g which is a large number in the eyes of maths, and standard deviation 20g, based on the graphic calculator, using normalcdf (-E99, 0, 50, 20), I am told that 0.6% of the apples i take out of the box, has a NEGATIVE weight.

Now isn't the normal distribution supposed to be a suitable model since weight is a continuous random variable where there is a probability that the apple's weight can go to inifinity due to variance?

Maths Chapter 19: Sampling, Central Limit Theorem

If X1, X2, ... , Xn are independent random variables, all having the same distribution with mean mew and variance sigma square, then the distribution of the sum, X1+ X2 + ... + Xn is approximately normal, for large values of n, (n>50) whatever the nature of distributions of X.

In other words, when applied to bio, stabalising selection, directional selection and disruptive selection will all result in the same final graph with a normal distribution since all organisms under considering are independent random variables, all have the same distribution and variance (since they are of the same habitat) and have large values (since non-endangered animals surely have a population size of more than 50), whatever the nature of their distribution.

Chapter 20: Hypothesis Testing, Example 3

To test H0: mew = 1.5 ohms against
H1: mew > 1.5 ohms at 0% level of significance (chosen by me since, by definition, if the level of significance is 0%, we will reject H0 when it should not be rejected 0% of the time)

Using GC, bar x = 1.52, s = 0.021213, t value = 2.108, p = 0.0513 > 0

Conclusion: Do not reject Ho and conclude that there is sufficient evidence at 0% level of significance that the wire is pure silver.

Now think about it. at 0% significance, you will reject Ho wrongly 0% of the time. That's better isn't it, so that no mistakes will be made. But wait! if you look at the graph, 0% probability means t value = 0. Meaning, regardless of whether you tested 100% silver 50% silver 1% silver or a ROCK, you will not reject it, because there is NO REJECTION AREA!!

My conclusion is that we are learning USELESS THINGS.

Ok that's enough. Back to learning all the nonsence

A levels....

are like in just THREE days... And this is probably one of the worst times to blog considering that my opportunity cost of doing so is my studying or the time I could use to sleep so that the law of diminishing marginal returns won't set in so fast tomorrow. Then again, I still have about 3x24x60x60+12x60 = 259 920 seconds left from the moment I typed this left to go before monday comes. So considering the time i have left and that my brain needs a break from the countless action potentials that are being fired when studying so that it won't get fatigued, I have decided to take a break off memorising the equations of the triiodomethane test, fehling's reagent and tollen's reagent to blog.

Yes I'm going MAD studying.

I don't even know why I'm blogging now when I'm supposed to prepare something like AQs and essay plans for GP consult tomorrow...

Well I guess it's because of the various things that have been going through my mind , the different things that happen each new day, topped off with Marc's email to my cohort about BS... Struck me quite abit. Here's a quote

"I do hope and pray that each and every single one of you are doing well and growing in the Lord even as you prepare for your upcoming battle. Even so, as you all face the uncertainty of tomorrow (and the exams), do remember that God is always with you, that He promises in His word that His rod and staff comfort us, and that His grace is sufficient for us, His power made perfect in our weakness. Therefore, in light of the knowledge that God of the universe, whose ways are much much higher than ours, is with us, then just do your best and trust Him."

Kinda reminds me of how my QT has, in essence, been: Hi God, I'm really tired. I just don't like studying. Exams are coming, help me ya? *some other random stuff* G'night. Amen.

So much for it's not about us but all about Him.

Perhaps it's time that I relook my QT once again to remove the self centredness in myself, to spend what really IS quality time with God and to leave everything else into His hands.

And indeed, I pray that even in the midst of the A levels and the stress and whatnots, my cry will be LORD, Your grace is sufficient for me.

Time to look at my AQs now =\

Prelims are over!!

Like finally hahaha haven't had time to post any decent length post... Was either busy mugging away or squeezing whatever play I could get wahaha but well.. I also don't know what I have to post now that the prelims are over... I mean.. it's mostly... *shock* papers. Just a short post I guess so it doesn't seem like I forgot all about this poor blog =p

Well, I guess the prelims on the whole were... decent with the exception of maths, chem paper 2/3, GP, econs essay... which is like almost everything so i guess they were average.

Well depressing things called exams aside.. I guess there is just one thing I would like to post about and that's God's faithfulness =)

Well, the prelims weren't very good either for another reason that my parents wanted me to cut all err "extra" activities... like CF, church, BB etc... and that didn't help much given that the prelims are periods where we usually need to purely depend on God's strength

But well, even though I was "banned" from cell, morning worship, church and all due to incessent nagging and disapprovals and whatnot, there have been chances for me to still return to God's presence.

I managed to go back on one Saturday to BB for a session of Bible Study and fellowship based on the reason I wanted to go support my juniors who were having their handover which was not only a stronger reason for me to want to go but also one where I could use to beg my parents haha

Second, I managed to go to all three CF sessions (inclusive on the one just before prelims) based on one reason or another

And of course, God has continued to speak to me during my shorter but more productive periods of QT at night.

All in all, it has really been amazing how God has sustained me during this whole period of the prelims even though there may have been obstacles here and there but regardless, He is always just a prayer away!

Two more days before I step into His house of worship once again ^_^

An important lesson learnt

And when the flesh fails you, all that remains is the strength that comes from above

Let us run with perseverance
The race marked out for us
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus
The Author and Perfector of our faith.

Hebrews 12:1-2


Amen.

Randomness

Just some randomness.. I was searching the net for the number of cars in the world for my GP essay and I got this ^_^

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/534170/guiness_world_record_largest_number_of_cars_on_2_wheels/

CF handover

It felt like it was only just recently when I was the one anointed with the oil by Pastor Moh Ying in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. There Carol was, washing my feet and praying for me.

Before I knew it, there I was yesterday, watching the J1s being anointed, washing Jotham's feet and praying for him...

It's really a joy to see the junior comm, personally picked by God, rising up to their position. From this point on, they would be the ones running the Christian Fellowship just as my comm did for the past year. What things they would learn, what experiences they will have, it would all be different, but definitely, memorable.

This journey for the past year simply passed in the blink of an eye. Countless meetings on wednesdays, meetings every Friday WUTS, REW, CF camp, PassionAC and so on... all these flew past so quickly. But through this one year, I have learnt many things, drew closer to God, participated in different events. God used every single opportunity to change me, whether using the people around me, through worship or otherwise.

And of course, I can't forget my beloved CF committee which I have worked with through all these. You guys are so awesome =) I may have come into CF not knowing anybody at all... Not even any of you before the first CF camp, but everything changed slowly but surely. After all the meetings, all the planning and outings, I have known each one of you so much more =) I'll just leave a short thank you e-note here for all of you instead of giving out hard copy like liz and helsa :P (mainly cause if I do the notes will be quite short as you will notice haha)

Isaac: The president! ... whom I didn't know until very very late after the CF camp hahaha But hey dude, obsession with PINK and bimboness aside =P You have truly led the CF well through all the planning, for vision casting and all. Thank you for your leadership in the CF and all your interesting stunts during meetings haha Keep your 10 o'clocks free ya =D

Helsa: The "Zai" vice-president haha As Skyler said before, you're really a source of inspiration to others... It's amazing how you'll never fret or despair even under the pressure of countless commitments or even workload. And also, thanks for keeping me company during all our common breaks at the CF booths and on the train too! (Even though it's only two stops..! =\)

Vignette: The Secretary! Not hard to remember the missing attachments or the fast moving pen every meeting haha ok stop suaning already =p It's also not hard to remember your sense of humours and jokes every now and then! And also thanks for all your words of encouragement every now and then =)

Skyler: The Logistics I/C! Possibly the greatest influence in the whole comm haha All the "bu care" and "which is like no ___" + the emoness has been spreading quite fast XD I remember you're one of the two people (including dillon) whom I first knew in the comm during CF camp.. Anyways, thanks for being my long time buddy haha and of course, for designing like... everything!

Liz: The worship I/C! and Skyler's hao peng you haha Come to think about it, I hardly talked to you last year lol but this year chatted quite a fair bit more with ya. Like mdm mentioned, you are a very steady person haha Thanks for all you have done be it worship, being there for others or even for taking all those candid shots/videos for us all to laugh at haha

Mel: The evangelism I/C! Hmm.. Violent... noisy... =) I better run away now. Ok la you can be nice at times haha And you're always running away from Gareth with me =x But still, thanks for your corny jokes here and there haha it really does brighten up my day when it's been a long and draggy one... and also thanks for planning REW with me!

Dil: The fellowship I/C! Never knew you and... ok I didn't say anything hahaha My first impression on you (during CF camp) was that you were really outgoing and that has made you a really good fellowship I/C indeed! Thanks for being there for me to confide in sometimes when I'm feeling low or anything. You too keep your 10 o'clocks free =D

Mdm Sophia, Ms Mai, Aunty Ros, Cynthia: The teachers/CMSs who have been supporting the whole comm throughout =) thanks for all your guidance and support you have given to the cmm non-stop! And specifically to Aunty Ros too for your dinner every Friday!! Haha a big thanks to all of you for helping us out whenever we needed somebody to help us out!

To everyone: Let's continue to draw close to God and also to keep shining for Him =) It's been a wonderful year spent with all of you, being instruments of God's mighty plans together as one body in Christ. Thanks for everything that everyone has done for me ^^ Everyone jia you for A levels!! Haha!

PassionAC

About 3 days late! I wanted to blog about this but didn't really find the time so I'll try to rush through this. Gotta study chinese oral for tomorrow ='(

Well... PassionAC was truly marvelous. God's presence was certainly there, without doubt. The worship was great, the testimonies were touching, the message powerful. From what I hear, Passion ministered to many many people, whether they experienced periods of spiritual dryness, apathy and more. God worked in ways as marvelous as before. It was really great and touching to see many kneeling before God, giving their all to Him...

.

The event itself, the planning, the publicity, preparation.... being Mr Henson Lim's slave o.O all put together was really a fantastic time. And indeed, if there was one thing I found out that night, it would be that worshipping God refreshes out souls! I reached home at 11+ that night... Usually I would be dead beat especially after a full day of school and preparation for something but after a night of worship, I was kinda... awake! Hahaha isn't it amazing ^^

Friends

"A friend loves at all times and a brother is born for adversity - Proverbs 17:17"

Wow.. Been quite some time since I blogged... I kinda find that blogging does take quite a bit of effort actually haha dunno how some people blog like literally everyday...

Well.. the past few weeks/months has been packed with tons of activities, be it tests, exams, camps, birthday celebrations, CIP etc etc. Just yesterday though, during my QT, as I was reflecting upon all that God had given me, it just dawned upon me that through all these things, pleasant or unpleasant, happy or sad, fun or boring, the people beside me were always friends.

What can I say? Back then in primary school, I was like super antisocial and only had like 2 or 3 really good friends... they were probably the only ones I talked to during recess and played with after school. Then again, I don't know if they saw me as one. During the holidays, I often turned down their requests to watch movies, turned down simple gatherings, meals and such. In short, I never really treasured them. Somehow what I treasured more was doing nothing at home.

But now, going through secondary school and on to JC, somehow through that road I came out of that introverted shell of mine (I was kinda shocked to see a big E for extrovert from the MBTI...) and made much more friends than in primary school. Started going out more, socialising more, and on some occasions even spending hours and hours just sitting down with my friends doing mindless things. Gone were the days when I would always be the first to rush home (if even I was ever out with my friends). Gone were the days when a simple movie outing with a bunch of friends was too much to ask of me.

Slowly but surely, friends became a major component of my life without me even realising it. The first time I noticed this was probably during my mission trip last year... Quite a long story but yeah, I can't imagine how life would be like without friends..

. Back to QT yesterday. Have you ever thanked God for the different things He has done, like how He saw you through a difficult time, how He made things turn out well even though there seemed to be no hope and how He is always faithful? I can give a tick to all these, but I asked myself, have I ever taken something for granted? Like.. my friends?

I've thought about it before, God gave us friends to see us through times of need, when we needed support from one another, when we needed to help each other. After all, they say that a friend in need is a friend indeed. God knew that His creations would need one another to live through life due to the many different things that are thrown at us. Be it a shoulder to lean on in times of sadness, a listening ear in times of distress, a simple smile in times of hopelessness, a true friend always will provide them. Of course, there are times when a pat on the back and a hearty laugh helps to cheer things up.

Now there is one Friend whom we all know too. A Friend who does all I have mentioned and more. I'm quite sure we have all heard this hymn somewhere somehow... Do you remember it?


What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the LORD in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the LORD in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Saviour, still our Refuge, take it to the LORD in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the LORD in prayer!
In His arms He'll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.


Indeed, there may come a time when our friends fail us, there may come a time when we are left alone. But we will all have one Friend who always will remain with us.

"A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a Friend who sticks closer than a brother - Proverbs 18:24"

Oh how many times have we forgotten that He is always there even though our friends may be busy with other things... Just want to say thank You LORD for being our Friend =) Not only are You our best Friend, You too gave us the many friends in this world. Thank You LORD.

Well friends, so many of you out there who have seen me through different times and are even still by my side today. There are just too many things to name if I were to list everything that you have done for me. But I guess I can summarise it all to one phrase.

(: THANK YOU :)

ROD

Once a BB boy, Always a BB boy.

To the primers of 07-08:

I didn't feel like sending out a mass e-mail after Wesley and Fab cause it would seem just so cheesy XD but still, I feel that I have to say something about my brothers who have been beside me for the past few years.

Four years of fall-in, four years of hiking, four years of camp, four years of drill, four years of punishment, four years of playing. I don't know how it happened primers, but from someone who disliked BB, I became one who actually enjoyed the times of hardship we spent together. The journey has been long, but you people have seen me through :)

Memories of the past 5-6 years suddenly flooded my mind during the testimonials today in the LT. Some were sweet, some were tough, some were happy, some were sad and and many other mixed feelings filled my heart, but one thing remains sure. All of them memories spoke of how the cohort of 03-06 and primers 07-08 became united with one another. How the closest bonds of friendship were forged. How brotherly love became true to each and every one of us... Up till today, I still have a memory of how I started off in the Boys' Brigade...

Somewhere around mid-year of 2003, I attended my first fall-in/parade in CV clothing when everyone was in their uniform.. I felt really, really lost. My first hike came soon after, coming as a not so pleasant surprise, only to find that it was followed by running to school in the full uniform. For someone who never wore his full uniform before, that wasn't funny at all.

I began to know a few of our cohort members then, started to think BB was a chore to attend, that I shouldn't even have joined some lame UYO... I was introduced to what was known as drill, parades and bible study. My first session was pretty interesting, especially since I was exposed to a Christian environment for 6 years in ACJS and wasn't actually one yet.

Jeremy: So Jack, are you a Christian?
Me: Uhh... I don't know.. half a Christian perhaps?
Jeremy: o.O Umm, you either are, or are not...
Me: Oh.

The 4 years passed by quickly. I didn't like the camps or the hikes and actually disliked BB.. In the first half of being in BB! There was a distinct change in the second half though. In Sec 3, I kind of discovered, hey, BB isn't all too bad after all you know... The years of drill, pushups and change parades were indeed tiring, yes. And as they say, life is unfair. Why does the whole cohort get punished just because ONE person is late? Just because ONE person has improper attire?

But all these did one thing. It united the cohort so closely.. Closer than we ever thought it would. Now, we can come together and joke about the things that have been past. About how we would do hours after hours of drill, how we stayed in push-up position for the longest time ever, how the camp programmes go 12.00 Lights out and 1.00 Defaulters.

It is true primers :) We have gone through all this together. All of you,once strangers to me, are now not only my friends but my brothers. I will forever remember all of you as my comrades who followed me through drill, camps, punishments and all. I just want to say a big thank you to

Adriel - Sergeant Head Prefect lol Suaning aside, you have encouraged me to give my best by just being the example since sec1. My fellow mission trip mate who gave me advice when I really needed it =)

Alex AKA Lua - You're always making sure I was fine every so often and keeping track of my spiritual life

Benedict - For encouraging me through different things and especially so for helping me through the planning of LTC when it was my first time being Logistics IC.

Jian Yang or robot - Your humour and smiles brightens up my day, not just me, but the cohort too! And of course, fellow ranger and DotArd!

Daniel Chng - First time I really talked to you was at some MG concert when you offered me a lift home XD My roommate for 11 days in Khon Kaen!

David Wong/bong - The person who runs from school back home at Tanah Merah. Another ranger+DotArd =D they seem to go together dun they?

Ding - Somehow a comic relief of some sort haha It's been great having you around all the time =)

Emil - My unofficial guitar teacher and one who leads most of the worship sessions for the cohort

Ethan - Known you to be one who takes things really seriously but still, you're always there for a casual chat

Fabriz - Whoo RS ftw! Ok that's like 2 years old. Been great having you by my side for so many years especially as a fellow mission tripper, ranger and Bridge player!

Ian - MAPLE LOL Haha seems most of our convo revolves around stupid things but hey who says that can't form friendships

Jerome - Somehow we became the J&J pair. Shan't argue anymore who is the first J haha but yup, you're always there by my side for all things whether stupid or serious

John Kao - Ok, honestly, I just realised that I didn't exactly talk to you for the past few years.. But that doesn't change the fact that we've gone through everything together in one cohort!

John Tay - Another faithful servant of the Most High. I've been encouraged a lot by your onness for God and you're one of the many spiritual leaders I look up to =)

Kenneth - The guy who looks either really serious or really high =p Been great having you as my mission trip group leader and a fellow primer too!

Kester - Wow, you've ponned 100 parades and you came for ROD. Still, you were there for 4 years! I've known you considerably well too

Yang Jian - The perfect comic relief of all time. You're always there to crack a joke over anything in the world and send laughter ringing through the cohort

Xunliang - Fellow C3 wing I/C haha Colosse ftw! Another of my unofficial guitar teachers and imba DotA player!

Noah - The guy who doesn't eat rice o.O How do you survive, I'll never know. Wake up earlier every Sunday you!

Russell - Our favourite timer ^^ Faithful in service and to his friends

Ryan - The guy who pushes people to not slack and to get things done! At least for the first few years =p

StevenS - Your lameness really removes the dryness in whatever we do. I'll miss your bombastic vocabulary even in simplistic presentations.

Timothy - Another of our common worship leaders. Seen as the "holiest person" and for good reason too =)

Wesley - Our beloved CSM. You have led primers through the 2 years, caring for each and every one of us, being serious when the time calls for it and joking with us during our free time. You've done a fantabulous job really.

Wing Hing/Wings - Another imba DotA player who's always teaming with XL. A really good natured guy who gets along very well with the cohort however new he may have been

Asher & Joshua Cao - The pair of drama people who I hardly see. You two always carry this aura of humour around you and is especially livens up parades

Amanda, Audrey, Christine, Evelyn, Lee Min, Min Kyeong, Petrina - All the girls in BB... Yes it was really weird, but still it has been great going through Primers with the new elements of squeals and giggles o.O

Officers - Almost missed out this. A big thank you to the officers who have sacrificed their time just to guide the primers in the right direction. So much has happened over the years, but to summarise all I have to say, it'll just be thank you.

Yup, I shouldn't have missed any other name.. I got all these names off the attendence list which the Steering Comm mailed out =p

Primers, it's been really great spending the past few years which all of you. Each and every single one of you made this journey as a Primer possible. Primers would never ever be the same if even one person was missing. Another big thank you to all of you for giving me such a great experience in life

From next year, all of us will be going our different routes. Some of us may meet, some may not. Many things will change but our memories as one cohort, as brothers and sisters in Christ never will. May I quote Fabriz in saying "Wars come and go, but Primers stay eternal". We have been united through the trials that we have faced but the unity we have does not end here. Even though we may not be physically with each other, we will forever be "One in vision, one in Christ, for all the world to see".

Once a BB boy primer, ALWAYS a BB boy primer