Sunday, January 20, 2008
Reminiscence the past, cherish the present, look forward to the future with hope.
8:10 pm
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Monday, January 07, 2008
Reminiscence the past, cherish the present, look forward to the future with hope.
4:37 pm
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Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Its been a really good break, the last 4 days. I met my church cell group members on Friday evening and we caught Warlords at The Cathay. It wasn't exactly worth the money. Saturday was spent back in the unit, observing the campcraft teams go through their training, as well as listening in to the Instructors' meeting, to consolidate the UOPA for this year as well as to plan for next. I really do miss the times when I was an Instructor in the unit. It was one the times when I learnt so much, and this experience would probably never be repeated. On Sunday I had the privilege to catch up with Ms Long and the rest of the CIs, past, present and even future. It was good to meet up with the people who once tekan-ed us, who worked with us. And also the people who got tekan-ed by us. Hopefully we can organise more of such meetings in the future, and the response would be just as good. Christmas Eve was spent at my Grandmum's house as the carolers from another church were invited over. Their singing was wonderful, and it was nice to have them around. We had Christmas service in church today and my uncle and baby cousins paid us a surprise visit. As with any Christmas service, it was special. With the choir performing, and witnessing the baptism and confirmation of church members. Before tucking into sumptuous food prepared pot-luck style. It was also a really good time to catch up with many church members since Sundays are always so packed and everyone's busy. It was a nice Christmas break all in all.
But its back to unit after 2 weeks away, back to the damned company I feel zero allegiance to. Sigh. Till Sunday, its going to be another long week...
Reminiscence the past, cherish the present, look forward to the future with hope.
8:47 pm
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Saturday, December 22, 2007
All i Want for Christmas...
Ipod Touch
LG KU 990 "Viewty"
Reminiscence the past, cherish the present, look forward to the future with hope.
11:03 pm
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Thursday, December 20, 2007
I was bored stiff today because I had absolutely nothing to do. And I haven't been this sick in quite some time. My nose is so blocked, I can't smell a thing. And neither can I taste my food. Before swallowing, the only thing I do is to feel the food. =x Weird experience.
Reminiscence the past, cherish the present, look forward to the future with hope.
5:33 pm
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Saturday, December 15, 2007
Exactly one year ago, I stepped onto the island of Pulau Tekong for the first time. As a young boy of 18 years, not knowing what to expect in the days ahead. Unsure of whether to embrace the challenges which lie in store for me, or baulk at the restriction of much freedom and regimentation. Its probably been the toughest of my 19 years of life. It has taken me out of my comfort zone, and forced me to learn to be independent and disciplined. It has made me grow.
Many times we complain at what we're going through. Many times when we're going through difficulties, we wish for a better life. But sometimes, its through trials, that the true test of our character is seen. When we're tired, when we have low morale. Are we still ready to lend a helping hand. To take the lead when others are lost. Or to follow when others show the way. I personally felt that I could have done better in so many aspects. I'm ashamed that I haven't been the Christian example I always hoped I would be. I tried. But I failed. But through this one year, I believe I've grown alot, even to know myself more. Know my strengths, and my many weaknesses.
My journey thus far has been pretty exciting, going through 10 months as a trainee and finally taking up a junior command position for the past 2 months. My NS journey began at Orion Company of Basic Military Training Centre, School 2. I still vividly remember the auditorium where we recited the oath of loyalty to serve our country. Then the most painful goodbye as my family and then girlfriend parted ways at the ferry terminal. Proceeding to the eerie bunks. Even till today, I won't forget how the parade square looked, the Ninja lecture room, the cookhouse. Most importantly, the ferry terminal which was everyone's favourite sight. I passed out as a trained soldier after 15 weeks of basic military training on the 13th of March this year. Happy, to have finally completed the first phase of army, yet eager and excited to learn about where I would be posted to.
I failed to make the cut to enter the prestigious Officer Cadet School, speaking of which, they were commissioned tonight. I was devastated, but I knew that I had not taken up leadership positions in BMT. Opportunities to do so had not exactly come my way, but I figured that it was part and parcel of life. My unexpected 'A' Level results greatly softened the impact of not making it. I had always believed that becoming an officer was the benchmark of success for National Service, yet I could not meet it. Instead, I was posted to School Of Infantry Specialists (SISPEC). The 10 weeks in SISPEC were probably the toughest I faced as a trainee. My Section Instructor formed a bias against me, simply because I could not clear my SOC. He seemed to be always looking for opportunities to find fault with another section mate and myself. 3 consecutive field camps within the final 3 weeks were also very mentally challenging. Life was tough, but it did help that my Officer Commanding believed in adopting a welfare approach. He set the direction for the company in a way he believed would bring out the best in the training soldiers. I passed out on 2 June as a Corporal, and was posted to Armour Training Institute (ATI). It seemed like I was set on the same route as my brother had been 2 years before.
A week later, lugging along my duffel bag with me, I crossed the exact parade square where my brother had passed out from as an Armour Specialist. It was significant, and I still remember the roar of the engines coming to life as the parade was about to commence. Yet, I knew what lay before me was a long and tiring course. With a duration of 18 weeks, The Armour Specialist Course is the longest. The sudden restriction of privileges such as canteen breaks and nights out served to demoralise many of us who had become accustomed to that lifestyle in SISPEC. On the 3rd week of the course, we were presented with our black berets, the symbol of Armour pride. The course, as expected, was tough. However, it was definitely more fun and interesting than what our counterparts at other vocations would have experienced. Afterall, we were operating machines which cost hundreds of thousands. The overseas training was possibly the most challenging phase of my army life to date. The 33 days away from home really made me cherish the loved ones back home, and enabled me to understand their importance in my life. The moment when we took the coach out of the camp would always be so significant. It was so sweet. After training for 28 days, we were finally about to taste freedom. I graduated from the course on 12 October as a 3rd Sergeant.
And the most significant would be.
Reminiscence the past, cherish the present, look forward to the future with hope.
10:55 pm
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Monday, December 10, 2007
I wish I could go to Malacca with my family. Sigh.
Reminiscence the past, cherish the present, look forward to the future with hope.
12:43 am
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