joie de viv-re

Saturday, April 28, 2007

Long weekend.

I'm not sure why, but when I'm in camp I never seem to fall sick, and the curse of fever has befallen me on my free day again. Its a long weekend all the way till Tuesday before a crazy 5 weeks which will challenge us mentally and physically. The weather has not been helping either. The 2 days wandering in the jungles trying our best not to "horlan" (going lost) was severely hampered by the thunderstorms. It was not the most pleasant experiences but I've still got many more field camps to come through. In other updates, I finally cleared the low rope for SOC! It was a wonderful feeling slapping my hand on the metal post and hearing the clang. Now I'll begin working hard on my timing. However, despite recording personal bests in my stations, I failed to attain IPPT GOLD by one chin-up! It was so disappointing, to come so close, yet not being there yet. Okay, enough.

Anyway, it was really a rollercoaster ride of emotions watching Manchester United pull back from 2-0 down to win the game 2-4 and pull 5 points clear of Chelsea with 3 games to go. Every fan senses the chance this season, and I really hope the team grasps this opportunity. Its been 4 years since they last won, and it would be extremely nice to have the Premiership trophy back at Old Trafford.

Reminiscence the past, cherish the present, look forward to the future with hope.
9:50 pm

(2) comments

Sunday, April 22, 2007

Edit: I'm trying to sort my thoughts out.

It Ends Tonight
All American Rejects

Reminiscence the past, cherish the present, look forward to the future with hope.
2:48 pm

(0) comments

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Long long way.

I'm so sorry that my blog is practically filled with me bitching about NS. Previously it was about studying last year. Last year when I was trying so hard to cram information into my head, I really wished I was wearing green and training to be a soldier. And I couldn't fathom why a friend told me to cherish the days I have in school. Anyway, we've got a $50 increase in allowance, which is good, though many speculated and expected $100. Anyway those buggers who have been enjoying themselves have finally enlisted. And what I heard is that they're going to get confined for a grand total of 18 days! If you happen to know any of them, do drop them a message, it can get pretty depressing staying on that silly island.

Today marks the 4th month of NS, with just 20 left to go!

We watched a slideshow of Meulaboh taken when they went over to aid in the reconstruction efforts. If it doesn't ring a bell, Meulaboh was one of the places in Indonesia devastated by the Boxing Day tsunami in 2004. And it was heart wrenching to say the least. And that made me feel really guilty about constantly whining about life in NS. I'm trying to stay positive, trying really hard.

On last check, I haven't been called up for any scholarship interviews as yet. Hope the phone rings soon. =(

How to save a life
The Fray

Reminiscence the past, cherish the present, look forward to the future with hope.
5:24 pm

(0) comments

Saturday, April 14, 2007

Blessed.

When my company is the first to change and walk out of camp, the feeling is just great. Knowing that we have a bunch of commanders who understand how precious every hour of the weekend is to us. The training schedule is gradually getting tougher and more packed. I just want to do my best, as far as possible, and hope that I sail through these 2 years without getting into trouble or sustaining injuries in the process. Hearing friends getting into my previous company, I know they're in for a bit of a rough ride. I came out from there feeling really bitter. I finally attained a Silver, and I'm one chin up and a 5cm jump away from attaining my first ever GOLD. Which would be worth $200 in 3 months time. Now, I really hope that through some miracle I can successfully improve on my SOC, which is horrid. And its been really getting me down, I hate to fail, but I've no idea how to succeed.

Anyway, accompanied baby to study, then went over to celebrate my Ah Ma's birthday. My hope is that she will one day become a Christian. I'm not sure how to comfort you, but I really hope you cheer up and look forward. There is still lots of time for you to do well, so just keep trying your best. Smile!

I really wished I could give it to you as a gift, but I can't afford. =(

Reminiscence the past, cherish the present, look forward to the future with hope.
11:09 pm

(0) comments

Sunday, April 08, 2007

Nineteenth.

Thanks for all the wishes and messages received. And especially to you for spending the day with me. =)

I love you.

Reminiscence the past, cherish the present, look forward to the future with hope.
8:09 pm

(0) comments

Saturday, April 07, 2007

Green.

Had my first outfield after a pretty long time, being in command school means many more privileges but also much higher expectations of standards. It has been interesting, the people here range from the really enthusiastic to those who are here because of their physical fitness. But with hardly an ounce of leadership potential. But I've really been contented so far, although I will always feel that missing out on OCS would be a missed opportunity I would rue in the future. Its pretty ironic, how we look forward towards booking out. And talk excitedly about what we're going to do this weekend. But when the weekends arrive, we spend lots of time sharing our army experiences with our peers. I'm really hopeful that come the next posting in June, I'll get something I want.

Was back in the unit this morning since we're on a long weekend and I had the morning to burn. Another year has passed and the unit will experience yet another handover soon. Despite my short time as a Cadet Inspector, it has been nice to see many people pass through the ranks of the unit, and move on. Some doing really well where they are now. Although I suppose the unit could be in a more ideal state, I think its something that can be worked on, and all is not lost. It may not be one of the brightest moments, but everyone in the unit has sufficient character to push on and press forward. With the postings due to be released, it will be the acid test of whether teamwork really exists. Or what has been seen till date merely a facade. A reflection of who can pick themselves up and strive more determinedly, and who will just raise their hands and give up. And hopefully come next year, they will each be able to state with satisfaction that they had a positive leadership experience. I'm looking forward to the day when I can go back to the unit, and I hope that by then. The unit will be higher than where it was.

It would be nice to begin the nineteenth year with a comfortable victory for the team I support. And then to be able to spend the day with the people who matter the most in my life. =)

Reminiscence the past, cherish the present, look forward to the future with hope.
11:16 pm

(0) comments

Sunday, April 01, 2007

Good week.

With a long weekend looming up ahead, it should be a good and pleasant week back in camp. The next date to look out for, 2nd June. It will be POP. And until then, I really hope I can get my IPPT Silver, and knocking close to Gold. And more importantly, passing SOC, my current weakness.

Reminiscence the past, cherish the present, look forward to the future with hope.
8:24 pm

(0) comments

Happy boy. (Manchester United 4-1 Blackburn Rovers)

Was not sure of what to expect when I stepped into my new camp on Monday morning. The start of the day wasn't the most ideal. It was raining, and there were traffic congestions on 3 different portions of the route. Nevertheless, managed to arrive on time with daddy in the driving seat. I got a rub of the green with my company posting. It's nice to be treated well after what I went through in the last few weeks over at the other side. It motivates us, to be treated and respected as individuals and future leaders-to-be, but hopefully we will not become complacent and lazy. The schedule for this 10 week course is packed towards the end, and it will be one field camp after another while Baby has examinations. For me, I guess it will be about us and the green becoming as one. Over here, looking at what your commanders have achieved can be pretty fascinating. The badges they wear on their chest, are a perfect reflection of how much they've gone through. I suppose, when people older than your dad actually runs as fast as you (or even faster), you know they are to be respected.

I'm really not aiming to crossover to OCS or anything. There are many more people over here who really deserve it much more than me. I'm presently satisfied with where I am. It may not be where I orginally set out to go to, but I hope to make the best with this. I've met quite a few nice people over here. Looking forward to a tiring yet fulfilling 10 week course ahead.

And hopefully, make it out without any of the bitterness I felt previously. Most importantly,

Not moving on to ASLC.

Reminiscence the past, cherish the present, look forward to the future with hope.
12:14 am

(0) comments