Sunday, October 28, 2007
I don't know when or how is this ever going to end.
Hoorays for Manchester United though, for tearing their opponents to shreds in the previous few games, scoring a total of 16 goals in 4 games. Their play has been exhilarating, and I certainly hope they keep that up with a victory away to Arsenal next week.
Reminiscence the past, cherish the present, look forward to the future with hope.
12:07 am
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Sunday, October 21, 2007
Been on abit of a depressed mode during the past week, learning about how life in a operational unit is going to be. But after speaking to many people, I guess its something I just have to accept, learn to move on and learn to make the best of my situation. Afterall, that's exactly what I told many people before. I'm hoping to become a Section Commander, and hopefully, give them and myself a positive National Service experience.
To those taking the Ordinary Levels tomorrow, all the best!
Edit: Returning from the first wake I've been to in a long time, it was a bit of a humbling experience. To re-evaluate what life is all about. Is it about just hoping the difficult times pass us by? Is it to become successful, to become rich and famous? When we reach the end of our journey here on earth, what do I want to look back on. I guess for them, its going to be a difficult time to pass, and it doesn't help that they're taking the O and A levels respectively. My deepest condolences.
Reminiscence the past, cherish the present, look forward to the future with hope.
5:42 pm
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Friday, October 19, 2007
With effect from 15 October I was posted to a combat unit. And like anywhere else, the first day was always the most daunting. With a new environment once again, a new system that you have to learn to adapt to. And it isn't always fun. In school (the army version I'm talking about), we are sheltered. Our privileges are restricted, but you know there's always someone to cover your ass, at least most of the time. And stepping into an operational unit, was indeed abit of a cultural shock. Because here, even as junior commanders, you hold quite a number of responsibilities. Failure to live up to them would mean an automatic three extras, or three weekend duties. Considering how we bitched about having even a single weekend duty before, I guess its the kind of life I'm going to have to accustom myself to- of burnt weekends. It doesn't end there, because there are men under your charge. And its not pretty. Its going to be a challenge, but I'm going to survive. I guess, winning a bayonet was sweet. Living up to it is going to be much more difficult.
Help me.
Reminiscence the past, cherish the present, look forward to the future with hope.
9:55 pm
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Saturday, October 13, 2007
12102007.
That's me, receiving my award from the Reviewing Officer.
My sister and me!
My parents and myself.
My brother, Encik Andy and myself. He was the course warrant for the both of us!
"The Golden Bayonet is awarded to the best trainee of each course. Receiving this award from the Armoured Infantry Section Leader Course, Ultra, is Corporal Chen Yixiang John."
"SIR!"
A moment etched in my memory, possibly forever.
Its been a memorable day for me, probably one of my proudest moments. It was possibly something I never expected 19 weeks ago when I stepped into School of Armour with hesitation about what to expect in the days to come. 19 weeks later, I stood proud on the very same parade square my brother did 2 years ago, together with the many batches of Armour Specialists who have gone before us. I still vividly remember the day, being awed by the roar of the engines as they came to life in the vehicle park, and made their way out onto the parade square. That was then.
Yesterday, we had an evening parade, starting at close to 7pm. It was nice for a change, it did help that the darkness probably helped cover some of the flaws, and that we didn't need to subject ourselves to baking under the sun as we had done so for the previous days during rehearsals. I hoped to be selected as the Parade Commander, but I knew my personal drills and words of commands were not up to standard. So, I marched out onto the parade square as the Contingent Commander of Ultra Course, with the total number of graduands numbering 64. My legs were shaking from the unusual experience of having tens of camera flashes towards us, with all eyes on us, not a mistake should be made. In the end, I supposed the parade went fine.
But more importantly, I'm really grateful for everyone in the course who helped me at some point or another, especially during our trying time overseas. Especially to my family and baby, for their support, being there for me whenever I needed them, without which this award would never have been possible. I thank God for giving me this award, which has been a really wonderful reward after 10 months in the army. Its been an extremely challenging time, but I pray that He will always be there for me, to bring me through these trials and mould me to become a stronger person.
Even as I embark on a new journey as a Specialist, I hope that it is with pride I lead. As my brother once told me, its not the Golden Bayonet which defines you, but you who define the Golden Bayonet.
Its been fantastic.
Thanks for gracing this occasion for me, and taking care of me today when I was sick. I love you, deep deep! =)
Reminiscence the past, cherish the present, look forward to the future with hope.
10:46 pm
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Thursday, October 04, 2007
It feels amazing to be back home. After being away for 33 days, you really cherish what you have at home and what we have in Singapore. Its on a different level. There were so many trying times during training there, so many moments of doubts in my personal ability, doubts in my decisions. Countless times when I lost my head when the situation called for a calmer approach. Its been difficult, but I've pulled through. The feeling of stepping out of the camp, after 29 continuous days of training was just incredible. Rest and recreation was fun, it was nice being a tourist after being a trainee. Both are like on opposite ends of the spectrum. We visited many beautiful places, and I thoroughly regretted not bringing along the family camera. I wouldn't mind visiting the country as a tourist one day, the food was good, the scenery was good. And the shopping was good. My regret was not buying enough, because they chose to limit our luggage. I also managed to go to the 89th level of the world's tallest building. The view was simply fascinating. Staring out onto the busy city which stretched out before you. Taxis seemed like ants crawling along the paths known as roads. It was picture perfect. Anyway, there is so much I wished I could share, but there's not much I can say. I'm just thankful to be back. I missed home and everything back home.
Our passing out parade will be on 12 October, next Friday. Its going to be a special day for me, as you'll find out next week. I'm too tired, so that's all I have.
Reminiscence the past, cherish the present, look forward to the future with hope.
9:27 pm
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Tuesday, October 02, 2007
More updates on Friday when I get my Off-in-lieu. Book in once again, but I feel so blessed to be back.
Reminiscence the past, cherish the present, look forward to the future with hope.
9:52 pm
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