My Heart’s Still Racing While The City Sleeps November 9, 2008
Posted by Cai in Army, F.Y.I, Life, Rants, Thoughts.Tags: Army, Life, OCS, Rants
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Thank God, time is passing relatively fast, each day come to a stand still pretty fast. Except for those moments when we were left in our room undisturbed for self study, if anyone caught doing anything else such as surfing facebook will result in a “fun-filled” turn out.
Every morning when my alarm starts making a din at ten minutes past five sharp. When i had to slide out cautiously of my bed avoiding to tear down the mosquito net, my mind will be fantasizing about coming back to bed at the end of the day. Well, i can’t deny the fact that i’m someone who really needs adequate amount of sleep, or it will send me into a panic at the disco grumpy mode.
Anyhow, i’m going back to Pulau Tekong for ten days outfield training tomorrow, hence i’m going to be confined and disconnected from the world for a fortnight. Forget about getting sleep and keeping clean. The last three days will be none stop missions, no time is actually being allocated for rest you see. Browsing through the upcoming schedule, seems like we’re going to have outfield nearly every week. I must conquer my nemesis, somehow i know i must, i must.
I managed to secure a IPPT gold for my service term’s final grade, and it’s monetary, $200 for running my lungs out.
- Pull up – From 6 (BMT) to 12 (CLM Term) to 14 times (Service Term)
- Standing board jump – From 216 (BMT) to 234 cm (CLM Term) to 234cm (Service Term)
- Shuttle run – From 9.9 (BMT) to 10.1 (CLM Term) to 9.7 seconds (Service Term)
- Sit ups – From 50 (BMT) to 48 (CLM Term) to 50 times (Service Term)
- 2.4km run – From 9.42min (BMT) to 9.35min (CLM Term) to 9.19min (Service Term)
(Photo courtesy of Jeremy)
Just in case you’re wondering, while i’m sick of trying to describe, the above picture displays the accommodation officer cadets are given. Individual bed/desk/cupboard/drawers and not to forget an internet enabled desk, yada.
Yep, and Sook Ching have to remind me about the social night which is held on the 17th of Decemeber, when my progress is stucked at zero percent, stagnant, no date! Hello, what made it worst is the fact that it will be a wednesday, and the following day is platoon live firing, hence there won’t be any booking out!
Enough about my rants, i know they are leading nowhere but somehow i just need to vent out my Sunday blues. Time to hit the roads, need to head to Holland Village to buy my field camp nessescities.
Till we meet again mates, adios.
November Fourth November 4, 2008
Posted by Cai in Interesting, Pictures.Tags: Barack, Fourth of Novemeber, Obama, Preseident of America
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Remember, remember, the fourth of November.
Barack Obama elected 44th President of the United States.
I see no reason why this should ever be forgot…
Please Keep Burning October 29, 2008
Posted by Cai in Uncategorized.3 comments
There must have been particular moments in your life when you start feeling tired of the mundane cycle, when the passion begins it’s fusion with death, and all you want to do is make a great escape. Oh yes, you sure do know what i am referring to.
Undergoing service term in OCS is wonderful despite the hectic daily schedule. For example, we get to learn a new weapon, the following day will be the technical handling test, then followed by a live firing already.
All the strenuous activities, such as intervals/30:60/endurance run will be in the early morning, basically draining half of our maximum capacity. The rest of the day will be filled with lessons, which i find myself struggling to have a major epic battle with the Zzz monster instead of trying to pay attention/take down notes.
Free time will be spent revising what we have learnt because our superior will always be picking random “try to avoid eye contact” personnel and interrogate them with questions. Failure to answer will simply result with “i want to keep fit” punishments/regime.
I am seriously upset that my short Deepavali break just went past in ultrasonic speed, poof. Looking at what is to come, the Sunday morning book out/Sunday evening book in, the impending hardcore, no joking matter, omgwtfbbq, ten days field camp at Singapore’s favorite island, Tekong. Oh wait a second, i still have IPPT this coming Saturday and with my hamstring/quad muscles still severely sore, seriously going to doubt my performance as for now.
Anyhow, at least i still have my brothers to go through all these ahem with. Hardships bring people more closely knitted.
Continue to pray that the fire in me will continue to burn, perhaps get more motivated to burn stronger. That someone special will come by and inject me with Novocaine (i’ll be delighted if i get a small dosage of Valium too), then hold my hand and pull me through.
F.Y.I my commissioning date will be like on the 20th of June 2009. So, so, so far away la!
Okay, time to shower and prepare for book in, till next time.
Day by day, it will eventually pass boy.
Here We Go Again October 19, 2008
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Whoa, about to leave house and book back into Safti MI for another week of hectic training. Whenever it’s nearing the time to book in, there will be this specific unexplainable emotion rushing through me. I’m not upset or whatsoever, i just, i just, don’t feel that wonderful you see.
Perhaps, i really do miss my civilian life, being able to just drive away to anywhere i like, be it alone or with my friends, get all my thoughts straighten out.
However, all i can recall doing most of my admin time is trying to complete my revision for the test ahead, or writing my compulsory journal, or brainstorming about section operation orders. Despite all the entertainment i brought to camp, like the books i bought and the psp, they are basically collecting dust in my room book shelve. Don’t even mention about having time to sit down and think about my personal stuff, like youknowwhat issues.
While talking to Sydney in the car yesterday , the freedom we used to have came creeping up on us. Poof, then here comes Sunday morning already, when i had to rush finish my Section Operation Orders, write a reflection and study for my Approval of Plan.
Now, who says you don’t have to use your brain during army, when i find myself throwing 1 x smoke grenade constantly to perform an exceptionally well disappearing act to escape out of those complicated situations.
Oh well, at least i have my buddies in my platoon bringing me through, day by day.
My close friends were catching up recently, like a few hours ago, and i realised how blessed i am. Since young till now, i never had much to worry about, finiancially, my studies, even now my army life seems good to most. For example, my papa would pick me up on every book out and send me back to camp ever since BMT phase, and when i come home, my mama would have prepared food for me.
God, if you hear me, i need to let you know i’m really really grateful. Pardon me for not praying regulary, or falling alseep while praying.
Anyhow, if you have not come across the new album by 周杰伦 (the only chinese artist i follow) and the song 回忆的音乐盒 by him, please do. It’s time to change into my penguin set for booking in, so long for now mates.
Such Strong Words October 12, 2008
Posted by Cai in Army, F.Y.I, Thoughts.add a comment
Officer’s Creed
I am an officer of the Singapore Arm Forces.
My duty is to lead, to excel, and to overcome.
I lead my man by example.
I answer for their training, morale and discipline.
I must excel in everything I do.
I serve with pride, honor and integrity.
I will overcome my adversity with courage, fortitude and determination.
I dedicate my life to Singapore.
Two weeks at Officer Cadet School (OCS) October 8, 2008
Posted by Cai in Army, F.Y.I, Life.add a comment
Hello all,
OCS, perhaps the best leadership school Singapore can offer really. The talks that i attended, whoa totally.
To lead we dare, to excel we will, and to overcome we must.
I was posted to Hotel Wing for my Common Leadership Module (CLM) for the first two weeks. As for now, starting of this week, i’m posted to Serria Wing to serve my service term. Officially, having my two white bars for around three months.
CLM just zoomed past like this and service term comes pounding on my door.
Anyhow, in short, service term is going to be hell hectic, all the hardcore trainings, outfields, live firings and et certa which i don’t think is wise to mention and ponder about for now. Just going to take life, day by day, that’s the best policy i can conclude on.
P.S I got my gold grade for IPPT recently from just a pass grade during BMT. Let’s just hope that i could mantain through out. As for now, my new nemesis, the SOC!
IPPT Result:
- Pull up – From 6 to 12
- Standing board jump – From 216 to 234 cm
- Shuttle run – From 9.9 to 10.1 seconds
- Sit ups – From 50 to 48
- 2.4km run – From 9.42min to 9.35min
Be safe all, i’ll be out this weekend, three more days to book out, book out oh!
Next Phase of Training September 22, 2008
Posted by Cai in F.Y.I, Life, Thoughts.1 comment so far
Comd SAF BMTC wishes you all the best in your future posting.
Your Posting Order is listed below:
1. You are posted to OCS (ARMY WING).
2. Your vocation is OFFICER CADET (CBT).
3. Your are to report to: SAFTI Military Institute, Warrior’s Hall.
Reporting Date/Time: 22/09/2008 at 0700 to 0800 hrs.
Please keep me in your prayers if possible, i really hope i do survive, i really do.
So long civilian world for three whole weeks, i’ll be quick, i promise.
Anyhow, all the best for the rest in whatever vocation you are posted to. Remember to stay hyper positive, though i know it’s really hard, even for myself.
I’ll miss you all, definitely.
Block Leave September 14, 2008
Posted by Cai in F.Y.I, Interesting, Life, Pictures, Thoughts.add a comment
I know i’ve been absent for alittle too long in the scene of wordpress and the apologetic feeling didn’t strike me until she appeared with that frown online, hence i’m actually triggered to find time currently to sit motionless in front of my desktop wordpressing (apparently i’m supposed to be in town already).
It’s really hard to go into detail about the army life because on many occasion i find myself vulnerable to be getting charged and sent to the detention barrack (military jail a.k.a. DB).
F.Y.I DB is horrible and i only heard stories about that God forsaken place. You are actually thrown into a three by three meters cell (nine square meters if you can’t calculate, you know what army does to you) with two more mates. That sums up to three people squeezed up, definitely not an ideal place for claustrophobic pals out there. With addition, you have to eat/sleep/shit there, picture perfect isn’t it? Every morning, there will be this special sandbag physical training, which you must carry a certain load of sand (twenty kilograms i think) and run around the parade square, hohoho.
Graduation from Basic Military Training (BMT) was a rather emotional event for me. Having to complete a twenty four kilometers route march before embarking onto the parade square to have my graduation parade with full battle order (field pack, LBV, helmet and gun), whoa, sense of achievement up one level. It was really nice that my parents took time off to travel down just to put on a jockey camp for their silly son.
Returning home never felt better i swear, your family and that particular soft comfortable bed, simply orgasmic when you fantasize about it during camp hours, totally whoa. Anyhow, when i start my engine ranting about all the nonsensical events that happened throughout the week and all the pain around my body, i could always secretly catch my mama wiping away her tears. Mama, i will not just be strong, but stronger i promise.
Graduating from BMT equates to bidding goodbye to your commanders (you know i love you despite all the crazy punishment you made us went through).
“Pumping position down, down down down (with acceleration), crutches position change, up up up (with acceleration), jumping jacks in position change, eighty counts of twelve, pumping position change, how many days in army already? Learn your lesson already?”
Yes, i’ll definitely remember all these 1x good one. Thank you Platoon Sergent Joe Wee and Sergent Azhar, you two definitely made my BMT an exceptionally memorable one. Orion company, hoo ah!
How can i don’t talk about my close buddies in BMT that encouraged and cheered me up during the darkest moment. For example, when your basha (tent) is at the bottom of the slope and it begins to pour, the very next moment it is flooded, muddy water all over you. I won’t go on and name everyone because the names might just send you into a complete swirl, i know you know who you are, very grateful indeed.
Just in case, if you need to hear more army stories i’ll be more than willingly to entertain you over the starbuck’s coffee table with caramel macchiato.
Anyhow, here comes the block leave that i deserve. Honestly and initially, it has been a frantic panic at the disco, when the parties/gatherings/chill outs/catch ups and et certa engulfs you. At a dilatory pace, they have been dying down and i’m starting to spend more time at home, allowing my physical self to catch up on more sleep and finally give my muscles some breathing space.
The above pictures are taken quite some time ago to celebrate my belated 20th birthday. In case you didn’t know, i spent my birthday in Tekong’s forest (second day of field camp), no one knew about it and i kept mum, telling myself, it’s just another day, live with it and grow up. I know some of you sent your well wishes on that day and deepest apologise if i didn’t reply you. The phone was only returned to me five days later and being a lousy old school phone, loads of messages obviously didn’t came through ):
In conclusion:
- This year’s birthday was devastating horribly unexplainable.
- I’ve actually thought of AWOL-ing (absence without leave) from army.
- Ask me out before my block leave expires, apparently a week from now.
- I need to shop badly and try to at least keep in touch with the current fashion.
- Someone give me advice on the breakout on my face, totally zomgbbq.
- Pray for my next posting, put me somewhere, where i can make a difference to this country’s army.
- I’ve updated my wordpress, yay.
So keep your love locked down, your love locked down.
Technorati Tags: F.Y.I Life Interesting Thoughts Pictures Army Block Leave
First Bookout July 27, 2008
Posted by Cai in F.Y.I, Life, Thoughts.add a comment
The feeling of booking out from Tekong back to mainland civilian world Singapore was like being a child on Christmas morning. Although i was only confined for seventeen days, but it felt like forever and much worst when being compared with six months away from home when i was in Adelaide.
I was informed not to mention anything regarding the traininga and rants, yes, i don’t wish to end up being charged. In short, i’m in Orion company’s platoon two section three bed three and the last batch was the most disciplined and fittest in the whole school hence you know the legacy we have to pursuit.
The commanders were much better than i thought, although there were times i felt that they were quite unreasonable. The place i stayed was clean, and it felt like a mega chalet filled with only males, and more males. Infact, till now, i haven even got bitten by a mosquito yet!
Food wise, no complains. After one hard and in your face training, anything placed on the table would be emptied and yes, i’ve learnt not to be picky with what is on the table.
Last but not least, i felt very bless regarding my platoon and especially my section mates. It was still english speaking and if you assume that the polytechnic students all smoke, i would want to correct you. Fyi, my platoon only have around like four smokers? All in all, the people i met are all very fun loving, and most importantly they care for you and don’t mind assisting you when you needed help. /ThankGod
Anyhow, i’m in charged of singing songs for my platoon and don’t look down on that because singing boost the morale okay. If you do have any army song, please please teach me so i can teach my platoon.
My six day field camp will be one day before my birthday and i can just imagine myself digging away, digging my trench, fixing up my basha for sleeping, or trying to get rid of all the weird bugs around me. Best birthday ever? You bet.
Just so you know, my weekend felt liked packed sardines. Had to meet Charissa for brunch at town where i had Subway and KFC, then rush to Holland area for my dental appointment, next would be heading back to town to catch Dark Knight and dinner with my Poly mates, last but not least would be chilling out back at Holland Village’s Wine Tapas with my secondary school mates. Like totally whoa, plus i cabbed everywhere i went, /gasp.
I’m booking in at five in the evening today and it’s only a few hours away. Of course, and i definitely feel pretty upset about it but it’s inevitable. Deal with it Cai, and i’ll see you people the coming weekend.
The Beginning of SAF July 9, 2008
Posted by Cai in Uncategorized.1 comment so far
Prima facie and in my opinion, what’s ahead of me is a blackhole, an empty space, and i’m becoming like a desperate archeologist, the burning desire to discover what’s underneath. Will it be a happy one year ten months? Or will i uncover myself within a vicious cycle, having the weekend bookouts as extreme ranting session with friends?
Without a doubt and honestly speaking, my heart feels extremely heavy, like when you’re into a tumbled into a enormous lovey seawave, constantly trying to read her mind. Not to worry, i’m not emotional about girls because after Adelaide and the initial vibe these girls gave me so far, whoa, totally dumbfounded.
Anyhow, i went to cut botak (bald) just now, man, it was not easy mentally. When the hairdresser took up the electronic shaver, with the metal against metal zagging sound, sent chills up my spine and i was about to yell out for a single dose of valium to clam down.
Getting a female opinion was critical and i’m thrown with fifty fifty opinions to digest. Some of them would prefer my korean emo or whatever you wanna call it hair, and some thinks i’m hotter (perhaps just trying to console me). Well it doesn’t matter, dressing well and looking good ain’t going to be the best revenge anymore.
It’s my papa’s birthday today too and had a major feast at Vivo’s Crystal Jade, had to stuff myself silly because i’m going to miss good food for two weeks i think. My sister sent some audio compact disc and a lengthy letter that made my papa cried silly. Honestly, i was appalled, my papa’s always portrayed himself as a very traditional and strict man, and this is the second time in my life i saw him cry. He was so moved by the words of my sister that he called her immediately to her of his love. Whoa, it was emotional and once again, i really do miss my sister.
Well well well and oh my, so long for now, i will see you people a fortnight later. It would be really nice if you could pray for me.
Peace out, and bonjour SAF.
Technorati Tags: Life Thoughts Enlistment Army Family
