It's a beautiful sunday morning!!!

It's a sunday morning and I am in camp. Just completed circuit training and I am slacking away. The faces of the recruits are still very much foreign to me and I haven't bothered to interact much with them as yet. Later going to conduct lesson for them and have a course commander talk with them. Must think through what to talk to them about.

Booked out on Friday cuz of a class gathering. Yoga, one of my ex-recs, saw me book out and told me, " Sir, this is the first time I see you book out on a Friday" Hmmm, good. It's thime for me to let others do the job. Anyway, met up with ziyang, cuilin, siying, weilin, chen bin, john and andrew. Had dinner at nydc where i ate my usual (3 amigos) and shared a mudpie with ziyang. Must say it's a fairly successful one cuz those who were able to make it came down. Even cuilin, someone whom I have not seen ever since she went to Canada.

Saturday was really just slack day for me. Cuz my tuition was in tthe afternoon, I basically lazed on my bed in the morning and enjoyed the feeling of being in bed and not doing anything. Should be time to change that mentality already cuz I have some stuff to start preparing. Like start studying on my maths cuz I may need to take a test in dec. Anyway, I can start prep for uni ...

Cant believe I am saying this again but I REALLY WANNA GO OVERSEAS!! Was looking through the classified ads of all the travel ads and was really tempted. Anyway, I'll see again lar. Prob end Oct can go for a short one? I really dunno ...after a whole year of anticipation, it's quite sad that everything is coming to a nought. Maybe must wait until I ORD. But one thing's for sure, I wanna go europe when I m in uni and do stuff like skiing and backpacking. Going Europe's cheaper from UK, so I must take advantage of this. Hehe

Oh yeah, kena a shocking news when I came back camp last night. One of the guys knocked himself during games and was sent to the hospital. They were doing some spinning thing and then that guy go and trip himself and then hit against the table. Tsk tsk. The mother insisted we send that guy to SGH cuz she works there and wanted to complain us. Whatever~ This is a plea to all parents out there: Accidents are bound to happen. Your kids go play soccer or any other sports also may injure. And there's no need to worry cuz the military training for recruits is getting soft already. I might as well just send them to a civilian school. Some more they are in the navy. Stop giving people like me so much problems cuz I have enough as it is already. I'm like trainng a bunch of pussycats. Thought I used to be worse, didnt know there are so many so much worse than me. For me, very simple. No more playing of games and any sorts of sports for recreation. At most, I just bring them go for a run instead. I know people may say, why restrict these people and make them more averse to taking up sports. My rebuttal is that, I'd rather restrict them for the 10 weeks they are with me and I make sure they do not get into any sort of trouble and not let someone recourse just cuz of a stupid injury. Once they pass out, they can go break any bones they want, it will no longer be my business already.

Ok, enough of venting my fustration. Just pray and hope that nothing major happens again. Hope my sunday can pass by uneventfully, not like the last time.

Photos Galore

Damn shocked to see so many photos right? Was going through the pics in my camp's com when I saw that the photos of the POP were added already. Normally, it takes like forever. So I happily uploaded photos that I felt were better taken. Cant afford to upload all lar.Did all these until 1 am some more.

A new spec came today and as per our tradition, we put on a show. Was sleeping soundly when Barry came in to inform me of his presence. I started scolding people andgiving extras. Then kenneth chu a even greater stunt: he told that guy he's going for NDU conversion course and that he had a parade in the afternoon. That guy kena stunned, as all newcomers are. Hehe ...den we made him to go buy breakfast for us and den bryan interviewed him and told him he need to go learn survival swimming now that he is in the navy. But i think Ellard's one was still the classic one cuz I was the "evil" officer. Hehe.

2 more days to enlistment. Wonder how those poor guys feel. Are they moping at home over their impending "doom" or trying to enjoy their last moments as a civilian in the next 2 yrs as much as possible? Was thinking of that when I was walking down orchard on saturday cuz I realised that they were spending their last weekend before coming in. Ok ok, in case you think I'm sadistic, I was just being empathetic. Really.

The permstaff that came down
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Doing the march past
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Now officially privates
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Do you see me? i am the guy wearing the white peak cap and my back is to the camera!
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Putting on of their berets
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Speech by my boss ...nice view yeah?
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Taking dressing ...
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Marching in their no. 3
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Quite cheesy but nonetheless a great idea by them ...
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Water parade!!!
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the infamous first day haircut as enacted
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The skit team ...notice the cigarette boxes on the floor?
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Some fanciful formation for the flutter kicks
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Jumping jack, infinity counts of 4!
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Crunches, change!
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Their favourite position- the push-up position
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Hmmm ...oh i see, they were performing a sequence!
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Now u see 1 guy standing up ...did he do something wrong??
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The fancy drill team
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You know the firing they did @ national day parade. Yup, they are doing the same thing too
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My platoon, Platoon 1!
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@ the parade square
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Marching in to the song beat!
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Forming up for the march-in
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Family and friends coming to watch their loved ones
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weilin, me and xiu ying
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Me and the birthday girl!!
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Sleepy but not sleeping

Dunno what I am doing up so late, listening to chinese songs on the com. Not much activity today, except that my ex-trainees were shifting out and there were a lot of things to check. Human beings are really lazy man, they left so much rubbish around. Nvm, tomorrow den get some guys to go clean up.

Suddenly remembered I havent even started on my lull book yet. And lull's ending liao. Anyway got a new spec coming tomorrow. Thinking of what to do to him. Some of kind of induction ...he's gonna be the first indian instructor ever posted here. Going to be a little awkward here cuz chinese is used rather frequently here.

Xiu Ying just sent me a few photos we took at her birthday. Post it after this. Nitex*

Ready for new batch???

The weekend came and gone ...or rather it is going soon. For my next 2 weekend, prob gonna spend sundays in camp cuz of confinement period. Actually I'm pretty ok with it but I need lots of time to do up my uni app thingy. Been looking at friendster cuz some of my ex-recs added me den i saw some other ex-recs on these ppl's friendster. These people looked so different before they enlisted! Damn funny, but I also dunno why.

Went town yesterday and saw denise keller. Boy, she's very slim, or rather skinny but she's really pretty. Bumped into Kenneth who was trying on the acuvue contacts, like daniel and zhen hao. Had dinner at Kenny Rogers which was like not very cheap.

Managed to finish my personal statement this evening, which was not too hard. So hopefully i can settle my stuff real soon. Stressed~ ...decisions ...

Think my guys wanted to go sentosa(again!) today but since they didnt confirm with me, I took it as nothing was happening. Then, in the morning, 1 guy msged me asking me whether I'm meeting them anot. Apparently, 3 of them were waiting there, thinking there was going to be an outing. Poor guys;)

New batch coming in, new role to play ...just pray everything turns out just ok. No more stunts from them PUH-LEEZE!

Week of lull

Just took my IPPT today and got a silver. Pleasantly surprised cuz was having problems with my broad jump 2 weeks ago. Anyway, my static stations either maintained or improved and my 2.4 hasn't dropped from the last time I timed myself, so I have to be reasonably satisfied. Especially important for officers cuz our promotion from 2lt to lta depends on it. Kenneth and Crono took today and got silver too, so at least all the officers showed some standards. They are super lucky cuz their work year is ending in 4 days time and today was their last chance cuz they didnt take it before in the year. Khet, Shy and Ben took with us too. Anyway, now got 100 bucks and dun have to be bothered about it already.

Met yvonne for dinner after my driving on tuesday cuz she is starting school next week. Had desert at swenson's where sundaes were going at $4, which is like so cheap! But this offer's only for weekdays, so for those who want to satiate your cravings for ice-cream, you know where to go.

Zhen Qiang, my ex-platoon mate from delta and from my neighbour class in vj, was at CNB's sports complex yesterday, so I met up with him for a chat. He's also going uk cuz he's a SPF scholar, then found out from him that he has long started his uni application, whereas I am still contemplating where to study. If I really wanna try oxford like my mom wants me to, I need to submit my application soon. But am kind of lost now cuz I really dunno which programme and uni I want. London's unis are good but cost of living is high. Kind of wanting to try a life in the suburbs but not sure if that will be a good idea. Questions, questions, questions ......Anyway, I resolve to do something about it soon ...like soon ...But the stupid ucas thingy is now doing the clearing for 05 entry ...tsk tsk

Anyway, a new batch coming in and my role this time will be kinda different as course commander. Frankly speaking, I'd much rather be a platoon commander cuz it's so much more fun. Especially for last batch cuz I got my own platoon instead of like 1 small company. Going to be another small batch this time round, with a 3SG. My mind's kind of like going into a whirlwind trying to make sure everything's ready for them. Hope everything turns out fine.

01/05 batch photo
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Great day @ Sentosa

Made some changes to my post below cuz didnt exactly feel very comfortable reading it. I mean it was supposed to be an ode but it certainly didnt feel like one initially. Well, I hope it does now.

Well, had a rather happening weekend by my standards. Met up with my drama juniors after tuition cuz cheryl's going to uk next month and I suppose it was meant to be a farewell gathering of sorts. Andrew was there too and thank god for it or else it will be awkward if someone I know see me hanging around with 6 girls. Talked and ate dinner ...and for the first time in a very long time, we sat around talking about uni,, going overseas to study and scholarships. It's just different when you sit around a group of JC people cuz the subject matter are usually very different.

Left with Andrew to Orchard cuz my class guys were meeting up to celebrate John's belated birthday. Havent seen those guys in half a year and frankly speaking, if it wasnt the fact that I met up with Andrew and found out about it, I will prob not see them until like god knows when. But ZY and I were never really part of their group and we prob felt more comfortable that way too.

Well, went Sentosa yet again today and it must be kind of like a record for me to go there at such a high frequency considering when was the last time I went to some place that remotely seemed like a beach. This time round, there a lot more people, and Bryan came along too. Let see who was there: jack, raymond, heng leng, roger, hock peng, gordon, wei qiang, melvin, eric, benny, zun you, leong yee, tim maoxuan and I think that's about it. Started off playing beach volleyball, then it started to rain and we resumed playing till everyone kinda shagged out and sian. We went to canoe subsequently and for me, it was a really great time cuz it was the first time I canoed. Learnt a lot from chang hong cuz he knew how to canoe. Kena attacked by them cuz they wanted to capsize the canoe me and chang hong were on. Once I got wet, I didnt bother much and started to get some of them down too, like gordon and tim. :p Anyway, I felt that the half hour timing was too short. Oh btw was at sunset bay and it was a pretty cool place to go to.

Going back to work tomorrow ...trying to rush through my prep for next batch and get some more driving lessons underway. Prob going to do some running and preparing myself to clear my IPPT. Was talking to an ex-platoon mate that day and heard some rumours that promotion may come sooner than usual cuz of the reduced NS period. Shit, that means not much time left. Arghhhh ....

Will post more pics once I get my hands on them. Anyway, the 2 officer pics not bad right? Hope you guys dun get sick of seeing my pics ...muahahahahaha

Combined Pics

Crono combined both batches' officer pictures into this!

Cool Pic

The F4 pose...or so the recruits were saying when we posed.

An Ode to 1/05 BMT

Thought that I wanna put down my thoughts about this current batch that just passed out. Just like my previous batch, I enjoyed the whole experience thoroughly and will definitely miss having them around for some time to come ...maybe the tekan part also=p

Being my first big batch, my first reaction was: STRESSED! So many people! But as time goes by, I realised that it's ok, gotten used to it. And for the first time, I understood what it means to be a PC in the context of a company. I was probably the stricter one amongst the officer and it didnt help matters that I was around most of the time. Book in first guy you see is me, book out last guy you see also me.

Still remember how the first 2 weeks I tried to remember all your names. During your sending of arms, I will walk around and decipher ur names with the help of the initials on your t-shirt and I always f*** those who didnt have it on their shirts cuz I would have difficulty remembering then. I believe I projected a very dao image cuz of my unsmiling face.

As time progressed, we got to know one another better. There were fun times and there were horrendous times. I probably dished out the most extras and confinements amongst the instructors and lots of people must be cursing and swearing at the weekends burnt cuz of me. The various large-scale inspections by us to catch the smokers prob didnt help either. I was perhaps the only one who went around checking who wasnt sleeping at night. All these provided me with very fond memories, I must say. All the handphones I confiscated(Tim maoxuan,, tan jian longetc)... and the pair of binoculars! Up to today, I still dunno what shawn mak and alex were looking at with that binocs.

I remember people telling me that I have this aura around me, that the moment I appear, everyone's alertness will rise and anything that is fun did not seem as fun anymore. One even asked blatantly if I were afraid of ex-recs beating me up on the street one day. What can I say?

All I can say is, I truly enjoy the ups and down of being the Platoon Commander. I enjoy the times I go up to the cabins and talking cock. I enjoy seeing you guys pass your swimming when I accompany you on your every stroke. I enjoy seeing people create miracles when they push themselves beyond their limits. Still remember kelvin passing his cat 1 despite threading water for more than 10 mins and constantly telling himself that he cannot complete it as one by one, the others either complete or gave up. And the time he finally passed his 2.4km run ...on the dot. And all of you improving your running tremendously.

There were disappointments many a times too. But let's not dwell on the negative aspects too much.

I really enjoyed the times when we go running as a platoon and leading you guys with songs. Had lots of fun going on Sentosa outings with ya all (though only once thus far and only a few turned up). All the lights off inspection, RO and night snack times and all the stupid jokes we shared. I also need to say that I am really proud that Platoon 1 has shown unity and enthusiasm in whatever they do and never give as much problems as platoon 2 did. Must see who the PC is yeah? :p Ok, I'm lucky to have a great bunch of guys too.

Was really proud to see you all pass out on wednesday. It made my day to put on the beret for james soh and benny cuz your parents cant make it, though I can never fathom how any parents would want to miss such an important event. Will never forget the salute the 2 of them gave me after I put on the beret for them. That made my day. Thanks for the gift and card, section 3. Really appreciate it as it's the first gift I ever received from my recruits. Will wear it out and tell my friends about it. Appreciate all the thanks from you all as you passed out from the parade square as PTE and during the dinner.

Thank you all for the fun times and the hectic times. Wish you all the best. For my regulars, do well and do your job with pride. Always give your best, as I always stress. Looking forward to the day when I see you all becoming senior specialists and warrant officers in the Navy and I can proudly tell my friends that you guys were my trainees once. Thanks for the wonderful experience which we all share together=)

Passed mi advance on my 1st try!!!!!!!

YEAH! I passed my advance theory today!!! Haven't studied much but spent last night half watching tv, half memorising the answers to the practice book i took from the office. But I must say that the test did not seem too difficult when I was doing it. I deliberately took my time and saw the guy on my right failed his test, while the one on my left passed. Anyway, had my lesson later and my instructor helped me to book a date for the practical test on the 23rd Dec.

POP on wednesday went on quite ok though there some rushing here and there. Overall, the performances were not too bad, considering how so many things were not confirmed till the very last minute. They were all just happy to pass out and I can definitely understand how they feel.

Had POP dinner at Ritz Carlton later that night. This time round I went there late unlike last batch. Went home for a short nap that was constantly interrupted by phone calls. Was actually suffering from minor food poisoning the last 2 days already. Didn't eat much which was a waste considering that the dinner cost 40+ bucks but I had no appetite prob due to my interrupted nap and the food poisoning. Nonetheless, had lots of fun taking photos and chatting with the guys and basically chilling out in a totally different and more relaxed environment. Took a few photos, well see if I can get to post them on my blog anot. Anyway, will be posting a separate blog about them later.

Saw Sgt Bon, my sect comd from bmt at city hall. Thought can siam him but he actually recognised me! Can't believe it. You know how weird it is to see your instructor again as a civilian ...well you have to understand I always treat my instructors very differently. Well, maybe that will explain why recs are so awkward around me=P

Gonna have a busy weekend. Tomorrow morning tuition, followed by meeting my drama juniors and den sec school bbq at night. Then, gonna have outing with my guys on sunday at Sentosa(again!). Then, it's back to the drudgery of work. Actually, it's fine with me cuz I am quite a workaholic and enjoy doing all the work =p.

More Photos!!!

My advance is looming!!!!Help!!!

Been really busy these days! Been rehearsing these people till late nights almost every day. Their Passing Out Parade but the instructors are more kan cheong. Had photo taking on Monday and as usual, the officers took the nicest pic of all! Just found the one kenneth, crono and I took for last batch on Crono's Friendster and just set it as my friendster photo. Will post it when I can find the chance to!

Had rounds on thursday by XO and we were screwed upside down and inside out! Damn disappointed with my platoon cuz 4 of 5 cabins had cobwebs in some corner that apparently none of them could see! Was peeved that the toilet was in a pretty bad state. People used the toilet after they finished cleaning and didnt bother to flush! 4 out of 9 cubicles!!! Really regretted not conducting my own rounds earlier to scare them a little.

Then, the vetting by Maj Wong for their parade also bloody screwed up. Cant march properly and the skit was ...just horrible. Dunno what's up with them. Well, we wanted to give some welfare to them by letting those who pass IPPT and completed the route march to book out on Friday but all these poor performances mean no such privileges! Better this way I feel cuz they have not gotten their act together yet. So walked 8km with them and den had rehearsal str8 after which totally shagged them out. I was shagged too and had to resort drinking coffee while giving tuition.

A number of screw-ups with regards to IPPT this week but finally got to complete it on thurs. Was supposed to have it on mon but on sun night I realise we didnt indent medic, so change to thurs. Den thurs went down and saw the submariners having their annivesary celebrations and there was some conflicts, so I had no choice but to let them use the track. In the end, dug out some old route in CNB and went for recce and begged for clearance to go and conduct my 2.4km run. Then, settle everything already, all the dark clouds started to gather and then Cat 1! Sian boh! Anyway did the run in the evening which went against directive but was ok since they dun get monetary incentives. Had a whopping 20 new passes which pushed the % pass from below 50 to 70! That must have saved our asses from being screwed. Was happy to see 3 of my guys passed their test to save themselves from getting OOC. Sent 2 guys out of course on fri morning and 1 cried and asked for extra chances. Sad~

Another busy week for me ...POP den my advance test on Fri ...Hope I pass ...havent had time to finish studying yet! Every night tried to study before I sleep but always fall asleep before I even flip the pages. Once, Barry had to take off my specs and my book cuz I had slept soundly!

Gonna bid goodbye to another group of people but I will try to make their life as unslack as possible before they pass out! Contemplating whether to make them do 5BX with run tmr ...Hmmm ...Thinking of getting something for my platoon ...Anyone has any ideas??