Recovery

After enduring incessant coughs from my company, I succumbed to their sicknesses. Hygiene in the lecture theatre is extremely bad; out of 200 people, 100 would be coughing at one time. Coupled with tough physical training, "heaty" food and hot climate, my immune system was down for a moment.

Thankfully, despite hearing horror stories of long waiting times at the medical centre, I managed to get my prescription within an hour. (people usually wait for 5 hrs just to see the doctor :S). My fever had reached a record high of 39.2 degree celsius.

Thus I was ordered to book out and stay at home to rest for 2 days; after the 2 days, I was supposed to be exempted from heavy load for 1 week. I pray and believe that I will complete my field camp as well as do a 8-km route march makeup before Chinese New Year.

Miraculously, by the grace of God, I recovered in a day's time instead of 2 days. I will cast all the cares that have concerning field camp and route march to the Lord, as He will turn it around for my benefit.

Field Camp

Just came back from taking Ginway's handphone from his home. He had forgotten to bring it and was worried that he would have no form of communication during his 18-days stay. Similarly, my company would also be going for a 2 weeks stay at Tekong, including a one week "tour" around the island. (as the commander had kindly reminded us)

Wondered how is Ginway going to meet me at Tekong, since we are in different schools.

"...the reason why people in Singapore can live their lives so peacefully (and may I say slack) is because of the sweat and tears of the men of SAF...", in the opening address of some high-ranking officer."

<p>Guess that in order to continue enjoying peace and stability, we are gonna have to sweat it out and endure. I am hoping for my chinup to double. My fitness is currently at a shadow of my former self, which will no doubt improve drastically.

Another 2 more weeks to Chinese New Year.

Resting

Just came back from a gruelling 2 weeks over there. I seriously need a good rest tonight. :S For those who have not entered army/females, here's a simple guide to a recruit's life:

1 section consists of 12-13 men. Basically they are your roommates.
4 sections consist of 50 men. They are your neighbours (that is living in different rooms on the same storey).
4 sections=1 platoon.There are 4 rooms along a corridor, hence a platoon will occupy one storey.
4 platoons=1 company, which consists 200 men. Just imagine a 4 storey building accommodating the company.

Recruits can no longer eat at a leisurely pace. We do not eat our food; we gobble them. (literally, having to eat the main course, drink, dessert under 10 min).

Must also get used to the amount of vulgarities spewed out from the sergeants' mouths, which increases exponentially(seriously) on their bad day. F words, male and female organs are used on a regular basis. Somehow they associate the F@#$ with FAST, as they find that only anger can spur us on.

In addition to that, depending on their mood swings, we will receive pumpings (pushups) if they are slightly dissatisfied. Anything (really anything) can trigger this volatile situation, ranging from sluggish movement, leaning against the wall, fidgeting, dropping of rifle...

(sadly, my platoon still owes my sergeant 200 pushups, which we will have to pay back by installments, 40 a day)

Though the public welcomes the 2 years reduced NS syllabus, it is actually more demanding on the recruits' part. They assume that the JC batch can absorb things at a faster rate, hence cramming everything. We are expected to know rifle handling, malay commands, marching, discipline, first aid and much more in a very short time.

Gonna sleep soon, cause my body clock is adjusted to snooze mode at 10 and "wake" mode at 4.30am.

Outside the Looking Glass

The name above is inspired by one of my friend's entry. If you could recall, I attended an army camp last year. Hopefully I can remember most of the stuffs that they have drilled into me. Quite sad that I am lying on the bed thinking of past events, while 1/3 of 18 year old males are having orientation at Tekong.

Sent Raymond and Ken Toh off at the Pasir Ris Bus Interchange, which is a 5 min walk from my house. The rest of my friends went straight to the jetty.

I have never shaven "botak" in a long time. The last time I did that was during J1 orientation. Gonna love the light-headed feeling and the use of little or no shampoo.

I am hoping for an understanding sergeant and cool bunkmates. Maybe I will meet a few familiar face or two, but regardless, it is time to make new friends.

Going to the Rock with my older sis for the last time in two weeks time. My younger sis would probably be celebrating my absence by using my computer extensively, though I hope she can cope with her maths.

Wondered whether the Desert Rose had found a decent-paying job, unlike me slacking at home waiting for the inevitable NS. I am contented as long as she comes online, but now hardly anyone does so, because the XX would be working, and the XY would be in Tekong. :(

Farewell and take care (to whoever is reading). Will be back 2 weeks later.

Guide for Hardcore Gamers

As the name implies, I'm compiling a list of game havens before I go NS, for all those young males who may find it useful.

Locations:
Paradiz
Probably one of the best place to play LAN. Has the most updated games and maps. Accessible to the public, decent rate (cost)
....if you do not mind smoky toilets, gangsters prowling around pool areas and blue lights that will make your white clothings glow.
Game Haven Review: 4/5
Parkway Parade
Though the area is gradually becoming a sleazy place like Geylang, (read news reports of the proliferation of bars around that place) that area boasts the most updated computers. Lighting is much better. Basically everything that Paradiz offers without the cons. Sadly, it is quite inaccessible.
Game Haven Review: 4.5/5
Bukit Batok
Got tricked into playing games here by Eddie Cai. Being here once, so I cannot really comment. Decent lighting and games. The Treetop Community witnessed a police raid there in the pool area. Must be arresting those gangsters.
Game Haven Review: 3/5
SAFRA
Don't bother wasting your money there. Games are ancient, computers are laggy, and the only competitors you face are probably children. I would rather buy an original game and play at home than go there. The only saving grace is its junkfood stall.
Game Haven Ultra Biased, Opinionated Review: Originally 0/5, later amended to 1/5

Nerdy Specs

Now currently wearing them. "Swore" to myself that no girl (except my ma and sis) including the Desert Rose must ever see me in this black nerdy specs. Had trouble adjusting to the frames, as I had being wearing my frameless specs for 2 years. My vision is filled with a vague image of the 1 cm thick black frame hovering around the corners of my eyes.

SMRT charges RIDICULOUSLY expensive rides since yesterday. My mother told me once that after 10 pm, you must take a bus home. (though its just one stop away -.-', like all mothers would, caring for their kiddies). Decided to tell her that now despite rain or shine, I will trek through the park even if all the lamps are fused. To see how bad SMRT charges you:

Last time:
Bus ride=45 cents/35 cents
MRT ride=50 cents /40 cents
Now:
Bus ride:80 cents--$1+++(depends on number of stops)
MRT ride:$1++++---$2++++(notice how the pluses increases)

Being a student: Priceless