Battalion Cohesion

Had battalion cohesion at Changi Haven. Some people in the SAF really have brains the size of peas. Makes you wonder sometimes whether the working place outside in general have similar bosses. Hoping not. Anyway, we were only allowed release from our camp at noon and told to reach the place in 2hrs time. Obviously, the planning team/upper management has never taken a train in a very long time. I was informed that we can reach Pasir Ris/Tampines from Choa Chu Kang in 45min by train. If you can do that, I will gladly take your train.

As usual, I was heavily ridden with a clinical sense of detachment/cynicism towards my unit. Made to rush like a mad dog from my camp to house, allowing myself only a grace period of 15min to check mail, bathe, settle down, etc.

Reached the place late, naturally. (since there is only 1 bus to my knowledge until now). Was baked in the sun for the whole afternoon playing team-building games that somehow involve blindfolds, bare bodies, balls and bamboo sticks. After a hard and long struggle, our team did not get last----so no need to BBQ for the blardy VIPs.

Stayed until 11, in which I manage to evade away together with a few comrades. Exhausting night. Spent most of my energy playing Magic, listening to a cockster boast about his clubbing/cherry-popping experiences. Highly amusing I must say. There was like 25 people crowding around him, with two even prostrating him as a CLUBBING GOD. (Note: which I highly doubt so--since he exaggerated like...13 at one go?! -.-''' A bit impossible there). Smelt smoke from charred meat and cigarettes.

Damn. SAF/Men should abolish this rite of making the birthday boys drink alcohol. Unfortunately, my friend is an August baby, so he had to endure a cup of hard liquor. His face turned redder in a short instant, with splitting headaches and all. Thankfully, he did not puke and does not drive. I am so grateful that I just ate cake in Taiwan with no stupid beer.

The battalion cohesion was actually better than I thought it would be. If there is one every month, I can expect another 1/2 * 2=1 extra day of off. Hehe *sadistic laughter*

New Desktop

Finally managed to secure a gaming desktop, in exchange for my current laptop. Since the laptop was originally not meant for gaming purposes, my father can use it to his heart's content for his work.

Much to my chagrin, after 3 hours of carefully plugging every cable myself, the LCD display monitor gave up on me! Not completely though, just that the lighting was virtually non-existent. I had to use my army torchlight to shine at the screen, squinting my eyes to see the disappearing mouse cursor.

Ginway happily told me that he has 3 more weeks of NSF days ahead of him, while I am lamenting the fact that I have another guard duty on AHM (army half marathon) day.

Meanwhile, you know that your NSF liability is shorter as you see more newbies coming in (understudy). They have to go through the sad same destiny of going to Kakit Bukit Driving Camp next week, which I happily bid them good luck.

Ran 14km in 80 min, which is quite slow according to my standard, but apparently everyone else prefer to enjoy the forestwalk. Stopped in 7km intervals after running like mad to the water point. My stamina for 2.4km should have improved. I might consider taking IPPT before my ORD.

Geeks Unite! (Part I)

Went with my little sis to the second service. Initially, the taxi driver took his time to navigate Pasir Ris Town, which agitated the both of us. All was almost forgiven as he sped at 110-120kmh (!?). Can join Initial D man. Not only did he not signal when changing lane, but also drove between lanes at such high speeds. Plus the fact that he appeared sleepy. But ya, we reached the place a bit faster than usual...

After the service, I went to KFC to try out their new dish, the KFC Chicken Chop! An appetising meal, though it's kinda weird to see the chop in mushroom sauce.

Met Ronnie just on time for the DoTA finals! The exhilirating match between the Singapore Team MiW and LZ Team from Thailand. Both the Sentinels and Scourge fought each other with utmost fury for one hour+++, before the Sentinels (SG) prevailed against higher damage opponents by sheer cunning, determination and teamwork. Bravo for the SG team! They should be probably representing Asia in the upcoming WCG. It must have been quite satisfying to see a huge crowd of Singaporeans cheer you whenever your mouse click kills an enemy hero. Loud applause was also given to brilliant tactics and cooperation by our locals. Especially good to hear MEGA KILL! M-mmmonster KILL! and DOUBLE KILL! from our SG guys. :D

The crowd dispersed as the inevitable conclusion was reached. (mega creeps, for those that understand.)And that concludes the first half of the day.

World Cyber Gaming

Held at Suntec Convention Hall 2 this year. Eddie, Ginway and I had to push our way through the insanely huge crowd at City Hall Station. Many people were there to watch the fireworks.

Walked through Marina Square to look for eateries. Had to settle for Long John Silver due to Ginway's impatience and his growling stomach. He left after the meal, so Eddie and I made our way to watch DoTA semifinals.

It was a highly interesting and exciting match. The two teams gave their all, neither buckled until after an hour or so. (most games usually end by 45min). The aftermath: Team MiH made it to the prestigious final, representing Singapore against Thailand I think. Woohoo. :D

12km. Xiong. As I crawled my way up the 30 degree slope, I can feel acid building up my legs. Coupled with a lack of sleep I had no choice but to stop a few times. Now my legs still ache.

Lesson learnt from the semifinals---teamwork is much more powerful than a superhero.

Korean Madness

Now even my mother has dug into the K-Madness. She bought a 20 episode series and began happily watching the drama with the zeal of a teenager. This, of course, sometimes irritate the crap out of my sis and I. (when she blasts the Korean love-song, to the oblivion of all our songs.)

Meanwhile, I am thoroughly enjoying the course at Stagmont, doing nothing, literally. Just watch the afternoon sun rise and descend, tanning your skin along the way; at the same time, watching the trainees sweating it out while you drink Milo Peng. Above all, it has given us the additional perks of not booking in camp, an extra night of home comforts.

Saturday. I foresee it will be a busy day for me. Shall meet Raymond at Sim Lim to scout for wireless adaptor, and hopefully Heroes V/Halflife 2.

Intervention From Above

Only just yesterday, I was despondent that I am going to be a National "Guards", when abruptly, my friend volunteered to do all my guard duties for me!?

You see, he is a fitness freak (okay, health enthusiast), who would rather run 21.5km than burnt his weekend doing guard duty on Army Half-Marathon. In addition, in an act of compassion, he agreed to donate his off earned in AHM for my time spent with the guards and the dogs at my camp.

That means, I am free on National Day, lazing at home watching NDP. Maybe can catch a glimpse of Ginway in white uniform, together with Nonis and Vicky. Have many things to accomplish tomorrow, which includes scouting for a new desktop.

The Fourth

Met up with Sis's cool group of friends. All of them much older than me. For once in a full blue moon, I am able to roam so freely in Suntec City in the late afternoon. (without a worldly care, especially booking in).

In case my dad looks at this page, which I highly doubt so. Anyway, my 4 year old Nokia 8250 miraculously worked after a call from Sis, despite several attempts of destroying the phone. (out of frustration). Was almost resigned to my phone being just a relic of the past, capable of only Snakes and SMS. (not even calls).

Damn. Just to spoil my mood, my PC shifted the timing forward by 1/2 hour, to 0730. Now I have to get up blardy early to catch the first train.

93 More cans of beer to go, 92 more cans...

The defining moment of BMT: the 24km route march. I remember it vividly. Wearing my increasingly heavy helmet, field pack and SBO and trudging along unkind terrain was no joke. It was nighttime by then. Voices hoarse, legs numbed. All the army songs have been sung ad nauseum; we even attempted pop songs, which failed miserably---disturbing the birds and creating a cacophony.

Moonlight was shining on our trodden path. By then, my tongue was hanging out like a limp dog; back was bent over like Notre dame. Dragging all 70kg of me and grumbling why the @#$% do infantry units need to march 24km just to reach enemy forces when there are vehicles. Even if we can contact enemy forces at the end, we can barely muster our strength to lift our rifles, let alone shoot.

Pushing my head forward rather than walking, I had almost wanted to give up. Until they started to sing the 200 cans of beer song. Can't really remember the exact details; but it involves heavy drinking and beer smashing....

It felt like ages ago since I left BMT, even though it was only less than 2 years ago. "Lost" my handphone and almost made the whole company endure a turnout by CSM. My spectacles (black, plastic piece of ___) helped me earn the nickname of "lao fu zi". BCCT ("marshmellow" arts lessons) was a bitch. So was field camp and SIT test.

..93 more cans of beer to go. We drink one, we throw one and we are left with 92. 92 more cans of beer to go...