Tuesday, June 09, 2009

Ending = New Beginning

On a Side Note...
This blog is archived and retired. My new weblog's address is RawbeanLaden.blogspot.
2 years of National Service is neither a long nor short time. It is long enough for a boy to mature and think about his next phase of life, yet too short a time to fully understand what hit him in that 2 years. Let no questions be unanswered, yet there are still many in my head.

From my first day of service, I have journeyed long, far, and probably unnecessarily to reach where I am. From a recruit, to a medic, a re-coursee, to a trainee again, and eventually becoming an infantry section commander.

These tough times had me reconsidering my options, but it was the foolhardy tenacity that made me take on each challenge without hesitation. Though the exclusion to join the ranks of the proud pilots has been daunting, it was nevertheless a worthy experience to have gone through the sanguineous training of a medic, and the demanding training of a section commander.

In retrospect, my most memorable experiences are neither the relaxing time spent at Mandai Hill Medical Center, nor the two times that I went through Basic Military Training.

I did have an enjoyable time training as a medic (minus the sadistic I.V.), having little liability and having fun with my fellow trainees. Those days saw me clubbing often, and I'll never forget the night JJ got totally smashed. It will stay in my memory for a long time. After being posted to Mandai Hill Medical Center, things got better with less regimentation and more freedom, being able to book out everyday. My colleagues were a fun bunch, and we often had a drink over the weekends. Most of them have already left the service, as I will be, but we still keep in contact. It is such camaraderie that makes National Service a valuable experience.

I made many friends, brothers who pulled me up when I fell through the rigorous infantry training. From Basic Military Training to Advance Section Leader Course, I saw many familiar faces, and we were never far away from each others' call. And as the training got tougher, the bonds grew deeper and stronger. The events that never fail to register in my head are the extremely grueling 32KM overnight route march, and seeing the sense of accomplishment on each others' tired faces after we conquered it, together. Such are the struggles that leave a deep impact for a long time to come.

My training completed and I got posted to an operational unit only with the last quarter of my service left. That was a relatively queer situation to be in, but that little time spent there was anomaly enriching. It was my first and last time handling mono-intake men, and when they referred to me as their sergeant, I knew that duty was calling. It was not only an application of what I've learnt at SISPEC, because inter-personal relations and emotions come to play. This was not taught during my training. However, I did experience some undesirable actions/statements while I was a trainee, and I made sure not to commit that.

Some of the technical skills that I learnt might not be applicable to me soon, but the lessons learnt and experiences have definitely helped in building me, one way or another. Experience is not what happens to a man, it is what a man does with what happens to him.

To my fellow Basic Military trainees from Ulysses Company, though our time spent together was short, it was nevertheless pleasant. I hope you feel the same way too, and enjoy your time to the fullest before your further studies commence.

To my Basic Medic Course-mates, I had hell of a time (in a good way) with you guys. From Project - Get JJ Smashed (yes it's still on YouTube), till the very last day of our course where we did the Barrack Orderly duty together, I so very enjoyed every second of it. WHEN ARE WE MEETING UP?

To my MHMC colleagues, we need to take Vatsan one up the next time =) It was a pleasure working with you guys, and though I'm among the last among you guys, ORD LO!

To my fellow Basic Military trainees from Jryphon Company, I remember everything from the shell-scrape digging to the drinking sessions with you guys. May you attain your promotion soon and continue serving the nation!

To my fellow SISPEC trainees, thanks for the wonderful times in PLC. We sure did many crazy things, and someday when we run into each other, the first thing that comes to mind would be that fateful night in Tekong Parade Square. The Taiwan training would not have been so enjoyable without your companionship. That includes that rainy day, where we all huddled together under the canvas and sang songs that reminded us of home and our loved ones =)

To the sons of Alpha, we are the best, because we think we are. We think, therefore we are. It won't be long before you conquer Mt. Biang, and until then, take care and always remember that we are the best.The 6 months together has been extremely fulfilling. Without you guys, my experience here would not be that much of a memory. Push on, and, with pride we lead!

To my superiors, thank you for the guidance and unwavering dedication. Without the wealth of your experience, generosity, and kindness, I would not be able to achieve what I have today. This goes out specially to 2SG(NS) Qin Hao, SSG Hong Zhi, SSG Jarvinder, MSG Jansen, 2WO Saraswathi, 1WO Felix, CPT(NS) Kevin, CPT Ardlee, LTC Willy.

To all the others, all the best in your future endeavors and studies!

Last but not least, to the special someone who was always there for me during that two years, no words can express the amount of gratitude, love, and appreciation I have for you. Though words came late, and don't necessary mean that much to you now, thank you for every single moment you were there, every single sacrifice you made, and every thought you spared for me.

Meanwhile, as the other commanders are preparing for the 24KM BMT Graduation Route March, I'll return to my civilian training which consist of building up my Restaurant City.

Best Regards,
Bean

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Penning my heartfelt thoughts at 6:22 PM

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Saturday, June 06, 2009

Upcoming?

On a Side Note...
There seems to be a pattern. Toothache, headache. And there's only 1 cure for it.
Upcoming events:

Redang Trip
Kayaking 3 Star
Salsa (maybe?)
Thailand Trip

And how 'bout... Army Half Marathon? *considering considering*

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Penning my heartfelt thoughts at 9:15 PM

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Thursday, June 04, 2009

100km Challenge

On a Side Note...
Went back to Mandai Hill Camp to visit some ex-colleagues in the morning. It's been more than half a year since I last saw them, and though the place does bring back some memories, all I recall is having a relaxed time there. I didn't learn many life lessons there.
I'm on a personal challenge to complete 100km in 8 weeks.

12km a week is a breeze, but I'm intending to finish it in less than 6 if possible.

As of now, I'm left with 89.3km to go.

I can do it.

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Penning my heartfelt thoughts at 6:37 PM

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Wednesday, June 03, 2009

The 2nd

On a Side Note...
Happy anniversary honey! In a blink of an eye a year has passed.

Though more than half the time was spent apart, I always feel you around, be it in times of hardship or relaxation I think of you as my pillar of strength. Do you feel me there?

There are still many days ahead of us and I am looking forward to ending a day watching the golden sunset with you on a beautiful beach. I may not be spending this special day with you, but I'm sure that you'll hold me close to your heart.

Loving you always,
Bean x o x o
Do you remember?

Nostalgia filled me when I went through our text messages.

Sometimes I ask myself why things had to be the way they are now, though I know the reason. Knowing answers have not made things any easier. Yet having no answers to the questions is a pain.

Timing, ironically impeccable, reinforces my belief - Gain something, lose something.

What did we really lose?

Quote of the day

Love is a sweet mystery.

Love is a sweet misery.

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Penning my heartfelt thoughts at 3:49 AM

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Tuesday, June 02, 2009

Wise No More

On a Side Note...
I love my Strawberry Body Polish. Smells mmmm.

By the way, it seems like I won't be able to find time to go to the PC Show this year =\

My 4 Wisdom Teeth

1 surgery, all 4 out. Good riddance to a potential problem in future. Many of my friends said that the extraction is painful and numbing. Somehow I still haven't felt any pain so far, other than the I.V which pricked a little.


See The Pinky?

This might put some of you off, but do you see the morsel of pink? That's supposedly part of my gum =D

Mm liquid diet is bullshit. I had KFC for lunch and herbal chicken soup for dinner. To me, a liquid diet probably consists of something like martinis and margaritas =P


Quote of the day

To be old and wise, you first have to be young and foolish.

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Penning my heartfelt thoughts at 8:57 PM

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