Back from TEKONG

I
've been away for the last 5 days in Tekong. P.Tekong is basically an Island off the mainland of Singapore that's solely dedicated as a training area for Singapore troops. Basically, I was having a field camp there with my man.

So... that's the reason why I wasn't able to post for a while. I just had no access to the outside world, Not even GSM cos you couldn't get reception at some parts of that Island...(and We happened to be at those some parts most of the time...)

It's suppose to be a pretty relaxed field camp. But 2 of my Section Commanders fell out. So in the end, My PS and I ended up becoming Section Commanders. We basically sweated it out together with the Men. Thank God all of us returned safe and sound cos ehmm, i think we did some really physically demanding stuff. Like digging throughout the night and than continuing with training the next day...

I'm still in camp now btw, The guys ain't booking out yet even though they were promised that Friday will be their book out day cos of some admin problems. Bascically, their breakfast has been indented for Sat..... so, Yeah~ because of that they can't leave tonight. I'm sure they would have been more than willing to just forgo the breakfas. Too bad guys, i feel your pain.

Btw, Yusri ( the one who fell from the 4th story) has been discharged! finally, i bit of Good News. he still hasn't been able to get out of the wheel chair, but he is recovering slowly. I pray that God will grant him full recovery! that he'll be able to walk on his own one day! and not be a burdan to his family.

Yes yes! next week, i get monday Off ! :) Cos Sun is a public Holiday!!! hahahaha

Okies, need to Zzzz now

Last of my extras!

...I'm falling sick. My nose is all runny, my throat is sore. I'm having Cold Sweats and Warm flushes...

I
am serving as Battalion Duty Officer on a weekened again. BUt Today! today marks the end of my extras. woo hoo! :) For those not in the know, Extra's are a form of Informal Punishment where you "volunteer" yourself to do duties that are generally not very desirable....i.e. Weekend Duties.

But today hasn't been the best. I'm falling sick. My nose is all runny, my throat is sore. I'm having Cold Sweats and Warm flushes, but don't think i've a fever yet. Just prop going to pop some Panadol and try and get some rest after the last parade.

Tonight, The rest of my Cell grp are going for a midnight recce on the adventure route that our BB boys will be going on in the June Camp (Yeah! June holidays are coming!)...Those buggers. Can't believe that they can actually complain that Holidays are boring. I don't even get a chance to go for a 1 month vacation... sigh~

Talking abt which. Its silly, There's suppose to be an Off-in-Lieu for us officers for burning our weekends over the last Period of training. So they DID schedule in like 3 days for us to take our leave next month. But guess what, they had to soooo smartly put Commander's training during that period. Like... Geez what were they thinking? So, instead of resting, we are actually going to come back for some re-fresher courses.

Oh~ and this will kill you. We are actually going to P.Ubin for an Amazing Race session as part of our Commander's "Get together!"....during OFF in Lieu period too!! argh!!! There' goes my Potential plan to go for another scuba weekend. hai~

Parade and Nights Off!

T
oday, I took a rest from the busyness. But i Still have work to do, its only minor, just like a mosquitos whining in your ear. We just Assign the various roles and appointments, basically, i had to sacrifice 3 very good man to the Coy HQ. :( Yupz, was only expecting them to take away 2, but they took a 3rd, Bryon, A super Loud mouth =). THe Pl will prob miss him. and so will his buddy :p

Okies, got to go up and get dressed for a CO parade, than i'll just sort out some minor nuisances (paper work). Tonight! Book out! yeah! :)

too much supper = unhealthy

...CoLIN Chu has personally killed off 5cm of trees...

L
ast night was spent eating and eating and eating. We finished training early, and i booked out. First stop, the Ching Tng Stall Opposite my Camp! Than, Reach Home! Argh!! Aunty Zeny cooked Assam Fish Curry! SOOOO GOOODDD!! Than still went out and Had Thai Food With a Friend! Green Curry Rice + Thai Mango Salad. OKies, not done yet! Got to have Desert right? soo.... Went to Gelare to get Freshly baked Waffles topped with Ice-cream, whipped cream and Strawberry Sauce. I'm feeling Bloated but okies, Sent my friend home than Phone rings, Hey Colin~ how bout Supper at blk 85? How can i resist??? Okies! i'll see you there!!!!....bad move. Went there, Had Pork Porridge. Can't take it liao.... Hey Colin, I feel like eating Satay leh, share want? ehmmm..... ehmmmm....ok....5 sticks! Arghhhh!!!

Alright, And Today, i led a totally office life, Doing Computer Work From morning to night. Its crazy the ammount of paper i printed out today, almost 100 over sheets man. I'm feel terrible knowing that today, CoLIN Chu has personally killed off 5cm of trees...

Anyways, Today! my Guys did IPPT and I've 3 More GOLD Medalist! Woo hoo! hahaha, so proud of my Dogs, Opps i meant Boys! and i'm sure there are another 3 more on the way. They were so close to getting Gold. I know they are almost there already. Com'on Com'on! I think i'll reward the Gold Medalist to a Canteen Break on Fri!

Tml, heading off to Heli - Reppel!!!!

Owe $ Pay $

...Why don't we have a PIXAR WORLD in SG...

T
oday, I handed over all the proceeds from my BB week, charity Drive. So there you go! Owe $ Pay $ in case you were wondering. It wasn't much, just $98, which i had to be so think-skinned and asked my fellow friends who were clearly not willing to give. :P Sorry guys, i promise i'll help donate to you! if and when necessary :)

Today, The Govt decided to go ahead and allow Casinos to start in Sg! they didn't just say Casinos, the termed in Integrated Resorts! They even came up with an Acronym for it! IR for short! So, IR is supposed to be good for Singapore's Economy in the NEar future, it can create Jobs, make our Society more vibrant and happening ya da ya da ya da.

IMHO, I think its just a sad thing that the Govt have to allow that sort of thing to come to Singapore. I mean, Does Disney World have a Casino in its magic Kingdom?? All they have are fireworks every night! Okies, Sure sure, Disney world prob don't earn AS MUCH as say... MLM CASINO in Las Vegas or something. But hey! I'll watch a Disney Anime anything...wait! Why don't we have a PIXAR WORLD in SG! That'll be sooooo much cooler! not so Kiddy, you know, the kind of Cartoons when BOTH Kids and parents can enjoy! They could have Shrek Land! See Princess Fiona do kung fu ala matrix effects!. We can Built a Finding Nemo underworld off Sentosa too!!!!

Okies, i'm a pixar cartoon Freak.... talking abt which! Madagascar is coming out soon! woo hoo! (i'm just too lazy to post the link here)

Oh~ this is suppose to be my army blog. Hmmm, my man who got a place in poly, did not register on the day he was supposed to register....so he kinda lost the place, at least that's what i think. So poor guy won't be able to disrupt, unless something short of a miracle happen.

I need to assign weapon systems to my men...Soon!

Monday Morning!

I
ts Monday Morning 5am. I have slept non-stop for a good 12hours since 5pm Sun. I was basically running on adrenaline for my whole Boy's Brigade BOTC (Basic Officer Training Course) that ended at like 3pm on Sun. Came Home, Drop my bags, Checked Email, Went to bed. NExt thing i know, I wake up see my sis at her comp and Think, ok...its still SUn night. look at the clock...hmm, how come it says 5??, Jianling! is it 5am?? ...Reply: Yes! I'm rushing an essay...!!!!"

OKies, now my sleep pattern's all screwed up! Hai~... Looking at my cell phone, PHew, at least no Missed Calls from my boss hahaha.

...I have slept non-stop for a good 12hours since 5pm Sun...

Wait... i don't think i've showered since i got back. Better go shower now. And i think my stomachs growling abit...It misses its dinner, and Breakfast i think.

Body still aching....and running all over Sentosa for BOTC didn't help the blisters! Now its on 2 feet!!

T
here's so many things to update since my last post, but i've basically forgotten all. I'm Sore all over now....with blisters on my feet and abrasion between my legs and bums. I need a Good Message and sleep! I'm just moaning and moaning cos i just completed a 36km route march. it's pure agony, once the blisters set in, every step is painful but you just press on. Basically the whole of last night from 7pm to 5am this morning, i walked up and down East Coast Park. IN Full Gear, with Camoflage Cream on. That means i applied Coloured Cream onto my face. Its yucky stuff lah. Causes pimples :P

Oh yah~, earlier in the morning, we had 1.5km swim... and due to the shortage of Instructors, I kinda had to stay in the pool for 3hours straight. ITs no joke just staying in the water you know. Your skin gets all wrinkled, worst! i got sun burnt again... For those who know me. I'm Fair not by choice! The melolin just doesn't work in my body so i don't tan... just get burnt pretty fast.

7km Run

...Today, I did the 7km Run and surprise surprise! I didn't manage to hit my timing of 35min. How can that be?? ...

I'm out of shape. Ok... I meant relative to 4 months ago. Today, I did the 7km Run and surprise surprise! I didn't manage to hit my timing of 35min. How can that be?? even some of my Men can hit the timing, It feels abit "malu" or "no face" to have your Man overtake you. Basically, i just need to train more and not just SAY i need to train more. Hahahaha

The Admin Stuff for Tml's Cliff Rappel is done. Basically, I missed lunch and dinner, so when i was finally done, it dawned on me that i'm actually rather hungry. Wierd...How come i'm hungry i though. OH! I don't think i ate Lunch or dinner. Anyways, Supper was bascially ROti John packed in by my store men. Should say that it's left OVers from my Boss meal cos it was he that requested for the store men to buy the Meal in. Sound pretty sad case right? but it DID taste pretty good you know

Anywas, Early night as i've to wake up early tml to ensure that everything moves smoothly and nothing will screw up the timing! Pray that it won't rain again tml! Otherwise, there goes another day of rappelling.

Running Errands

I
ts not really errands, mainly part of my job. Basically, i went to Visit Yusri (my men who "flew" from 4th stories high). He still is in Hospital, They just did a 3rd Surgery on his Right Feet, Bascially, his heal was pretty smashed up, so they cut away some bone from his hips and use it as replacement for his feet. Ouch ouch ouch. Anyways, He says his hips now hurt more than his feet :p

But he looks good. His back feels much better even though he lost his GF. Bascially his GF has decided to stop all contact with him after the incident, but don't pity the poor Sod too much, HE managed to get the number of one of the rather attractice student nurses working in his ward.... can't believe him man! :P hahaha

Just pray that he'll be able to walk soon! HE does want to come to the Graduation Ceremony. And i did promise him a seat!

After the Hospital Vist, headed over to Changi Village to Recce this Cliff where the guys will practice their Rappelling. I just pray that the Sun will be as nice as today, keep the cliff dry. Cos, once moisture sets in, the Algae makes the cliff really slippery...and yeah.

oh~ on my way to the cliff, I've realized that this chill place that overlooks the Airport is now out of bounds to public. Really nice place at night, yeah~ So Singapore has lost 1 such Dating spot... "Too bad for the Romancing Singapore Committee" hahahahaha

Basically, the rest of the day was spent finishing up the Admin preparation for the lessons that i'll be conducting. realized that i'm actually a bit short on time :P

OH~ I've a new problem in my Platoon. One of the guys have been smooching other ppl's smokes, and basically taking advantage of their kindness so he isn't very well liked anymore. Colin the Councillor rolls ups his sleaves and prepares for action.

And when i did a walk past their bunks, Caught 2 of them Using Handphones with many others, just i'm sure they were smart enuff to hide their phones so i didn't catch them red handed...tsk tsk, seems like some ppl have been taking things for granted huh. I'll highlight the incidents to my Platoon Sargent. He is the discipline Master of my Platoon anyways.

3 more weeks before the man get their Guards Tabs!

Thank God!

...Sometimes, the wierdest most crazy things happen in moments of our lives that really makes us ponder the importance of living each day without regrets! ....

T
oday, can pass off as any other normal training day. We did Rappelling, It rained halfway and wet the surface of the tower so training was stopped halfway.

One of my man got admitance to Poly! Sad thing is he'll be leaving me late May, and I'll definately miss his presence. Although i think he's pretty happy abt being able to disrupt.

But But but Stop! Suddenly, I got an SMS from my friend in Canada. "I nearly Got Shot today!".... Hmm, What?!?!?!? lke how? well, you can read all abt it in her blog. Her name's Aileen.

Just want to Say that Aileen, even though it prob is the most unfortunate thing to happen to someone who just finished one's exams. I really Thank God that you are Safe and Alive! It must be terrible to see in real time someone getting shot in a drive-by. I Thank God that you're alive.

Sometimes, the wierdest most crazy things happen in moments of our lives that really makes us ponder the importance of living each day without regrets! so often we take for granted that we'll see the light of the next dawn.

ON a less serious note. I did a classis "flying Aeroplane" to my fellow officers today. Basically, we all decided to go out to have supper. I told them i'll head home first than i'll drive the car out to meet them and send them back. But, when i headed home, i basically sat in the bed, told myself..."5 min rest won't kill..." The rest is history. Basically, I never went back, and they were tring to call me like crazy... Dudes' i'm really really sorry man. I promise there will be a classic payback for this ;)

I am Cow song

Okies, just want to share this song abt "Cows". My sis was the one told me abt it.

its called "I am COW" and its from the great Land of Cananda appearently from this group called Arrogant Worms. Good relief for those stressing out over their exams ;) yeah...that you who r reading it now! Whatcha doing Browsing my Blog at this time??? go study!!!!

I am Cow
I am Cow
Hear me moo
I weigh twice as much as you
And I look good on the barbecue

Yogurt, curd, cream cheese, and butter's
Made from liquid from my udders
I am cow,
I am cow, hear me moo!

I am cow, eating grass
Methane gas comes out my ass
And out my muzzle when I belch

Oh the ozone layer is thinner
From the outcome of my dinner
I am cow,
I am cow, I've got gas.

I am cow, here I stand
Far and wide upon this land
And I am living everywhere

From B.C. to Newfoundland
You can squeeze my teats by hand
I am cow, I am cow, I am cow,
I am cow, I am cow, I am cow,
Hear me moooooo!

download "I am Cow" mp3 here

Sunday evening....

I
ts that time of the week. You kinda know that you should be heading back to camp to start the week. I actually had a previous post, but it got eaten up when the site just hung on me, and i was just too lazy to type anything again. it was abt the Dining-IN function, some bits n pieces.

And oh~ yeah yeah!!! Despatching from the Helicopters. OK, Thanks to my dear Bud from Canada Celine, I'm trying to add some pics to this blog, cos its looking kinda boring :P
Anyways, this weekend was spent mostly at the G12 Conference at the Indoor Stadium. G12 is basically something that my Church uses as a model for our Cell Group. Its a pretty big thing actually, lots of cool stuff being shared.


It just woke me up to see how screwed up my Piority is for Christ. There's so much more i can do and give at the Altar. So often, I've convinently hid behind the excuse of Army Work. It's wrong. At the end of the day, it's how you piortize what you value in your life. Although Army does take up a huge bulk of time, at the wierdiest hours, you are still in control, just a matter of effort how you capitalize on every bits and moments for Christ ;) So Lord! I'm not going to use Army as an Excuse anymore!

Back from NavEx

...Its nice to be back in clean and dry clothes, smell decent, with warm chow in yourstomach...

Alright, Just back from my Navigational Exercise. Basically went out there to provide a Buffet Feast for the Mosquitos on the first day as i was manning one of the Safety Points. Basically was just manning the Comms, keeping track of the progress of the groups, And going out there to search for the lost parties ;)

Hopefully the men found the exercise benificial to them and that they managed to learn something new. I'm actually impressed with the attitude shown by some of my man. They actually showed interest in learning and really put in alot of effort to become proficient at navigation.

When i took one of the groups out for the Night NavEx, we were in the Armour Training ground and because of heavy vehicle movement. Lots of new tracks get created here and there and all of these were not reflected on the Maps... So we were quite lost. Actually ended up infront of the Scouts Camp. as in... Boy Scouts!
Thank God we met another Lost lost group that informed us of the deadend ahead.

Alright, at least we still had some fighting spirit to go grab the last checkpoint at 1am in the morning before heading back for rest. By than most of us were just walking with our eyes half closed.

Next week, the Man will start the Rapelling lessons! Sweet stuff and I'm conducting all if it! So tml, i'll be heading down to the airbase to practice my Dispatching skills. and to do an Air Cood with the Heli Sqn. Air boys can be really darn cocky at times, so hopefully the Crew that's tasked to support us won't have their noses in that air. I remembered the ACS once pointed to the muddy shoes the guys were wearing and shaking his head.... Over the Comms, you could hear him cursing abt having to clean the chopper.... hahahaha ;)

BDO duty again...1 more extra to go

H
ere we go again. Another beautiful Sunday wasted...Than Tml, I've still have to wake up early and Move out for a 3 day NavEx (Navigation Exercise). Letsee....what's the silver lining for today though. I guess must be that short morning Lesson during SOL. yupz! I still managed to squeeze 1 hour of SOL before i rushed back to camp to start my Duty. Just felt that I really ought to go and hmm, i wasn't too disappointed i guess. I intended to only attend the first half of the session which was supposed to be a sermon on Faith, but thanks to some divine human fault, Pastor forgot to bring the VCD and ...hahaha, we ended up doing the discussion about Dating first which was supposed to be done on the 2nd half. Alot more interseting in my Opinion ;)

gosh

IPPT cancelled

T
oday, the IPPT test was Cancelled.... So basically i slept in camp for nothing. we actually completed all the stations. But we couldn't do our 2.4km run because of lightning risk... :( so.... Guess what! we are staying back again next Sat!!! ahh.... there's goes another Fri night and Sat Morning :P

I really didn't do much today, was just resting and enjoying home with my sis. Watched DVD- Finding Neverland. Surprising not bad, it had its sobby moments towards the end. And Oh~ highlight was definately the Chilli Crabs that Aunty Zeny Cooked! Haven't had that for the longest time. This time we even brought Man Tou to dip into the Chilli Sauce, for those of you from Singapore... you know exactyl what i mean

...if you're really innovative, you can make up your Bunks to look like Home. Bed sheets, Curtains, Nice Pillows, Sofas, Lil Snack Bar ext ext ...

Tml, I'm serving as BDO again. yupz yupz, clearing another Extra, I realized that in the last 2 weeks. I've only been out like twice. Gosh, Thank God that i really do treat my Camp like home. Its actually almost like staying Abroad so i'm quite used to the lifestyle of not seeing friends and family for long periods of time. Actually Army is better than being abroad cos you actually do get to see your loved ones at least once a week. And if you're really innovative, you can make up your Bunks to look like Home. Bed sheets, Curtains, Nice Pillows, Sofas, Lil Snack Bar ext ext hahaha.

Hopefully nothing drastic will happen tml! Its not the reporting and writing of reports that bothers me. Its that anxiety and constant worry for the servicemen that nags on you...Especially if its something Serious. like my Champion case. He will be trying to walk over this weekend! maybe i should try and visit him soon.

Oh~ Next week.... Will be outfield for Navigation! Woo Hoo! time to feed some Mosquitos man :P

IPPT Test tomorrow!

A
Right, I'm going to be having MY own IPPT test tommorrow Morning. Its this Fitness test that you'll have to clear as an army Regular every year. It basically test your Running, Jumping, Endurance and Strength. Hmm, If you do well, you'll get some kind of Monetary Reward. Like $200 bucks, only thing is as a regular , you get none...hahaha.

Its Friday Night, 10.30pm, I'm not out there, I'm not even at home. No. Yours Truely in still in camp. Just finished with the Schedules of the next 2 weeks of Rapelling. Although i could prob leave camp and head for home. I'll have to be up by 0630 for that IPPT test i mention. I guess the silver lining to this is I'm not alone :) Yupz, there are lots of officers around to share and moan too abt the pain. Some ain't even done with their work.... Hahahaha, its nice to suffer together (sadistic right?)

Tommorrow! i'll be going for my Familiarization Drive on the Rover (Mil Vehicle)too. its stick shift and I'm never Manual trained... so finger's crossed. Pray that i don't stall in the middle of the Road!!! and not crash into someone too....that is actually a pretty big possibility. God Bless the Road users out there tommorrow man.

There's also Adventure Quest for my Boys Brigade tommorrow! I just pray that they will be able to suffer together and become more united at the end of the day. I hope they won't start going at each other necks when the going gets tough. Encourage each other and pull through!