'Monday, September 28, 2009} Y
It's 3 freaking weeks and I was glad that it's over, finally. Well, that's only like Part I of my Australia trip. Part II is just round the corner and everything would be worse.
It's a relief to find out that the accomodation and toilet facilities were not as bad as expected. Well, perhaps we had been through worse than what was presented to us. The only aspect we didn't prepare ourselves for is the hot and dry weather. Cloudless days aren't rare and the dryness is capable of making your lips crack and bleed, which happened to me twice, at least. Drinking water is definitely a must. Speaking of which, the water is way too alkaline. It feels nothing wrong, in fact it feels like mineral water, if you drink only a few gulps of water. However, if you were to drink 500ml at one go, your tongue would be able to sense the bitterness of the water, and it's really bitter till it makes you feel like vomiting, not to mention it makes your throat feel, ironically, dry.
Shan't blog about anything that is prohibited from sharing. I can only say that sleeping is a luxury.
Nothing beats the day on which we were given a day off! I needed a break, quite desperately indeed. It just felt so great without the need to touch hard, solid metals which are so unfeeling and apathetic. As Darwin is a really small city, the group of us explored the whole city in less than half-a-day. Okay, one highlight we found is the topless bar. Lol. The condoms we have could be put to good use.
Wait! Watch your thoughts! What I meant was to sell the condoms that were issued to us to those people inside the bar, and we could make money. Well, we didn't, of course, in the end.
An unfortunate accident happened to me. I injured my little finger during my last "working moment". My flesh tore and blood was seen oozing out and soaked my gloves. Yes, it was really painful. I didn't really dare to see the condition of my injury at first. The injury brought me some inconvenience as I was reminded not to get it wet by the medics. One of the attempts made was to wear the condom on my little finger. haha. Well, that was my first time touching a condom and its lubricant. So my crewmate helped me wear the condom, on my little finger of course.
Luckily, my finger could still bend and after verification from my visit to NUH yesterday, there's no fracture.
On the whole, there were happy moments and angry moments for us. Those angry moments were brought about, as usual, by those brainless idiots. Of course, these people shouldn't be the ones occupying our brain. They don't worth a damn to us. In contrast, those happy moments we had had together, whether captured or not by the cameras, shall always be remembered dearly in our hearts. =)
Back to the question: How often do you get to go overseas with your NS friends?My answer: 3 freaking times, ok?!laughs...
'Saturday, August 22, 2009} Y
It was about 0720 on Friday morning. I was wearing my full gear, ready for the test. Upon "GO!", I started running at a controlled pace for a distance of 700m. Determined not to repeat the mistake of running too fast lest compromising on my ability and speed for the rest of the test, I decided to time myself this time round.
I took 3 min 45s for the first 700m rundown, which is considered "good timing". It's time for the clearing of obstacles. At the low rope, I grabbed for the rope and tried to pull myself up, while my feet were trying to make a loop for me to step on. Unable to lift myself high enough hence unable to make a complete loop, I dropped to the ground. Not allowing myself too much time to conjure up any negative thoughts, I quickly grabbed for the rope again with the determination to touch the beam. Yes! After successfully making 3 loops, I managed to touch the beam and rushed to clear the rest of the obstacles.
It's the last obstacle, finally. Running halfway up the ramp, I could feel that my legs were tired. Again, not giving myself time to waste on any negative thoughts, I jumped off from the height of 2m. I looked at my watch immediately and found out that I still had 3 min 30s left to run 600m. Realizing that I still had hope of passing, my legs started to move and spread out immediately. I was panting hard. Run...run..run... I looked at my watch again - 2 min left. I continued to run. 1 min left and about 150m left. "I need to run faster!" About 25m left and I looked at my watch once again. 10s was all I had left. I was so close and I ran at my fastest possible speed. Finally, I crossed the finishing line and immediately I bent my body down, trying hard to catch my breath. My friends kept telling me while trying to stretch out my hand to take my number chip but I ignored them. I was breathless and I needed to be left alone so that I had more air for myself. Okay, I told myself, I had to take the number chip or my result would be voided. Then I looked at my watch again. It showed 7s after the passing time. I had no idea how much time I took before I managed to take the number chip from them. Did I pass?
I had no idea. And I didn't want to think about it and I couldn't think because I got a sudden headache everytime I lift up my head. I had to face down with the back of my hand supporting my forehead so that I wouldn't feel so lousy. My heart was still racing and I felt as if I was going to vomit any time. I definitely wasn't feeling well. It lasted for about 20min before I got a little bit better.
My friends asked me if I pass. I told them, "Either on the dot or fail."
It was then time to fall in and our results were made known to us.
"Ming Xian. 9:57." The passing time is 9:59 and below.
I passed!!! Never ever have I dreamt of clearing SOC. I was elated!
HAPPY :)
Then again, seriously, I would have been studying in uni right now if not for you-know-what.
LOL
'Friday, July 31, 2009} Y
I wan enlightened after reading a book "The Way We Are". We tend to assume that we know what life is all about and take them for granted, without giving it a deeper thought. In fact, we know very little of what we are and we are largely the opposite of what we think we are.
What is the main difference between us, the
homo sapiens, and the other animals? The enlarged consciousness. And because of this, there's always fear lurking in our minds; fear is constant in our life, even in our pleasures. We never feel safe as we are aware that there are dangers remembered and anticipated, not to mention the fact that we know we will die, eventually. Hence humans seek refuge in strength.
(WARNING: MAY BE SENSITIVE...) Man created "infinite intelligence" (so as not to offend anyone's beliefs) and formulated taboos, and sin, morality and guilt come into being. Our fear and weakness impel us to honour these taboos and obey our leaders. This makes possible for few to control the many. Work comes into being which serves no purpose in our life but which is required by "infinite intelligence" who (we have come to believe) will protect us. Servitude is invented.
This was just one of the many lessons I learnt from the book. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who have an open mind to welcome new and unorthodox (perhaps to some) ideas and opinions about who we really are and how nature really works.
It is madness. No treatment is required, indeed none is effective. Loses contact with reality, clutches something one believes to be a treasure while others see plainly no better than a loaf of bread. Perhaps the right way is to accept that it won't last. Accept , not in the sense of resigning one's self to value. I shoulda sad inevitability but in the sense of celebrating a process that unavoidably entails the ending of a passion that presently appears as life's supreme feel an unmixed celebration of what I now have. I should accept change not because I cannot anyway prevent it, but because it is life itself. The beginning and ending, should be praised as one. Phew, my mind is freed!
'Sunday, July 19, 2009} Y
Not again! Silver for IPPT. What's next? Simple, wait for the next IPPT to be conducted next month.
It was a stressful one, indeed, with the remedial trainings scheduled on Saturday for those who didn't manage to attain at least a Silver. Such a great relief it was for me when I had, somehow, jumped 234cm for SBJ. I knew that, following which, 2.4km run was the only factor to decide if I still need to take IPPT at all for the rest of the year, which I have not yet able to be excused from. Improvement, personally, is the more important part in every IPPT that I take. I'm glad that I have improved 18 seconds from my previous timing for the run. Still a long way to 9:44 (~40 secs) but if some people had proven that almost 1 minute of improvement is not impossible, there's always chance and hope to achieve what you want. The critical thing is to maintain, at least, a Silver so that I would have one less worry.
SOC - my current nightmare. The actual test is at the end of the month and my best timing is still about 46 seconds behind the passing timing. Have to pace myself for my first run-down or fatigue will overpower my body. Of course, clearing the obstacles must be fast too.
Recently, I am becoming to be a wastrel. Normally, I wouldn't withdraw $ from my account as I would wait till my parents give me some allowance before I would then decide what I want to spend on. No worries for I have figured out the "culprit" behind this - the Great Singapore Sale, which will end by 260709. After this date, I am indubitably certain that I will not withdraw $ so frequently anymore. =]
I have decided that I am going to learn to play some instruments myself - autodidact, that is. What kind of instrument? I haven't decided yet but I am sure I will and can do this. =)
Library is where I have been going to frequently every weekend. There're so many books I want to read, and so much knowledge awaiting me to discover myself. What a fulfilling and wonderful way of spending my free time yeah =p Am craving for more ...
busy readingBack to what I am doing - conscription, outfield will be soon and how I wish I can get it over and done with. Not that I really mind about the stickiness and dirtiness my body would experience but I hate the troubles and inconveniences that I have to put up with, inter alia, setting up of sleeping area, moving about in the dark and using of latrine.
475 days to the three-letter word every NSF is looking forward to (and every regular not giving a damn to) ! =)'
'Friday, July 10, 2009} Y
Shall update my blog...lol
Last week was my company's POP. Was glad that my parents and friends could get to see the gigantic Leopard tanks that we are operating. Though we had only a few rehearsals, due to time constraints, I suppose the whole parade still turned out rather decent. Thanks to the weather too for it stopped raining before the commencement of the parade, or the efforts everybody put in, especially when we worked so hard till 10 pm the night before so as to showcase our best performance possible, would be in vain.
There'll be physical training every single day! -.- 19km - the distance I've run this week, half of the distance was completed this morning. IPPT test next wednesday. Hope I can jump ffffaaaaarrrrrr, and do not rain on that day... Yes, the weather does affect the distance that I could jump.. LOL.
My whole body is suffering from muscle ache. Gonna rest...
'Sunday, May 31, 2009} Y
Yet again, I achieved Silver for the IPPT last week. Since I haven't got Gold, I am to take IPPT, again, coming Wed. -.-" Yes, I am to take IPPT until I get Gold. For my IPPT last week, I improved my running timing merely by 4 seconds. At this rate, it's gonna take many months before I could run in less than 9:44. ---------.-----------"
Didn't manage to get marksmanship. Not really disappointed lah, after getting to know the statistics of the number of people who can get marksmanship at their first try. No wonder one can get 200 bucks for hitting the marksmanship since only very few can manage to do it, like only 10%??... Perhaps IPPT is easier. Lolx...
I've accepted NTU Chem and Biochem course. A more practical choice, I guess, especially with the internship they offer. Hope I won't regret. Gonna find out in 1.5 years' time anyway.
Coming week not gonna be an easy week eh. Oh well.
Ok, till then...
'Saturday, May 16, 2009} Y
Now I'm torn between NTU Chemistry & Biological Chemistry and NUS Faculty of Science. The former has a direct honour programme and has internship in the 4th year while the latter is more established, and perhaps more recognized. Yet another dilemma. =\ Currently, I have a better impression on NTU as it has better laboratory facilities and has a new building. However, I'm also concerned about the school's culture and student activities as I wouldn't wanna lead a boring uni life. Advices are most welcomed. =)
Gonna have another IPPT coming Wed. Unsure if I could do well as I have regimental duty the day before which will last through the night. Addtional 100 bucks would, of course, be good! =D
Days ahead will only get tougher with more tedious and tiring trainings that are to come. I know I'm going to have to bear with wearing my sweaty uniform while executing my tasks.
