First Fishing Attempt - Failed!

Haha. Went to Lower Seletar to try my hand at fishing today. Woke up at 5.30am to prepare and was out of the house before 6am. Paul came to keep me company soon after. Didnt catch anything, except a couple of PLASTIC BAGS and FISHING LINE! -___-" But nonetheless, company was great and so was the sunrise! I'm so gonna go back there w my camera next time!

Christmas Day 251208

Finally a short rest for me. Schedule's been so damn packed during the weeks building up to Christmas. Just last week had to go outfield, booked out on Sat, booked in on Sun, then live firing on Mon and Tue, and had to be the emcee for my battalion's Christmas celebration on Wed. So yea, finally a breather.

Christmas is literally non-existent this year. Nth has really gone right the past week, and things happened that make you wonder whether have you been living in an illusion all this while. Guess the only choice for me is to pick up the pieces and go, and force myself to bring my attention to other things.

Just be straightforward with me, will you?
If there's indeed nth, then there's nth.
I'd appreciate the honesty.

Maybe Its Better Off This Way..

Better That We Break - Maroon 5

I never knew perfection 'till
I heard you speak, and now it kills me
Just to hear you say the simple things
Now waking up is hard to do
And sleeping is impossible too
Everything is reminding me of you
What can I do

It's not right, not okay
To say the words that you say
Maybe we're better off this way
I'm not fine, I'm in pain
It's harder everyday
Maybe we're better off this way
It's better that we break…

A fool to let you slip away
I chase you just to hear you say
You're scared and that you think that I'm insane

The city looks so nice from here
Pity I can't see it clearly
While you're standing there, it disappears
It disappears

It's not right, not okay
To say the words that you say

Maybe we're better off this way
I'm not fine, I'm in pain
It's harder everyday
Maybe we're better off this way
It's better that we break

So you're sitting all alone
You're fragile and you're cold, but that's alright
Life these days is getting rough
They've knocked you down and beat you up
But it's just a rollercoaster anyway, yeah

It's not right, not okay
To say the words that you say
Maybe we're better off this way
I'm not fine, I'm in pain
It's harder everyday
Maybe we're better off this way

I'm not fine, not okay
To say the words that you say
Maybe we're better off this way

I'm not fine, I'm in pain
It's harder everyday
Maybe we're better off this way
It's better that we break, baby

Guards Rite of Passage Graduation Ceremony

Finally and officially became a Guardsman today. After 4 days of hellish treatment, both physically and mentally, and completing the Guards Assault Course and beach PT before the graduation ceremy, what can i say except "Always Ready, Ready to Strike!"

Dad putting on the Guards Tab on my left shoulder for me.

Camouflage, the Recce Trooper way!

Donning our Khaki Berets.

Here's the pleasant surprise. I was awarded Best Trainee (Scout)!

It was difficult, it was tough.
But certainly, what doesn't kill us, makes us stronger.
EARN IT!

a slow stroll.
a gentle breeze.
a nice red.
a connection.
perfect.

Life The Way It Is - "So Interesting"

Haven't blogged ever since i came back from Taiwan due to the tight army schedule that i have to conform to. Life in camp has been rather tiring and draining from the numerous training sessions and many other issues that linger. Thank God for buddy mates who go through the same things and provide an outlet for you to vent your frustrations to.

Next week's schedule won't be any less slack though, because i will be completing my Guards conversion. Gotta prepare myself for a 16km tactical march on tue and a whole load of "tekan" from the instructors till Friday. Hopefully, nothing major will happen and i will pull through the week and proudly don the coveted khaki beret at the end.

I am also very happy that i was able to complete my SOC (Standard Obstacle Course) in 8min 22secs. This means that there will be no more SOC RT (Remedial Training) till next year when i take my next SOC test. Now i just have to concentrate and work on my IPPT Gold for next year. Its close. Very close.

Have also talked to my battalion S1 (Manpower Branch) about matters pertaining to me signing on to the army as a career. To my disappointment, i was told i wasnt able to sign straightaway and get posted out for commander's training. Reason being that i was in a unit already, and if i were to go, who would replace me? Was told there'd be a recruitment talk early next year and could highlight my interest to them, but even so, the earliest i would be able to leave for further training is ard Dec next year. I'm still pretty much keen to sign on but will take this long period of time to carefully think further.

Have been thinking of a certain someone, but sometimes i just do not know how to express. Possible fears from making the same mistakes perhaps, and maybe too many uncertainties about the future. Unmatching schedules, different qualifications. The question i ask myself most of the time is whether am i good enough, whether my bad points overshadow the good, or is there no good at all? Give me a sign pls, anything, or has it all been wishful thinking on my part? Hmm.

Right on Track

One down...

One more to go...

Back from Taiwan! Here's a slight preview! =D

Leaving on a jet a plane...

Been so long.
Been so busy.
Army is fun.

Am going to fly off to Taiwan with around 6 hours more to go.
Will be taking the 0215hrs flight on SQ8976.
Will be back by the 17th of Nov.

Till then,
Ken

"This is home.. truly.."

Yoosh. Seems like i haven't updated in quite awhile.

Just came back from a 24hr guard duty shift over at Dieppe Barracks, which unfortunately is my 2nd time in the month! Grrr. Its like getting confinement, when you didnt do anything wrong, and just have to accept it as REGIMENTAL. Argh. Man, imagine having to go back to camp after NDP on Saturday, then leave for another camp on Sunday morning, only to get home on Monday morn! After which you book in back to camp on Mon nite. Sad life right? *sigh*

Anyway, complaints aside. Ha ha. It is due to such situations where you really appreciate the company with ur family and closed ones. This is one of the major things that i have learnt after coming to the army, where ur time spent with people around you is majorly cut short/off, leaving only a couple of days or even hours to spend with them each week. THIS, is when you learn not to take people, esp your family, for granted.

Have also been busy the past few weeks with NDP '08, where we commit our Fridays and Saturdays to the floating Platform at Marina Bay, setting up barricades, placing the funpacks, getting the seating right, doing alot of fatigue work. Each time never ends with our shirts or uniform dry. Tough work, we all hate it, but honestly, its quite an experience where you see the army (somewhat free labour?), and other formations being deployed make the show work. Only when you go behind the scenes is when you will see how much work goes into making the 9th of August possible. *Salutes* to all who have put in their hard work and those who are still. Another couple more weeks to go!

Did my first IPPT this past week. Too bad i missed my $100 by 2 chin-ups! Ha ha. But I am improving so passing it is no issue now, its about working harder to get to my silver than my gold! Apart from not getting the $100, i set a new personal record for my 2.4km run! 9min 37secs! Woo! I know its not THAT fast, but hey, its a gold timing! Haha. Still remember the first time i ran the 2.4 in BMT, and clocked 13mins and 47secs! Well, i strived and each time i tried to improve by at least a min, in which i got 10min 10secs in the last ippt in BMT. So im actually rather proud of myself of the results im getting here over at Guards. Well, the road doesnt end here, so i still gotta work harder and achieve better results! =)

Sorry to all whom i havent really kept in contact with these past couple of weeks, really been busy and its not really my habit to contact people when im in camp unless really necessary (even my parents!), and my weekends are rather burnt too with NDP.

So here's a few people im gonna holler to... (Just a few names that came to my mind. Apologies to those i miss out, pls do know that i still have you all good people in my mind and heart and ur greatly missed. Hang out soon.)

Baolong - Miss hanging out with you dude. Great balloon creations your coming up with! keep it up!
Daryl Lee - "Loyalty to Country!!"
Gillian Jie - Thanks for being there and concerned for me. =)
Jolin - Pls pls pls take better care of yourself. Don't overwork and rest plenty when you're not feeling well. You're a nurse! You shd know better okay. =D
TomSum - Miss the outings with both of you and the naughty good boy Joash! See you all soon!

Just for kicks, this is me with a mask on. LOL.

Life so far in 1 Guards...

Guards Creed

WE are GUARDSMAN WARRIORS.
Resolute in loyalty, Steadfast in commitment.
We fight for our country, our Home and our Family.

Land warriors from Air and Sea,
Unfailing in Toughness,
Valiant in our Actions.
We destroy all foes who challenge our Mission.

We are ELITE warriors,
With Daring Initiative,
We Rule the Day,
And we Rule the Night!
Always Ready!
Ready to Strike!

Have been pretty inspired by the Guards Creed above. It speaks of being the best, how to be the best, and putting an extra foot into whatever comes your way, no matter how hard it is.

Have spent a week in 1 Guards already and going through my Guards Advance Course (GAC), where at the the end and completion of this course, i rightfully earn my place as a Guardsman and to wear the khaki beret and Guards tab.

Life is unit is quite different from life in BMT, many changes, many things to get used to. This week has been pretty okay, lesson have been rather interesting where we learnt new weapons and basic protection for key installations n such.

Physical training at 1 Guards is now up-ped a level. 5BX is now twice as much reps and at least a 2km jog in the morning. Push-ups through the day is common affair now (just maybe about 200 a day), where the normal of 20 push ups increase to around 40-50 each time, or becomes 20 diamond push-ups. Tough, but im still able to cope and enjoy it at the same time. Hey, what doesnt kill you makes you stronger right?

Discipline is totally on a new level now. Step a little out of line in what you do and be prepared to bear the brunt of your commanders. Everything has to be done fast, efficient and standardised. It is really no joke when you go to a place and most of your superiors are 2nd sergeants and above, and are regulars in the army. But so far, this aspect has been pretty easy to adapt to, thanks to my sergeants back in BMT who often emphasize for us to move fast and efficient in what we do.

Unit life is not totally all trainings after trainings and punishments after punishments though. Games are an occasional priviledge given for soldiers to relax and have some fun. Went down to Marina Bay today too, where the floating platform for NDP is. Most likely will be involved in this year's NDP after all, and i think i will be manning a lost and found point where i can "zoh bo" (sit ard and do nth). Hee Hee. My sir say one what!

Anyway, most probably training and my course schedule will come full fledged in the next week. So i gotta prepare myself mentally for whatever is to come. "Unfailing in toughness, valiant in our actions...."

Ok. Gotta go face the reality of my 500m swim next week already. =S

Comd SAF BMTC wishes you all the best in your future posting.

Your Posting Order is listed below:

1. You are posted to 1 GUARDS.
2. Your vocation is GDSMAN.

3. Your are to report to: Bedok Camp 2, BLK 102, RM #01-11, Bedok Camp Admin Centre
(CAC).

Reporting Date/Time: 23/06/2008 at 0800 hrs.

--------------------------------------------------------

OMG! YAY! HUH? SIGH? WOOPEEE!

Unpredictability - Life

With a rather heavy heart i type out this post. Emotionally, I am feeling fine. Have just been pondering over some stuff which had happened so quickly, so suddenly, and which leaves me with a certain taint of uncertainty about what is yet to come.

This past week has been shrouded in this word - death.

'Swift and silent' as many writers would pen.

Yet so close to home n heart this time round.

Two people I didn't know, but we served the same organisation.

One was young, my age, fresh into the itinery and operated right at the block next to mine. Took a walk and next moment just left. Just like that. I still wonder whether I may have passed by or even seen him, during the morning's meal.

Another, already decided to commit, and on the path to a fulfilling life with purpose, honor and prestige. Yet, gone, just like that.

So who are we to blame? The lack of proper measures in place, or simply accept the fact that life isn't a bed of roses? Even if it were, do we forget about the thorns?

I can't remember much about him, except for the few occasions that I've seen him when I was very young. I do not know why he would do such a thing, and I do not want to know. But the stories I've been told about him, at least keeps a flame flickering, that there is at least some good, albeit even a little, in everyone. No matter what the person did, no matter who he was. For now, another chapter closes.

Health. Another concern that yet still lingers. Be it physical or mental health, new issues would still pop out. Take a third-party opinion? Or professional care? Can't help but remember the many years that we spent together, the gatherings, the same old lines that she repeats. But would she be able to remember?

No, I am not sad. Just learning to accept the unpredictability of life. Just learning to accept the facts of life. Not knowing what would happen at the next moment, learning to live life to the fullest.

POP Lo!

Presenting... Cougar Company!

Dad and I

Mom and I

Platoon 3

Daniel, Me, Ko Ko, Platoon Sergeant Hairol

Sing With Me...

P - O - P ...

P - O - P ...

P - O - P ...

P - O - P ...

P - O - P ...

We are the best...

We are the champions...

We will always be the one...

P - O - P !!

Can't wait... Wed... It's coming!!
It's already here!! Free man for.. a few days..! =D

I Lost Ten Kilos in Three Months!

Heya! Decided to blog about something different instead of the usual, mundane everyday life. I have decided to share an effective weight loss, body toning and firming programme! Haha. Actually, I just simply have nothing much better to do. The following information is to what i have done and so reccommend, but please take it with a pinch of salt and cater it to your own needs. =)

Simple Exercises to Do to Get/Keep in Shape

• Jogging/Running - At least 3 times a week, 20mins each time, approximate 5km 3km (Sry for mistake)
  

(Honestly, the best way to shed some pounds is to jog! Do not do it too slow till that a person walking could catch up with you. To train up endurance and improve your cardiovascular system. Remember to do proper warm ups and cool downs, if not, muscle cramps and aches would follow.)

• Push Ups - At least 4 sets of 20 reps each session/throughout day. If possible, try to do it everyday, or squeeze it after your running sessions.

(Trains up muscles of your arms and shoulders, mainly the triceps and your deltoids *if im nt wrong*)

• Crunches - At least 4 sets of 30 reps each session/throughtout day. If possible, do it as frequently as you can.

(Builds and tones your upper abs. Perfect for people who just want a toned abdominal area. Note that crunches only build upper abs, i.e. the 4 upper abs. For those who wants their 6 or 8 pacs got other more intensive and proper exercises to do.)

• Lunges - At least 5 counts of 4. Min 4 sets. Done slowly.

(Builds up your thigh muscles. A good alternative is to climb stairs, but it does not target the specific muscle group.)

That's all i have for now. Please remember to find out more on the proper execution of the above exercises before doing it. Remember to accompany ur exercise regime with proper warm ups, cool downs, and most importantly, hydrating yourselves (Min 6L of water a day).

=)

Of the new and the nostalgic! Titled: After Effects!

Woo! Last stopped with a few small updates on my life in BMT, and my, was it a long time ago! Another 3 weeks and i'll be Passing Out! Sing with me! *P-O-P, P-O-P, P-O-P, P-O-P !!!* YES! 3 more weeks and i'll be finish my BMT! Wonder where i'll go to from there.

Well, not much updates this time round again.. so here's a little something to show you! No comments needed (but still pretty much appreciated)! :X


Here am i before BMT, and look after what 2 and a half months of BMT has done to me! Woot! Haha.

Till next time!

Life So Far in a Distant Island Called Tekong

*Cough*Sputter*Sniff*

What a way to start my post after so long. Yes, i have fallen really SICK. Almost the whole company has got the wave of Tekong Fever, Tekong Cough, Tekong Flu and Tekong Sore Throat. My fever has left, so still lingers are the rest, so im feeling pretty blue.

Anyhooo. Life in the army has been rather interesting, fun, idiotic, and difficult at the same time. But well, 5 weeks have passed! So it amounts to ard 8 weeks of my 13 week BMT left! Time flies man! Can't wait to POP! Counting down!!

Just to recap abit, the first couple of weeks were mostly PT sessions, and orientation into army life. PT was rather difficult at first, but the more we do, the more we get used to it. One thing's for sure, the army certainly helps you push your limits. Many times i felt like giving up, yet being able to sit here n type out these stuff certainly motivates me and makes me feel rather proud of myself.

Then the interesting things started to come up, such as receiving our weapon and such, and doing more soldierly things, but not forgetting the PT sessions too! I can't really expound much on what we do in there cos its sensitive information, but what i can say is that some of the recent lessons are really starting to get interesting and somewhat cool where we learn to handle other stuff in army life.

"Tekan-ning" sessions are always a tough part to handle. Its when our commanders suddenly sprout horns from no where and endless push-ups ensue. But well, sometimes we jus gotta blame it on our lack of discipline, and our lack of standard. So such things we gotta take with a pinch of salt, and JUST DO IT. Haha.

The week that is coming up is gonna be hectic, and hopefully a good experience too. Cos, we are gonna have our Field Camp! Wont be booking out till next Wed, but we're gna have quite a few days of break after that. I foresee FC will be a time where we will be pushed to our limits (yet again) and at the same time it'll be good for us mentally and physically, when we learn to overcome obstacles and such.

After this month's worth of high-key events, i guess it'll be time for us to focus on our IPPT (Darn those pull ups). So more and more PT sessions i guess. Haha.

Well, that's abt it for now,
Toodles!

13th March - A Civilian No More

This is officially my last post before i enter another phase in my life - National Service. Yep, for those who live on Mars, on the 13th of March, i am no more a civilian but a military man. A next step where, as people say, "Boys become men" (i hope). I am eagerly anticipating by first step onto Tekong, where my IC turns green, smell the bed i gotta call my own for the next few mths, etc. Yet, there lingers a tinge of 不舍得-ness and anxiety of what is gonna happen next. Yet all in all, i believe i am ready to move on, and take on what's to come.

Righto. Some THANK YOUs to dish out!

Firstly, THANK YOU Mum and Dad! For bringing me up till now, for 20 years and counting. Though i hate all the nagging of packing my room and such, its certainly smthing i'll miss (a wee bit), the home-cooked food, and time i spend watching wrestling with Dad.

Secondly, THANK YOU Tommy Kor and Sharon Jie! Reali reali loved the home-cooked dinner we had. It just makes it mean so much more. Thank you for always being there for us rascals *oops* i mean youths, sharing your life with us and helping us thru our numerous whinings and nonsense. =)

Thirdly, THANK YOU KKei, Michelle, Nicky, Xinying, and Gillian Jie for making time for dinner tonite. Thank you for all your moral support and presense, which reali reali means alot of my oh-so-soft heart.

Last but not least, THANK YOU to all of you out there. You all had helped in some way or another in shaping and moulding me. Each of you have in your own way, changed and impacted my life. Thus, we call each other friends. Thanks to all who shown ur support, be it sms-es, calls and asking me out for a meal, THANK YOU.

Therefore, i shall end this post with a heartfelt I'LL MISS YOU to all of you, my family, my friends, my pillars of support.

So long and farewell for now.

PS: This post is coated with emo-fudge to ease ur tearduds into activity. Pls accompany reading with a piece of tissue. =)

HERE I COME