End of 2011

Hey, it's this time of the year again. Next year's gonna be the year of the ORD.

Yes!

Without further ado, Highlights of Robin's life in 2011.

1. Being a Specialist in National Service.


June 24. The day where I finally had an increase in my allowance. haha.

Being a sergeant is hard, especially in 35th where theres like 1:1 ratio of specs to pioneers. Responsibilities are high, especially since I recently got promoted to Guard Commander for guard duty.

2. Being fitter throughout the year.


Even if I failed to get gold, my physique had gotten better. Of course it can be better, but I'm satisfied with the progress I'd made. haha.

3. SNSD concert.



woah, this was the best moment of my life!

I'd always wanted to see them live, and I got my wish, especially when I'm in the pits, about 3-5m away from them. If they come again next year, here we go again! :D

Of course there's more, but they can be improved on, so here goes the 2012 resolution!

1. Getting a Gold (finally!) for IPPT.

The $200 goes a long long way towards helping me.

2. Spending more time with my family and friends.

I missed some outings with my friends this year, so I'm planning on NOT missing out on outings. haha.

I hope that my brothers will grow to be more mature and not piss me off that often, maybe I'll treat them to something good then.

3. Saving, saving, saving!

NS is almost over, and I won't be able to survive without the allowance money. How ah?

4. Driving Licence!

It's time I got one.

Back.

How long since I last posted?

Promise to update before the end of the year. lol.

A message to myself.

Hey ya, how's your 21st coming along?

Being into adulthood is no small step, and you're bound to discover things that you like, as well as understanding that not everything are in your control.

Right now, you're still learning, still immature. Petty. Selfish. This is something that you cannot change, but you can learn to deal with it.

Be friends with everybody, but distinguish who's your acquaintance and who's your buddies.

There's a few things you have to understand about life. Sometimes you will be frustrated and you will be at a dead end.

Life's not always a rosy path, and be warned that there are thorns underneath all the rosy outlook down the path you're walking.

It's inevitable that you will fall and get hurt along the way, but stay strong, and you will be able to brush off and carry on.

But remember, do not give up hope.

People with real strength and willpower can forge a path for themselves, and it is thus they that saves themselves.

It may be hard to understand right now, but it will make sense to you in the future.

Never underestimate the power of connections. It'll make you or break you.

Don't forget your family in the midst of all these. Sometimes its really hard for you to take a break, but make time for them always. Don't always hog the computer, read your novels and just interact with them.

They'll be your pillars for years to come.

I know you may find it hard to understand, but sometimes when opportunity comes, just take it.

Don't always back out of things. Go along with the flow and you may find some things worth fighting for.

No matter how bleak a situation, don't give up hope.

Take things slowly sometimes, what's yours is meant to be yours, eventually.

Take care of your body, a host of other diseases in addition to your blood pressure will eventually wear you out.

You're not as young as you think you are.

Have more confidence in yourself, and you'll find windows of opportunity open in places where there was none.

How you wish life will go easy on you, huh?

You will feel the pinch when it comes, but if you wake up now, you'll feel better prepared to deal with it.

Money is a hard-earned commodity, don't spend it on things that are unnecessary.

Like what father says, "Rather spend money on good food, than on items to pamper yourself."

Life is tough, deal with it the way you want, but remember that In life, there are no second chances.

Unit Life

Since its the end of national day, the BPCC guys are all gonna be separated/posted to the different units. I'm off to Alpha coy, and since it's gonna be operational, I have shitloads of work to do; i.e. fieldcamps, exercises and of course their CEC and BPC.

The thing I'll miss most is the friends that I'd made over the whole course. We shared laughter and tears and finally made it to this stage. Its almost a shame that we'll be parting ways so soon, and not spend the remainder of our NS life together, riding out the toughest waves.

Of course, there's the matter of not adapting to camp life, after all those stay-outs!

ah well, we'll see how it goes.

1/2 minute hero.

ok, so its not half minute, but half a day.

it's kinda good, coming back from guard duty to home straight away.

I found out that doing things that you'd procrastinated for so fucking long can be so enjoyable, clearing them in the process. kinda makes me think why didn't I do that earlier.

of course there's more I need to do. This is not enough. come weekend, please grant me the perseverance to finish what I started. oh yeah.

Life has never been better.

Commanders-to-be no more. Now it's just commanders.

24th June marks the day where I finally become a sergeant. =)

It's actually kinda hard to think of myself as one. Maybe I'm still not prepared?
I think if you throw people into situations they may be able to react and adapt to situations quicker than expected?

evolution has a strange way of dealing with things.


Now the only thing to look forward to is ORD. 15 months to go.

How you make of the future, is what you think of the present.

Lanterns' Oath.

Just cause I felt fascinated by Green lantern, let's see how my research on the lantern corps went.

7 corps of the Emotional Spectrum.

Green Lantern Corps - Will
Sinestro Corps - Fear
Black Lantern Corps - Death
Red Lantern Corps - Rage
Star Sapphire Corps - Love
Blue Lantern Corps - Hope
Indigo Tribe - Compassion
White Lantern Corps - Resurrection (?)
Orange Lantern Corps - Avarice/Greed

Oaths

Green Lantern Corps

In brightest day, in blackest night, no evil shall escape my sight! Let those who worship evil's might, beware my power, Green Lantern's light!

Black Lantern Corps

The Blackest Night falls from the skies. The darkness grows as all light dies. We crave your hearts and your demise. By my black hand, the dead shall rise!

Indigo Tribe

Tor lorek san, bor nakka mur, Natromo faan tornek wot ur, Ter lantern ker lo Abin Sur, Taan lek lek nok -- Formorrow Sur!

Star Sapphire Corps

For Hearts Long Lost. And Full of Fright. For Those Alone In Blackest Night. Accept Our Ring and Join Our Fight -- Love Conquers All -- With Violet Light!

Red Lantern Corps

With blood and rage of crimson red, ripped from a corpse so freshly dead, together with our hellish hate, we'll burn you all, that is your Fate!

Blue Lantern Corps

In fearful day, in raging night, with strong hearts full, our souls ignite! When all seems lost in the War of Light, look to the stars, for hope burns bright!

Sinestro Corps

In Blackest day. In Brightest night! Beware your fears made into light. Let those who try to stop what's right -- burn like his power -- Sinestro's might!

Quote

This, seriously should be something I ought to remember by heart.

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.

Bridging mayhem

seriously, everyone thought that life would be even better after Nee Soon Camp. Guess what?

Army's never been this tiring before. Not even the store cleaning could compare to Maintaining those boats, and of course, the M3Gs.

The next month is going to be the fiercest weeks ever. Even though I'm beginning to cope with the load, I really don't know how to cope if all I get to sleep for only 3 hours before going for training. damn.

Beginning to realise the importance of keeping finances too. Not much time to read up, but am saving for investing and the like. Better save up lest you regret it. T_T

Even so, I'm beginning to regret how much the army has taken the ordinary life I always wanted from us. I won't go so far to say that it's a waste of time, but sometimes people have their limits.

I will survive in the end, though. Live by the week. Only 4 days next week.

Last week of Foundation.

Looking back, it all seemed so soon.

8 weeks are but a shut eye in a lifetime.

It was always so much fun, so much troubles, so much of everything else.

At the start, I felt I wasn't worthy enough to be a sergeant. How the computer chose me was a mystery.

To say that it doesn't bother me is a lie. Up to now I'm still pondering, wondering how would it be if I were not there. Would I be better off or worse off?

To paint a perfectly good picture of the time I had would be impossible. As it is with everything, in order for you to know that something tastes sweet, you had to taste the bitterness first.

Sometimes the training were bad, sometimes commanders don't give us enough rest, sometimes it was with the instructors and sometimes it was between bunkmates, sections or the platoons.

But with every encounters and situations, the only result is that you get more experience.

With experience you learn not to repeat mistakes.
With experience you learn to read people.
With experience you learn to deal with people.

With experience you learn.

On the topic of poverty..

Recently, I'd come to the conclusion that poverty, no matter which type, such as financial, relationships, mental or physical, will almost always lead to a no good end.

Let me provide an analogue.

If a poor man was victimized by a rich man, it is almost certain that the rich man would always win. Why?

Because he's rich. He can afford to have the best of everything. The best lawyer, whatever.

In the end the poor man's gonna lose out. Just use youe imagination for the rest.

Happy 2011

It's been freaking long since I'd updated, but what to do? I'm a pretty busy person ;)

erhem.

so I've been accepted into SCS. Whether I deserve it or not, I think that my performance while training will clinch it. Since this IS the new year, it's no use mulling over past stuffs, just look forward and make a fresh start, where applicable.

Lima Coy's pretty slack as compared to life at Raven, but I hate it, not the lifestyle but sometimes the attitude and general behaviour of us raven recruits as a whole. Ever saw people wake up with 5 minutes to prepare for first parade? If not for the "self-directed" leadership style, we'll be facing the ground and kissing it everyday. ah well, Monday's fieldcamp, so if the attitude is gonna be like this, be prepared to eat dirt everyday. T_T

I'm not a saint, but I'm not gonna be the one to drag everybody down.

With that said, I hope I can get GOLD for IPPT the following week. 10+ seconds and it's done. Wish me god speed, and good luck.

too tired to think anymore. zzz...

Genting Trip

Well this was written a while ago, but I forgot to post it. haha.

This Monday marks the day that I went on an overseas trip with my friends for the first time. Initially I wondered whether it would be a good idea, since a few weeks before that there were.. problems.

However, the trip got off on a pretty good start, so I guessed it was quite a success. On the first day, which was Tuesday, since we arrived early that morning, we went to find places for us to chill, since check-in is only at 11am.

1. Starbucks was not open.
2. Entertainment facilities at first world not open.

Finally we went to genting hotel. Where thankfully the arcade was up and running. I blew 30rm over there, but it was fun regardless.

After that we went to check-in, and Tng went off to see a doc a blew 132rm for food poisoning. After that we went Off to lunch.

1. Bowling was up.
2. Shopping! I was gals to find out that my Nike shoes costs less in Singapore than over there. =)
Went for a movie after dinner, and it was around 9pm by then. Those who doesn't wanna watch gulliver's travels went to starbucks to chill.
Personally, I watched it before, so all I did was enjoy the air conditioning and slept. Vinodh who was beside me slept too. Lol. The sweetcorn cup was good, though.

Second day
Tng was finally feeling well enough, so in 830am we all went to eat the free breakfast buffet at first world. There was damn a lot of egg dishes, but we just didn't really cared and ate to my heart's desire. Lol. It's free eh!

During the afternoon we went to ate at some dim sum restaurant in genting hotel. I had wanton mee and it was good.

Ah, we went to the theme park by the way. The corkscrew was damn fun. Was laughing all the way rather than being scared by that. Lol, the space shot was the best though, it was terrifying when we were traveling to the top. And when it dropped, it was the best feeling ever! Screamed and then laughed when we're on the rebound.

Lol, the flying dragon was the craziest. When we entered the indoor area everyone shouted "fuck you!!" and people down there were stunned at the development. It was classic!

Shame that the theme park closed at 1900. Freaking early sia. Well, we went back for a rest after lunch then met up at 1730. Sk kept saying about how accurate the palm reader was, so we went to take a look.

Naturally, I also went to take a reading too. Hehe. But it's too ley chey so I won't bother saying writing it. The palm reader said some good and some bad stuff, but there were some truth in it even if I only Half believed in what she said.

At 1930 we went to meet up and went to mushroom farm for dinner. It was good, and the fish was fresh, so it's a thumbs up for me.

Talked more cock and then went to the bar at first world to chill. I had an erdinger draught, and that got my face red already. I'm not really good at drinking so don't blame me. In the end though I drank another long island tea in one shot wiu some sweetish blue drink. It was good but halfway through I slept, and even though I wanted to go to the cloud 9 club, when I stood up I felt no good.

Yeah, I can't hold my liquor well. Lol.

Went to bunk at 11+ and slept till the morning. So I didn't get to experience the clubbing atmosphere in genting. Wasted..

Had dim sum for breakfast and now I'm writing while on the bus back to Singapore.

Highlights of Robin’s Life in the year 2010

In the year 2010, there were really quite a bit of ups and downs. Overall its been a good year for me, although it can be quite tough at times, but in the end, I survived and became all the wiser.

“You only get to live life for once. Live life to the fullest!”

1st High – Graduation!

Yeah, this may be stupid, but this is definitely one of the best things that happened to me.

After 3 years of studying, staying up late to rush for projects, going out with friends, mugging, etc etc, somehow when I receive the ‘ticket’ out, somehow I feel released from the schooling all, what, 19 years of my life?

Yeah man, although I do still think of going back to school, it won’t be for another 2 years before I get my feet wet again. ahaha.

2nd High – Individual Body Maintenance

Another high of the year. I finally went to train myself up for army. Guess it takes some big, impending changes to my life to change how I work. I’m glad I took Zi Jie up on that offer though, it really feels good to let my body do what it’s best at, not to mention it did helped me in army.

3rd High – Resolution fulfilled

I actually did manage to fulfill my new year resolution for 2010. ahaha. I did improve myself physically and mentally, which I think would be a great help for me in the future.

Nevertheless, I do not take my friends and family for granted. They are the pillar of fun and support in my life, and I would not want to lose either. Let’s work hard together to make the coming year an even better one!

Now, my resolution for the year 2011. The end is not important, whatever matters is the process. I only hope that the process makes me, not break me.

New Year Resolution - 2011

1. Grow even more in terms of physical and mental abilities. Where I am now, I’m not yet ready.

2. Make loads more friends. It’s time to come out of your shell, dude.

3. Save money. I don’t know why, but the concept of saving is still quite out of reach from me. Lucky I have my mum to thank for helping me save money by keeping my money away from me. <3

4. Everybody stays healthy. It’s when everyone are healthy that people have much fun all around.

Let’s hope I can keep my resolutions. eheheh.

Thursday book out

This is the first thursday book out ever. lol.

anyways, this is to give us time to prepare ourselves mentally for the fierce week ahead, which is SIT Test.

Well, at least it's not gonna be as tough as fieldcamp. Hellstrike was tough as hell, and if there's gonna be leopard crawling in vest slack again, -...

and now, the book-in timing is getting later and later, which may or may not be a good thing, but one thing for sure, it's that the carrot's getting bigger and bigger. I hope to retain that though. haha, hope I'll pass my IPPT which is about 2 days after SIT test. T_T

Standing Board Jump's gonna be the last obstacle for me. haiz.

Other than SIT test and the coming last IPPT in 2 week's time, and add in the 16km route march, it's gonna be a simpler ride than what I went through like 2 months before.

Life's gonna be good, and we're all gonna see the light at the end of the tunnel. yay!

Surprise Surprise

It's official. Fieldcamp's over.

It was a tough ride, but it was worth it. I definitely did mature as a person, and I got to know myself better through the ride. It was short, but it definitely made me see how people truly are.

Highlights

1st day - marched to Yankee 34 campsite, where we stopped. got weird feeling that it's not quite 8km yet, and it's true. kena tekaned for a while before being called up to march for another 2km before finally stopping. Basha building.

2nd day - was the first platoon to get up for RO. Got fucked for accounting of strength during 5bx. Fire movement, FCO drill. got turned out at night because things happened. High kneel at the assembly area for 20minutes before going to sleep. Guess it was around this time that I felt that highkneeling was getting easier and easier for me. lol.

3rd day - Got fucked for people not filling water to the brim. Again for accounting of strength. Digging of shellscrape straight after Hellstrike. Hellstrike was not that bad actually, but yeah we still got fucked badly. Leopard crawling on rocky ground is not a joke. Got parent's letters, cried, wrote a return letter. Rained very heavily during night where there was no basha. COLD.

4th day - Got fucked for accounting of strength again. Leopard crawled on rocky ground again, only this time in vest slack, and it's not funny anymore. lol. Group battle course. Stand to in shellscrape, filled up shellscrape and went for mandatory powder bath before sending fieldpacks back to coyline first. oh yeah, took photos for graduation parade. finally can cluster fuck and sleep together. Sergeants bought a bottle of lemon tea for us to share. Thank you sergeants!

5th day - marched back in morning, tcss with sergeant while cleaning rifle, store items. Platoon 3 got fucked up in the end when they have no time to do area cleaning while needing to bath, change and pack up for book out. Sergeant's patience ran thin.

That's why platoon 3 is the best platoon in Raven Coy, but I just hope that we can prove to the sergeants that we are not taking them for granted. It's gonna be hard, but platoon 3 can do it.

ah. family matters.

Twin brothers got PSLE results, Nicholas got 228 while Aloysius got 254. damn. I was shocked, but what to do, my family is this good. heheh. Good work brothers! =)

Thanks mum for cleaning my tons of clothes, didn't managed to help much, but I really appreciate it. Thanks dad for the moral support. Thanks brothers for uh, being an ass? LOL.

Now enjoy your chalet while I book in to Tekong Chalet later.

Hand Grenade training! SIT test and all's cleared! I'm finally beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. lol.

Fieldcamp!

It's that time of the week again, where I use my remaining time to write posts on how life in army for me was. lol.

Last week was short, due to the Hari Raya Holiday, but the 6km route march was testing the limit of the platoon. Movement was okay, but there were not much songs and no encouragements given.
For these reasons the platoon were punished by our commanders.

Of course I'm displeased by how things turned out. It's not fun to have only 6 or 7 out of 60+ people who lead songs throughout the whole route march. What's going to happen to them when the 16km route march comes? wtf.

anyways, fieldcamp's on tuesday, and we'll be having preparations on monday. I wonder how it's going to be like, but I guess it's gonna be punishments and more punishments if platoon 3 doesn't get their act together. =x

It's gonna be tough, but it's gonna be worth it. Fieldcamp's a place to learn about you own self too, since you don't know how you're gonna react to new situations. man I can't wait to do that. haha.

At least my birthday's not during fieldcamp. hehe

Selamat Hari Raya

Today's book-in day. Why are we booking in so early? because there's IPPT tomorrow. it's not that I don't like it, but it's more of a confidence issue. Having no counts when I can easily jump pass the 216 mark scares me. that's why.

I'm booking in at 1737 by the way. The whole island are booking in today. Havoc sia. lol.

Friday's my birthday! and we're doing urban ops. wish me luck and hope my rifle won't get stunned again. lol. 6 click march comes tomorrow afternoon, and blisters ahoy!

I wonder why my blisters keep on coming even after I'd worn my shoes for like, 2 months already.

Last time I had so much time to spend, but now I'm always short on time, time, time..

BMT week 1

Last week was slack. haha.

But one bad thing happened. During Range, my rifle was stunned, again. lol. this time there's punishment and that explains why I have to do weekend guard duty. I'll just treat it as an experience and hope that it does not happen during FieldCamp or Urban Ops, or else it'll be the end for me, I think.

This week's IPPT week. I'm still not confident about my jumping skills, as I always end up sliding across the mat even though I passed the mark. It's no count, and there cannot be another miracle to save me. I hope to improve on that.

Fieldcamp's next week, so wish me luck! lol.

Went to AFA today too!

Everything's so so nice. damn it's good, even though it was a bit lonely going there by myself, but I still managed to enjoy! hehe.

another photo to commemorate my being there. and I did not come back empty handed too. Got a Kamen Rider Figuart to display. lol. it's all well, since I used my interest money. lolol.

Life's good.

BMT Phase finally starting!

woots! finally started BMT phase.. with Range!

it's a good thing, but considering the close shave I'd had with my IPPT. Let's try not to be too happy.

at least now's not all about PT and PT. its more about SOC and fieldcamp and finally, POP!

This week's gonna be tough, with range and imt and all. If i can get company best shot.. hmm.. :D