Event: Signal Gathering

On friday after book out, some of the us from platoon 11/07 went to a gathering at Fish and Co @ The Glass House. It was actually supposed to be a farewell gathering for Yen Shan who will be going to Brunei for 1 year in 2 weeks time. We also wanted to catch up with our dear sexy auntie-killer ang mo friend Robert. After a good chat at Fish and Co with 12 people, we left and went to Secret Recipe at Plaza Singapura though Chi Weng and Shaun Lim and Shaun Yap had to go. After we had our pies and cakes at Secret Recipe, the bikers went home to prepare for guard duty and Iven and Shang Long went off too. The rest of us decided to go play pool somewhere.



I forgot to take a photo of the New York Fish and Chips! Argh. And i only remember to take a photo of my Choz Cheese only after i've eaten more than half of it.

Taking photos before our special guests come... Plus 1x acting-cute-Chi-Weng

I'm taking the photos discretely

Dang! They found out..

Stupid Iven posing.. So i scolded them and said i wanted to take natural shots

and this is the natural shot they gave me...

everyone is suddenly so attentive

oh... listening to CSM talking... (company sluttest man)

time for bills but too bad nobody takes accountancy

and who said guys dont or cant cam whore?

underaged brat

A star scholar

discussing on how to look spastic...

this is what they came up with

many people are not ready, yet some people are all eager to go, esp the one on the left

everyone's attempt to look stupid, slutty, beng, and "pidgey"

top row (from left): pidgey Shang Long, pidgey Chi Weng, Chin Hua, Shaun Lim, Pang Hua, Kay Siong, slutty Robert

bottom row (from left): Shaun Yap, stupid Iven, Joshua, myself, Wesley, Yen Shan, Kian Hong

on our way to plaza singapura, and they did stupid things along the way...

this is how it looks like from the back

and this is how it looks like from the front

at Secret Recipe

this 2 guys emit a warm aura (between them) dont you think so?

group photos~


my Choz Cheese!

Event: 1SIR 52nd Anniversary Celebration

On thursday night, the First Battalion had its anniversary celebration. I really didnt think that an army battalion's celebration would be like this, neither had i predicted that i would actually stand on the bench to get a clearer view (since i sit all the way at the back). But you know, at least i didnt chiong all the way to the front of the stage (like some people did) to see what they really wanted to. Well a hint was that during particular performance, the song played was "we're bringing sexyback... YEAH!".


There were games involving each company to bring out their best men (such as tallest, fattest, biggest butt, but Support Coy obviously lost because we're too fit and the emcee had a cork in his eye to not see that the signal platoon sergeant is obviously the most muscular guy in the battalion), there were songs (pretty bad ones at that, coupled with, erm, a few warm layers of skin), there were BBQ food (i ate 1x hotdog, 1x satay and 3x 1cm by 5cm otah), there was lucky draw, and there was "we're bringing sexyback... YEAH!" which was the only thing which made me stand on the bench for so long (it made me realised that i was quite thin actually too). It was more fun than i expected. Especially when Support was singing Apologise, when they asked for the hairest man and i was pulling Iven to go up on stage, when we were looking at young innocent and unwilling boys being, erm, brought sexyback to... In the end, HQ Coy won the competition. Like, wow. Support wasnt bad at all though. We won the "dunnoe what" skills competition held in the morning and the Safety Notice Board competition.

Thought of the Day: Some People Are Born...

My buddy says i'll burn in hell for saying this. Nonetheless, he has but got to agree with it.


I dont like to mention names. But you know... (here goes..)


Some people are born retarded. They work so hard to transit from being retarded to being f-ed up. Oops pardon my language. But i cant find a more apt word to describe it. Anyhow, they suffered so much to make so much more improvement. Com'on people. You have to agree with me that they should be sympathised with, not hated. You agree, yes?


Then some people are not born retarded. But they work so hard to act like the f-ed up self they are. You know, it sometimes takes courage to be yourself. I mean, not everyone's born to be near perfect. Being ourselves can be difficult. These people should be praised, no? What i'm trying to say is, they even dare to make themselves LOOK retarded. This act surely deserves some credit.



Then some people are born retarded, and they stay retarded. We cant just assume that its because they refuse to learn, aint i right? They should be encouraged, not looked down upon or criticised, even if they look retarded, act like they are retarded, look f-ed up, or look like they act like they are f-ed up.





You get my drift?

Movie: The Dark Knight

Oh my god this has to be the movie of the year. Even one week after i've watched the movie, im still so thrilled about it. The joker is so cool. I love the way he talks and thinks. Gosh i'm going crazy too.


You have to watch it. Period.




why so SERIOUS?

Event: Army Half Marathon Training

As a first year soldier, we need to run 10km in the Army Half Marathon aka AHM. Due to the SAF's rulings for progressive training, we were supposed to run a few distances. A few weeks ago, we went to East Coast Park to run. Just now, we ran around Mandai Hill and in Lorong Asrama. Although Mandai Hill route felt less tiring, but East Coast was so much more interesting. There were the sea, the sand, the babes, the mouth-watering BBQ food, all the happening stuff. But best of all, there were no slopes or rocky routes like Mandai Hill route. I guess the 7km run in East Coast conditioned me a little, making me less tired for the 8km run in Mandai Hill. Last time in East Coast, i slowed down after catching up with Iven to cheer him on and to make sure he wont stop. Then when we were reaching the end, i told him to sprint and guess what? He could sprint so much faster than me that i lost to him in the end. But i took my revenge you hairy nips! I won this time round~ (but my position dropped a lot cause a lot of faster people got posted in)


East Coast Park
Distance: 7km
Timing: around 35mins (5mins/km)
Position (Support/HQ): Third

Mandai Hill Camp/Lorong Asrama
Distance: 8km
Timing: 41.54mins (around 5.25mins/km)
Position (Support): 11th

Event: IPPT

Generally speaking, having IPPT is not a very nice experience. This is much due to a dreaded station, Standing Broad Jump. The thing is i've never been close to passing it until JC. After like 5 Napfa retest in JC, i managed to get silver. Now, im in the army and the standards are higher. I managed to pass today, finally. But i dont think im gonna stop there...



Sec 1 NAPFA
Sit up - 22
SBJ - 171
Inclined pull up - 18
2.4km - 17.36mins

Sec 4 NAPFA
Sit up - 34
SBJ - 190
Pull ups - 4
2.4km - 12.56mins

J2 NAPFA
Sit up - 36
SBJ - 222
Pull ups - 8
2.4km - 11.40mins

BMT IPPT
Sit up - 40
SBJ - 216
Pull ups - 11
2.4km - 11.25mins

Yesterday's IPPT
Sit up - 40
SBJ - 220
Pull ups - 12
2.4km - 10.30mins

Emo: Flares

You know one when you see one. People who dont do work, people who dont deserve rewards, people who screw up all the time and deserves to be punished.


Hey, i'm just a passerby, i dont judge. Not unless its related to the way i am dealt with. Too bad it did. But no, i've complained enough to my friends. The thing is,


if i did so much f$%^& work, and i got such rewards, and other people screws and sleeps, and got better deals than me,

then heck, something must have been wrong with ME.


I must have done my work so poorly. I guess i need to reflect on this, starting from the time the higher ups tell me in the face that i've not been performing. Man, they better tell me soon, cause some flares can only be curbed by such straight stabs-in-the-face.

Emo: Lessons about Life 2

I've grown up.


Last week during guard duty, i watched cartoons with my fellow signallers. It was quite painful to do so. I watched some programme that looked like a horrible imitation of power rangers, masked riders and Gundam Seed Destiny.

And oh my god, i have to exclaim this, whatever is happening to cartoons nowadays? Horrible voice over, poor acting, lousy plot. Those "power rangers" and masked riders have such terrible martial arts skill, so many redundant moves, that i felt excruciating pain while watching it. I had so much to comment that Chi Weng said "com'on these are for entertaining kids!"


Lousy? Or i've grown up?

Emo: Lessons about Life 1

When the going gets tough, the tough gets going.


Signallers have it tough too. What doesnt hurt you as much doesnt mean someone else feels the same. And when the hurting gets too hard, perhaps its time to let it out. Sometimes, it takes courage to cry.


You dont have to get going, but stay tough, ya?

Books: If You Could See Me Now and Nineteen Minutes

Reviews come later. But boy am i angry! Remember The Kite Runner that i bought a while ago? Its on a One for One discount now. Like this two books. Darn the bookstore. I should have waited a while longer. Now i dont know which book to be the "free" one when i buy Tuesdays With Morrie. I'll definitely buy it while the offer is still on. Better one more free book that i dont read than none.

Event: Sending people off

When you go to the airport and bid farewell and say bon voyage to people, is that called sending people off or seeing people off? Gosh my english is becoming from bad to worse.


Anyhow, Leonard went off to Australia for his pilot thingy on sunday. I was having leave so just nice i had time to see(send) him off. He said "wah you so good ah, take leave to see me off". I said "you wait~". But well, i would have anyways if i could.


Then just now, i went to see(send) Edwin off to Exercise Lancer. Just nice i was able to do so too because i was on leave.



Ever since the news broke out about the cadet who passed away in Brunei, i was quite worried when i heard that my friends are going off. So i guess i had to make sure that i tell them personally to drink more water and good luck. Most importantly, dont die. Big hugs and take good care, until the day i must call them sir and salute them cause i dont have a choice.


Next will be my turn at Exercise Wallaby in October.

Items: Off my wish list!

My new speakers X-Mini Max along with my ultra light and small mp3 player Zen Stone Plus (with speakers) i bought when i entered Signal Institute. The bass is darn strong for something so small!

There you go! The red tights i wanted for route march! But its tight at the waist and a tad loose at the thighs. No more size cause its sales season. The shop lady says i'm too thin that's why...

First book that i read since like last year.

I know i probably shouldn't buy another book before i finish The Da Vinci Code. But that book is in camp and i was afraid that i will be bored at the airport.

My sexy and beautiful silver PSP.

New battery cause the old one spoiled. Bigger capacity!

Activity: Shopping

Since I enlisted, i shop alone a lot. I mean, window shop alone a lot. I have a long long wish list and thats what set guys apart from girls. Girls usually have no specific aim or wants when they shop. Guys zoom in straight on what they want. The thing is, its Great Singapore Sale now and i want to find the best discount. And so i walk and walk, and man, i hate walking. Reminds me of route march...


Im not born for shopping, i swear. Here's why.


Need List.

Books
to read
Levi's Jeans
i saw one pair i really like last year but i was too thin to wear it. now im thick enough
Tights
good for route march, prevents abrasion
Trunks
my old one is spoilt
Goggles
my old one is going to spoil
Soles
good for route march and morning runs in boots
Sling Bag
my bro spoilt my 7-year-old OP sling bag a few months back, time for a new zinc one
Mobile Battery Charger
i use my handphone as a mp3 player so battery gets drain fast in camp where i dont get to charge my handphone
Duffel Bag
my current 5-year-old bag is too small for all my book in stuff. the red adidas one is cool
Cargo Pants
always wanted a new one
Wallet
i prefer a leather one, saw one i like from billabong
Running Singlet and Spilt Shorts
would be good for weekend runs, got a simple looking one with red stripes from adidas
Polo Shirt
good for booking in and nights out in NS, saw a couple of light colours one from giordano which may just make me look younger
Tie
high time i get one
Casual Shoes
always wanted a pair after my adidas one from factory outlet spoiled
Spectacles
wanted to change to a less nerd one since sec 4
Earpiece
cx300!
W950i
good phone for a soldier
8GB Thumb Drive
always wanted a portable OS
Ipod Touch
just so cool!
Gloves
meant for gym usages
Speakers
my old one is 5 years old. create T10 would be nice enough, pop in the sound card too
Xmod
sounds cool


However... As i shopped in Bugis Junction and Sim Lim Square on Sunday and Tampines Mall, Takashimaya and Compass Point today, I've come to realise...



No Need List.


Books
i can just borrow them
Levi's Jeans
nobody will look since im in camp most of the time anyways
Tights
actually i havnt gotten abrasion on my thighs or groin before...
Trunks
how often have i swam since i enlisted?
Goggles
how often have i swam since i enlisted?
Soles
ok i guess i really need this
Sling Bag
i dont really need it for any occasion
Mobile Battery Charger
i'll just have to read more and listen to music less
Duffel Bag
iven is using the same one, and actually if i try to compress, my stuff can still fit into my old bag
Cargo Pants
in camp too often
Wallet
my friends just got me one for my bdae
Running Singlet and Spilt Shorts
i can just wear my army singlet and shorts...
Polo Shirt
nobody will look since im in camp most of the time anyways
Tie
no need for one while im serving the nation
Casual Shoes
no need for one while im serving the nation
Spectacles
nobody will look since im in camp most of the time anyways
Earpiece
dont really have a need for it
W950i
why would a soldier need a good phone?
8GB Thumb Drive
a portable OS serves no use for a soldier
Ipod Touch
dont really have a need for it
Gloves
my trained hands are my gloves
Speakers
no time to use it
Xmod
dun really have a need for it



So in the end, i really only need to buy the in soles. But i bought the book anyways since i always have trouble finding it in the library. So guess what did i bring home after 2 full days of shopping? A pilot ballpoint pen, a card holder for my IC and The Da Vinci Code. I even resisted giving myself a treat of Dark Mocha Frappe from Starbucks and trying to watch a movie on my own for the first time (Kung Fu Panda!).

Im too thrifty, not meant for shopping.

Colour: RED

RED is the next in colour. I have no idea why too. All of a sudden, my handphone is red, my new ear piece Ear Pump (Sonic Gear) is red, the Adidas duffel bag i want is red, the tights i wanted had red stripes, the trunks i wanted had red stripes, the red deuter bag i always wanted, red goggles. But too bad my friend has the same model of duffel bag and the same colour. But there's a chance i'll just buy it anyways.

Red colour represents love. Im loving red. But red aint loving me. That reminds me, i just had an interview with my new platoon commander and i heard the most diao thing from him. For some reason i know not of, my all-along-has-been-there platoon commander wrote that I do not have a girlfriend in my interview booklet. Well, he did ask me that last time. So i suppose my new PC heard it and ask me "so do you have a girlfriend now?" I resisted rolling my eyes. Its really not easy to find one during NS. Anyhow, the following was the conversation (roughly).

Sir: So do you have a girlfriend now?
Me: erm, no sir. not yet sir.
Sir: better dont get a girlfriend. having girlfriend is troublesome.
Me: ..................................Ah?
Sir: ya girlfriend is nothing but trouble.
Me: but, its like sooner or later mah.
Sir: trust me lah, they are nothing but trouble. dont go get a girlfriend.
Me: (speechless)

I have no idea what's that suppose to mean. My friends have a few ideas for that about him. But for myself, maybe i have a face which looks like im gonna stay single for life.




What other red things can i buy?

Books: P.S. I Love You and The Da Vinci Code

I recently finished the book P.S. I Love You. Alright, I cant remember when was the last time i read a book, or more like, when was the last time i completed a book. I dont like to read. No, reading isnt an interest or hobby to me. But free time shouldnt be wasted on sleeping (not too much, kudos to Chi Weng the Kun-er), eating instant noodles, eating snacks, staring into blank space or bitching about people or things. Er, well, i dont really mind bitching about people. It bonds people and allows one to vent out one's anger. Hey! Guys bitch too alright. Its just the correct word for "gossiping and complaining at the same time". (but gosh im soon turning into a bitch soon)


Back to the topic, i thought i might as well pick up reading again. At first i just wanted to read my PC Magazine which i just subscribed. But one issue per month isnt really gonna last me. So after much influence from my very avid reader platoon mates, i've decided to read books. WOW. Wen Qin can read books too! (whatever)


Yup you've guessed it. P.S. I Love You is a romance book. I overheard my friends talking about it and it took me quite a while to actually even see the book on a shelf. Its really quite a bitchy book. I guess it was really meant for girls. But still, there were parts which guys would find touchy too.


Next up is The Da Vinci Code. I know people are going to exclaim "what you havnt read it yet?". So im going to read it now. Hopefully i will finish this book as well.

Item: New Handphone

Samsung F200

This is going to last until i ORD. No camera but with mp3 function. No more bad hair day from lack of music, no more lonely nights, no more frustration with forwarding smses one by one, no more suicide thoughts!

101 Senseless And Brainless Things

I havnt updated in a while and i just realised that i havnt even completed my Tekong post on being a Hawk. That will have to wait. My civilian time is too precious for such things. I wasnt in a good mood today. Mainly cause of people. Many many people. Especially people who are oblivious of things around them. No matter what the situation is, i always ask myself, am I at fault? Am i irritating? Am i getting too close to people around me, making them dislike me or whatsoever? I dont like to assume things. And it annoys me to no end when people think they are close to me. (i'm like argh, rolling my eyes round and round and round........)


People around me have been annoying lately. I mean, getting more and more annoying. I dont see how one can still laugh when he is at fault. This is most sissy and gay (oops, its actually a personal attack towards somebody. but shrugs, who cares?). How can some people not feel guilty at all i wonder?


All these aside, some "things" (like computers, crowds, events, clothes, food, er, maybe organisations?) also got on my nerves lately. And so signal platoon bunk 3 have decided to create this list of 101 Senseless and Brainless Things (that "organisation X") does. Like how they reject me from my appeal to go to a training school so that i get something on my shoulders. The list is starting slow, but its okay. I'm sure we will hit more than a hundred in no time.



Please stop getting on my nerves... Dont test my patience. I wont rip your guts out now, but i cant promise that i wont attempt manslaughter after we get back our pink IC. You people might well see me a month after i ORD when you guys ORD at the gate. Dont eat too much that day, cause i dont like people to vomit out whatever they ate when i squash their stomach with a fiery fist...

Food: Swensens

Unfortunately, i was without my camera handphone as i had just booked out. Gosh, Chocolate Crunch was the most expensive (in terms of volume:cost) ice cream. But it was well worth it. It served as a good pat in the back, or consolation more like it after my new posting to 1SIR. Its hell, not cause i had to walk on scorching ground or hit with whips and canes, but cause i was burned with flames, and those flames will last for eternity. At least, they will seem like they are going to last for eternity.

But i swear! I'm a signaller by blood, and i wear the 2 flags on my collar proudly. (still i cant imagine how am i going to survive my remaining 535days in NS without my PSP and mp3 player, gosh...)

Event: SECRET

<<
LTA karen of two bars,
where hath thou go?
that major pain in the arse
doth treat us badly so
we'd miss thine laughter
twinkle in the eyethine smell o lavender
makes a guy go high
your daily ways and visits
instantly warm our hearts
the days we count by digits
sweet they are like tarts
LTA karen be there i a wish to make
for eternity, for you! all the shifts i'd take >>

Actually i'm not sure if i can blog this sonnet here but its cool eh. Mdm if you ever stumble upon this, fear not. The one who wrote it is not i. Its my partner Chi Weng. Lol.

Unfortunately this Event was classified secret so i cant say anything at all. But the commander in charge of me during this Event, well its a she. So i guess my partner and myself had our share of laughs with our dear commander, and between ourselves. Right Chi Weng?

Choice: NTU VS NUS

So like 1 month ago, i was offered triple E in NTU (Electrical and Electronic Engineering). About 2 weeks ago, i received an email telling that i was offered triple E in NUS too. Cause i put both of them as my first choice thus boy, was i surprised when i received the letter (like real). Lols. I was really surprised partly cause my physics was a C. I thought they do take a look at that. The main reason why i was surprised was, my reaction when i received the letter was "huh? im really going to do EEE ah? omg" rather than "yes! i got it!", though the latter reaction did kind of seep in later on.


I hate physics, i really hate physics. But i'm a self declared geek. I love computer and hardware. I can totally imagine the newspaper saying "central processing unit with 32 cores finally stabilized by engineer in Intel led by Lee Wen Qin". But I can totally NOT imagine myself working on that tiny core whilst doing all the crazy calcalutions which are so going to be physics. Right now, i still can't decide, is it going to be engineering? If not, then what should i do? I have no idea at all. But yet i can't take my time and compete with my juniors next year cause i'm so sure that they will all do better than me since they had my batch as the guinea pigs. Oh well. 船到桥头自然直. 走一步算一步吧. (alert, juniors pls dont follow my footsteps)


NTU had their tea reception and NUS had their orientation. I knew i had to go for both to make an informed decision. And so i went.


NTU
It was held at Marina Mandarin. Yep, where my graduation night was held, in the same room. I didn't go with any friends, neither did i spot anyone there that i know of. You know, i always base my choice of education depending on where my friends were, though i didnt always get what i want. This is the first time i didnt go with the herd. (cause i totally can't imagine myself doing business, medicine or aeronautical engineering?) It felt kind of lonely, and weird. Weird because, the guys are dressed in flip flops? The girls are like, totally not appealing? Lady luck must have not been on my side for the girls part. Gosh, will i become like those guys? Flip flops and berms in a hotel? Unthinkable.

Nonetheless, the event started with a almost full house attendance. Before that i spoke to this lecturer.



I didnt even realise its him until the conversation ended, my god. Anyways NTU was quite informative. The direct honours is quite appealing though i cant imagine me getting a first class honours. The food was not bad but too many people chionged for it. Would be nice if they had taken away that video they borrowed from EDB. That was totally no point. At least NTU didnt scare us with previews of theory work.


NUS
It was held at NUS. Gosh, it was so far away (from my house that is). It was very annoying that i had to find my way to LT6 myself. I walked to this linkway only to find out that it was blocked by labs. It was really a disaster for a directional-idiot such as myself to look for that LT. The bad part about NUS's orientation was really due to me not able to stay throughout as i was booking in later. But still, its shocking to see the LT less than 1/3 filled. I thought, that must speak "volumes" of how NUS is like. I didnt like the look of that, seriously. However, the admin did a good job explaining to us about the course. I felt that it sounded more appealing than NTU's. But the momentum had to be broken by someone who cant speak well. Oh well i guess everyone has their first time but seriously, choose someone better next time. You know how many people fell asleep? The bulk of the orientation was about this orientation gamey thingy that you have to join a group and go to their labs to learn about projects then answer a questionaire to win prizes. I had to choose one that sounded most fun cause i aint going to stay throughout anyways. Mixed reality was interesting. But it was at that station that i realised that NUS reeked of a foul smell. The smell of geeks. Somehow, it was a "foul" smell. I cant explain it, it just feels, awful even though i declare myself a geek.


Leaving soon after the NUS orientation thingy didnt help me to make a choice. But looking at things now, i think i'll choose NTU cause seriously, the response was bad at NUS for a reason. That reason i do not know but i choose to believe that the majority has to be right.


Gosh this must had been the hardest decision of my life. I have no friends to turn to cause even i myself dont know what i want to do. Dear me... the deadline is on its way...

Event: Games Day and Closing Ceremony

I guess I have not mentioned that I was posted to Signals Institute 6 weeks ago. Well now you know. At first i was really feeling miserable there, mainly due to the fact that I was rejected from Command School due to some stupid reason and I felt lost having no friends at all. The first one week was really so terrible that i called my friends so much. My handphone bill for calls (before considering free incoming and outgoing) was about $100. But as time goes on, I find myself knowing more people and appreciating more people. I guess NS really did open my eyes. [danger elitist statement ahead] I used to think that most people my age go to JC. Maybe like half goes to polytechnic? I guessed a small amount goes to ITE. But oh boy was i shocked when i got posted to Signals. I realised that I'm the minority, especially when my sergeant said that they will become the majority if i ever get posted to an infantry unit. I guess i didn't take this news too well at first. Come to think of it, i guess i was too naive. Learning to accept people with different education status from me and smokers was little on the difficult side frankly. Oh well these things aside, I've graduated from Signals officially today. (presenting to you, the trainnnnned signals!)


My days at signals ended with a bang. I meant "bang". Out of the blue, sergeant decided to choose the platoon IC and the course IC himself. And viola! "PTE Lee Wen Qin!" was shouted in front of the platoon. "Congratuations on becoming the Course IC, permission to fall in IC," said my previous course IC. And beside me was my sergeant laughing at me. Until now i still have no idea what he was laughing about. But it was really not bad, i mean, this "bang". The last week of the course was filled with lectures and more lectures. My platoon IC was responsible and up to task such that I totally didn't have to worry at all. My 1 week and 2 days as the IC was smooth going, except the stupid cycle motor-ing in the theatrette in front of the whole company. The only "tough" part was a excruciating(ly short) 8km route march. Stupid Chin Hua refuse to exchange his front scout appointment with me even after the rest point. Darn it. But it was fun to march beside the platoon and talking to everyone especially when it's so easy. Sweet.



Games Day today was really fun. We played Ultimate frisbee and we had Sgt Leon on our side. My team had Sgt, Joshua, Shaun, Kian Hong, Louis, Jia Hua, Pang Hua and me. The other team kept switching people but if i remember correctly they had Chin Hua, Yen Shan, Shang Long, Kay Siong, Robert, Iven, Nicolas. It was always so funny with the other team kept losing so they get the frisbee after we threw it from our side. Chin Hua will get his team to move forward slowly and he will wave his hand forward for them to advance like some stupid idiot. Hah! We were all not good at it so its really funny when we kept dropping the frisbee like some goons. Thats really the best moment for my time in Signals Institute.


Closing ceremony was nothing much but presenting certificates. Platoon best was obviously not me cause there was a height requirement (like real). After that and a small talk from 2nd Lt Lim we marched off to pack up. Marching off for the last time wasn't as painful as during BMT. I bet Sgt wanted to say that he has never had such a problematic platoon before. Cheers to WO Jude the elite officer and the most handsome one in Signal Institute and the probably the fittest and nicest course sgt, Sgt Leon. I guess i won't forget people like funny bunk 1 people, xiao mao mi, snorlax, big ben, the shauns, the indian army general, the monks, my eating mate Pang Hua, SK Peh, many more and of course my partner Platoon IC dear Chin Chin.


Speed through Skills, Signals!

Oh man

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[incomplete] Message: What makes me a Hawk [Platoon 2 Section 3]

"When you go to your new unit, just remember to always do what Hawk taught you. No matter its SISPEC, OCS or you become men, even if they say you wayang also nevermind."
- Platoon Commanders of Hawk


I'm a Hawk cause I really miss Hawk. My current unit is Signals as men. Somehow or another, I can't help missing my section, my platoon and my company. BMT was so fun, so exciting, so bonding. The things we did were so interesting, the words we spoke of were so funny, we people we met were so nice. I really regret not appreciating BMT life. I remember my mentality of NS before enlistment was being skeptical about finding life long buddies in NS. I thought i wouldn't even find proper friends, much less good friends. But i did.



Platoon 2
My platoon is the most xiong platoon in Hawk. I really took my platoon for granted until i transferred to another unit. Platoon 2 was fun, loads of great people too. My sergeants were nice and reasonable. I knew lots of people and from there, lots of great friends. Some of them I'm quite sure that will become my life long friends.
"stand by me, stand by me..." - Platoon 2


Section 4
Tsun Wang - We knew each other from Terra Hope. I was really super relieved to know that we were in the same company and platoon. Too bad we didn't get into the same section. If not we might as well become boyfriends liao. Haha! You really helped me to pull through the first 2 weeks of BMT. Whenever I'm having red eyes, you are the one who help distract me. I was missing my friends but you, as my friend, was right there. So I didn't feel so lonely. Thanks sia. And you were the only one who thought of bringing the candle for my day. Really appreciate it. Miss OTOT-ing with you.

Section 3
We should be quite the most all rounded section and the most bonded one too. Of course, all this is thanks to me being the welfare IC and partially the section IC. So it can't be helped. Haha.


Sylvester - My bed buddy. We pulled through thick and thin together, during training and during field camps. I know your favourite phrase! "you know what i mean right?" haha. I won't forget that anytime soon. Mei Ling ah Mei Ling, where are you~~ Sir, we will always respect you as a sir, Sir!


Christopher - Number 1 joker in Section 3. Section 3 will never be as lively without you. Your sarcastic jokes makes laughter rings in our bunk all the time. Too bad I couldn't spend more time doing sai kang with you while on status. Haha. Won't forget your superb acting during OC's evening and Recruit's Night. I laughed out so much i couldn't sing properly. Lol.



Walter - Didn't know you chose to walk with me for 24km route march because i encouraged you for the previous route march. But luckily that i have to keep encouraging and pushing you, i forgot about my own pain and limits. Thanks to that i was able to pull through. I know we both miss our section a lot cause we're both in infantry. Keep it going man.



Kah Soon - the only other TJCian in the platoon, somemore we are in the same section. Its nice to have a fellow jc mate with me. Thanks for all your care and concern. I remember you always ask me if i'm ok, more often than the other guys. Do well in sispec.

Event: Last Days of BMTC

The last few days of BMT was the nicest of all. Firstly, the strictest commander wasn't around. Secondly, we don't have much training anymore, so life was pretty slack. With more admin time, my section was able to bond more. I can remember for the last few days, I always slept at a very late time. Thats when i noticed that one of my section mates also sleep very late at night. So we ended up talking a bit before sleeping. But we only went off to sleep cause we're afraid that the commanders will come and check.


The second last night and the last night was unforgettable. The second last night before Passing Out Parade was a very special day. I ended up spending most of my admin time outside my bunk. I guess I'm thankful that my bunk mates didn't come and drag me in. When I recalled this event with my friend from other company, he asked how come I'm so popular, am I the platoon best or company best?
"Platoon best my ass!"
Lol. I think all my section mates will remember my favourite phrase well. Somehow or another, i kept being targeted for something. Luckily one of my bunk mates said he'll help me delay the time of the "operation". In the end, most of my section mates slept even before they carried out the operation.

I thought that was the end of it. How wrong was i.


On the last night. my company sort of hinted that they wouldn't come up to check if we were sleeping. Thus we were chit chatting for a very long time. Some of us slept already, but most of us were still eating the large amount of food we brought in. Suddenly someone threw a black duct tape on the table. I asked "whats this duct tape doing here?" No one replied me, but little did i know that the tape was for me. All of a sudden, a hand grabbed me from behind, covering my mouth, I thought Weng Kin was just fooling around with me. When i use my hand to try to pull his hands away, i felt something on my lips.

Black duct tape.

GG~ (good game)

I tried to struggle but it was too late. Zul grabbed my legs, two other people grabbed me from behind. I bet its Rui Hong and Daryl. People were shouting "start liao start liao!" to wake those who were sleeping up. I was carried to my buddy's bed cause he was having guard duty. I shall refrain from being detailed about what happened next but basically they put camo cream on me. They had lots of fun while i kept struggling. Cun Zhi kept saying "don't struggle and we'll make this easy for you". Lol. I tried to shout and scream by opening my mouth to tear the tape away. But each time i do that, one more layer of tape covers my mouth. I'm sure that was Weng Kin. And the artists camo-ing me was no doubt chief artist Christopher with a few helpers. Zul, Rui Hong and Cun Zhi were most likely pinning me down. I couldn't see cause they switched off the lights. After the whole affair, they went back to bed, leaving me catching my breath. Then i went to shower, and asking Daryl to help me check if all the camo is off already or not. I really didn't expect it cause they kiwi-ed me the day before already. Anyways i spent the rest of the night chatting with Daryl. It was no fun that the rest slept so early.



This event made me "the guy who will never forget the last day of his BMT". Haha.

This is the candle they used for my "cake". Tsun Wang was nice to have brought it and everyone sang a song for me. It was not bad. Thanks Tsun Wang and Section 3!

Events: Pieces of BMT (2)

Event: Sports Day



I volunteered myself into cheerleading committee for sports day, something which i regret soon after. I wasn't really that keen but in the end i guess i'm ok with it. Hawk cheers are quite cool, but those cheers aren't really meant to be loud, so we lose out in a sense. I was surprised at how free and easy was sports day. People really walked around like nobody's business. I went to talk to Guan Wen for quite long before joining back to do some cheers. Then i went to find Danny but i didn't manage to find him. Sports Day was really wet. It rained heavily and stopped again and again. Everyone was pretty much wet by the end of everything. Furthermore i tio 3 waterbombs from Griffon. I think they mistook me for someone else. Afterall my surname is also Lee. My section mates threatened to roll me in the mud since my special day was just the day before and i promptly volunteered to bring the tables back to our company line and escaped the deadly fate. Wearing soggy socks and wet shoes for dinner wasn't all that great either. But at least Hawk didn't get last for sports day this time round.





Event: Passing Out Parade




We waited 9 weeks just for this. Even other companies did not rehearse as many times as we did. And boy i was impressed. I didn't know we could march this well. After the 5 giants right markers marched into the parade square, the drum roll for us started. Quietly, i mumbled "left right left right left right left" under my breath. I felt a heavy pressence in my chest, i couldn't tell if it was nervousness or sadness. After we marched in, i couldn't see my parents. The drum beat finally ended, bringing us to a halt. Halfway singing Stand Up for Singapore and the Infantry Song, it started to rain. After welcoming the guests of honour and saluting with our rifles, we proceeded with the march pass. As soon as our parents were out of sight, we ran to the tonners and said goodbye to our rifles. After that we immediately put on our cap (supposed to be put on by parents but it was raining heavily) and ran into the parade square singing
"Training to be soldiers, fight for our land, once in our life, two years of our time. Have you ever wondered? Why must we serve? Because we love our land, and we want it to be free, to be free ah!
Stand up! and be on your guard. Com'on everybody, do your part. Com'on every soldier, soul and heart. Do it for your nation. Do it for your Singapore ah!
Looking all around us, people everywhere. Children having fun, while we are holding guns. Have you ever wondered? Why must we serve? Because we love our land, and we want it to be free, to be free ah!"
Then we did the stupid BMTC roar
"We are the warriors of BMTC, spirit of bayonet in our blood. Don't mess with us, cause we are the best. We are the best in the SAF. BMTC will crush you, HA! crash you HA! BMTC will shape you HA! toughen you HA! Through basics, we excel! Through basics, we excel!"
Then we threw our caps up, signifying the end of our recruit's life. There and then, we were promoted to privates.





This special day came with mixed feelings. Part of me don't want it to end, but a larger part of me can't wait to book out of Tekong for the last time. I slept quite well the previous night, without tears, without brooding, without having flash backs. But somewhere somehow, i guess i didn't want it to end. The good 9 weeks i had with my fabulous section was memorable. I can remember the bad times clearly, but the bad times then had all become good times to me already. Happily yet sadly, it all ended on this day called POP.

Then we sang our last song, as Hawk Coy, for Hawk Coy...

"the sun will rise the stars will shine for us for you and me ah, we are from Hawk Coy, Hawk Company ah... Hawk Coy... Hawk Coy... We are from Hawk Comppppannnyyy! Hawk Coy... Hawk Coy! We are from Hawk Comppppannyyyy!!!

the boys will shout the girls will scream for us for you and me ah, we are from Hawk Coy, Hawk Company ah... Hawk Coy... Hawk Coy... We are from Hawk Comppppannnyyy! Hawk Coy... Hawk Coy! We are from Hawk Comppppannyyyy!!!"

Events: Pieces of BMT (1)

I guess i'm not supposed to list down all the highlights of BMT, but still, i guess blogging about some shouldn't hurt.

Event 1: Field Camp 15/2/08 - 20/2/08

Field camp was 6 days long and i could have never imagine myself to have pulled through it. Many say this is the time to see the true colours of people. I didn't see, frankly, but my bunk mate says its because I always sit in front (being bed 1) so i don't get to see whats behind me when we were punished. Field camp was fun though its extremely xiong. Its lots of section training so i got to know my section mates better. I've got to be glad that i have nice section mates. No wayang, no chao geng.


I can remember all the walking through of thick forest, crawling in the mud for long distances, high kneeling like nobody's business, being pumped until we lose count, and especially the times my section had our meals together, sitting in a circle and the admin times at night. We helped each other dig, peed on the same tree, run with the same amount of weight on us, eat the same nasty combat rations, slept in the same basha, camoflaged each other etc etc. I don't mind having another field camp you know, but preferably without the commanders around. Field camp really taught me that mental strength is the key to many things. Also, combat rations arent that bad.


Event: Re-Sitest

Thanks to Sergeant Kang's suggestion of seeing the MO just to get medication but request not to get excuse status, I was awarded the trump card to avoid all punishments and training. 3 days of Excuse Lower Limb disallowed me to go for Sitest with my dearest section mates. I ended up going for Re-Sitest with the rest of the people who missed their own field camp in both BMTC1 and BMTC2. Luckily for me, i had a companion, so it wasn't that bad. However there were quite a few wayang people which totally put my mood off to do my best. Furthermore, it rained on both days, making the Re-Sitest totally a turn off. But i bet no one else was as motivated to build a better basha drainage system than me. I'm also sure nobody in my section experienced the feeling of your whole boots being soaked totally in water. Thats how heavy the rain was.



Event: OC's Evening and Recruit's Night

OC's Evening was a big rush for us. Out of the blue, I was told to performed too, despite my knee injuries. So I went to do some crazy wushu shit which was totally off the standards. I was surprised that the commanders prepared a dustbin to put tons of newspaper which they crushed and used them to throw at us as they jeered at us. Everyone was so good at mimicking their commanders that it was so funny. My platoon did a variety show. It included Rui Hong's singing, Wen Hao and Wey Zi's guitar plus singing, martial arts performance by Hasyer, Wei Xuan and me, Hao Yi's yoyo performance which was totally cool, Sylvester's cool breakdancing while improvising from 5BX, and last was the platoon's singing of Stand By Me led by Zheng Hong's guitar and singing. Though platoon 1 got the best performance award but i still think that we were the best.

Because platoon 1 won the performance and platoon 2 was so zai, my PC chose us to perform for Recruit's Night which was 2 days later. We didn't have time to rehearse much cause of our 24km route march. But we still managed to get through the auditions and got to perform on Recruit's Night. I thought it should be other people performing for us though, it being Recruit's Night. Anyhow, we performed scenes from BMT. Scene 1 was enlistment day, of a toot toot boy parting with his balloon-boobs mum. Scene 2 was the sorting of recruits into their companies using the sorting helmet, I participated as the skinny guy who failed NAPFA (when actually i passed) and got into PTP batch cause I'm weak. Scene 3 was what happened on the first day in the bunk, including a Emo, a Ah Beng, a gay, a act cool guy, a wayang king and a bookworm. Scene 4 was PC interview with the recruit requesting for 1 hour of admin time but was given 2 hours instead. Scene 5 was bunk scene after 2 hours of admin was given. I was in this scene too, with Hasyer, Wei Xuan, Hao Yi, wayang king and me playing a fool in the bunk and kena pumped by our ADF corporal and leopard crawling to him. Other scenes include a SOC training scene, the CNY morning work up with chief FS scene and ended with Stand By Me again. We didn't rehearse much and anyhow act but still got 2nd placing. Not bad uh.

New Weight Record

Just now, i went to the gym with Tsun Wang for the first time in more than 2 months. Last i check, i was 48kg, or maybe less. Guess what?

This calls for a celebration.

I now weigh 53.4kg, breaking through the 50kg limit finally.