Just a moment ago, i was casually reading my past few posts for the past 1-2 months and it suddenly stuck me that its already the month of June - implying that it has already been 3 months since i last stepped out of the combat fields and also signals the last 3 months of my 'non-combat tour'. I was astounded at the pace of how time flies and I can barely remember what exactly went on for the past few months. This is the real conundrum for most national servicemen - we begged for time to zoom past so that we can see the end-point looming but yet we bemoan that times just flashes past and life has been a much-wasted one as nothing really significant has really happened such that we can classify it under the echelon of achievements. We, or at least what i feel personally, are so not used to life being so bland and tasteless, but yet its beyond our control to add in spices to our life, in order to define what we believe life ought to be. Awareness precedes action but more often than not, we realised ourselves looking back in retrospect and conclude that really nothing much could be done. Before long, we most likely have reached the end of the gloomy tunnel. Lets just serve and get it over with. Isn't that what NS life should be?
Last Friday was my medical appointment at TTSH for my ankle and my Achilles heel problem and i was literally travelling down the memory lane back home on Bus 157, reminiscing the JC times when we had much fun exploring the boundless reservoir of knowledge while not forgetting the crazy moments when we played really hard; and sometimes really too hard. Those were also one of the most tumultuous times when i forced myself through the gruesome pouring of notes and tutorials, digesting every single bit even up to the last few hours before the block test papers, prelim papers, and not to mention, the A'level papers. I will never forget how we, the few pathetic grouchy souls,were struggling to devour the last few chapters of Chemistry up to the very last minute at 4am, and sms-ing each other to encourage one another. In the end, we still manage to pull through and here we are today, all moving on with our lives, and these indelible moments will forever be etched as part of my JC experience :) I am proud to have you all as my friends.
Snapped back to reality, its already 5th June and not so soon after, weeks are going to whiz past like a G6. To be honest, the monthly calender has been etched with high key events like Urban Ops Training, Rotation 4 fieldcamps, Platoon ALFS live firing, 4NTM operation duties, route marches, IPPT, and the list perpetuates on but which NSF will really regard all these events as 'achievements' that you will be proudly satisfied after completing them? Diametrically, most will treat this as huge obstacles, that separates them from the freedom of every weekly bookouts, and the ultimate goal of ORD. 3 months temporal retirement from the fields have granted me more time and freedom to exercise my control over 'training schedule'. Maybe its time that i should be worrying what i really want to do after the next 3 months; should I go to Wallaby with my comrades (my preferred option), or should I attempt to witness the tranquility and havoc side of Keat Hong Camp?
The month of June is a recuperation for many that are still schooling but for the men of Cougar Coy, its going to be sardine-packed month. I have to work on adding more spices to my life, in order to feel like an accomplished kid again :)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AH GONG :D