As a NSF, I must attend AHM 2006 for a 10 km run today. I had arranged to meet my army friends at City Hall MRT at 0645. For the first time, I heard that the MRT station broadcast, "If you are not taking train, please stay away from the station." Haha, this was because a lot of the runners for the AHM had gathered at the MRT station but I still find the broadcast funny.

We soon asked to gather around the Shears Brigde to start our run. The Minstery of Defense signalled to start the race but I only start to run after 5 minutes: it was too crowded. The run was slow pace partially because there was a lot of civilians taking part. Army personals could be seen trying to cut through the slow running crowds times over times. (me too.. lol..)

The worse part of the run was when it started to rain and we were all half way through. Haiz. All of us were wet. Totally wet. Hopefully I won't fall sick because I was only awarded a day off for 10 km run. The best part of the event was that I get to meet a lot of my friends. Friends from btmc, secondary school and even primary school. Wah, we really had a lot of catch up!

I guess this was the most successful post-JC class outing I had ever attended - the "attendence" was good. We met up Douby Gaut MRT station and I had trouble getting to the new control station. Haha, I don't really go there ma. Anyway, all of us proceeded to Swensen for lunch and we had really a good chat. Hm, everyone had changed, especially for the guys who are serving NS. Most of them becoming bulker and fit. Haha, me too =p We also had some shocking news, one of the news was a new couple from my class offically go steady. That pair was the most unexpected but they have our blessing =) Haha, I am still single! Hee..

I went to swim this morning and I am becoming better with my breast stoke. Unfortunely, I was overzealous and swam too much which caused my old injury to occur again (my left hand). Haiz, that means I can't do weighs training for a few day lor..

Hm, all thanks to the increasing tension due to terrorism, I have been "awarded" with 2 more day guard duties to tighten the sercuity. That means I have kanna 3 guard duties in 2 months. Wah, actually, that is a lot. Anyway, going to outing outing later, hope it will be a fun one..

I had spent my Sunday at SAFTI live firing range. Haiz. In order to reach ARC by 5.30 am, I had to wake up at 3.50 am. I took a cab from my house to ARC - my pocket "pou dong". A bus from ARC brought us to SAFTI live firing range.

We began by zeroing our weapon. As I did not zero my weapon acurrately, I had to aim a bit higher at the targets. The day shoot practices and test commented in the afternoon. Then, our nightmare began - the night shoot. Many people feared night shoot because either they cannot see the blinking light of the target from the aiming system of the rifle or the target is not blinking at all! Haha, I did quite well for my practice shoot, I was a marksman if they used my score of my pracitce shoot. However, my test shoot was no as good as I was nervous. And so, I was 2 shot away from marksman. But I passed the ATP test.

The range ended at about 11.00 pm and we was bought back to ARC by shuttle bus again. We cleaned and sent our arms till 1.oo am plus. It was 1.30 am when we were released. A few friends and I attempted to flag a taxi and so we "prowled" the surrounding. Unfortunely, we found none and we had to call a cab, which caused us a bomb.

Luckily, we were given a day off on Monday.

After three lessons after my friend, I have learnt how to swim breast stoke. My weekends are not wasted! Anyway, I have been feeling lazy these days.. Just don't feel like going out.. Haiz.. Tmr got live range.. Cannot go for the class outing.. Must be in camp by 0530 lor.. =(

I spent my first National Day in NS in camp as a duty duty personal. Hm, the experience was not so bad after. The prowling route has 13 checkpoints, basically, it covers the whole camp. Why would I prefer prowling? Haha, it was because it took 1.5 hour to prowl finish the whole route, which was better than being a sentry, who has stand at the gate for 2 full hours. The shifts that I am prowling are from 10-12, 16-18, 22-00 and 4-6( the next day). My prowling parther is someone from my company but I didn't really know him. But by prowling together in the 4 long grueling shifts, we had chance to interact. (you can't prowl for 8 hours silently ma..) At the end of the guard duty, although I was exhausted but I gain a new friend. Haha, thus, the experience was not so bad afterall.

Immediately after my guard duty, I had to rush home to get change to attend my company cohesion day @ Chefvon. Hm, I do not really like this kind of event because the smokers will just smoke anywhere in the compound (since there is no smoking point) and I really dislike the smell of cigarettes. Anyway, all of us got to chose to play bowling, pool or KTV. I didn't enjoyed most because most of the facilities were occupied by the seniors and thus, I spent most of my time loitering around. So sianz. It was like during another prowling at Chefvon. The event dragged until 9 plus before I could finally go home and get a good sleep. (I got off on friday!)

Haha, I had never thought my unit is religious. Yesterday, I had attended the prayer for hungry ghost month in my unit. It was a totally a culture shock for me. (a positive one.. I guess..) At the event, everyone was given joysticks and the officers lead the prayers. After the prayers, the officers and specialists distributed incense paper for us to burn. Most of the people were involved, even the people from other races. Is this call "regardless of race? Haha, anyway, the most anticipated part of the event was the "buffet" after the prayers. The seniors then chopped the offerings such as roast chicken and duck for us to eat. We also eat after offerings like been hoon, dumpings etc. It was a feast!

Haiz, I going to do guard duty on National Day. People will be watching the parade in stadium or at home while I will be patrolling the SG camp.. This will be my first National Day when I am a soldier, and it will be certainly a unforgettable one? Haha.. Take care people!

IPPT at SG camp

Just taken my IPPT on SG camp. Although failed by 4 cm due to SBJ, I have a good run! Haha, my timing had improved, 11:15 mins! Out of surpise, I am the 2nd out of the group! Haha, the feeling of running the top few was good, really good! I hope I can run faster next time.. Hee..