Nebulous Recollections

Thailand and Beyond

Saturday, January 28, 2006

Yesterday was officially the last time I was in camp as a recce commander. We emptied our cupboards completely, and when we packed everything into our duffel bags, it was a definite liberating feeling. The whole army experience thus far has moulded me into a more mature person, equipping me with the necessary skills to deal with people from all walks of life. More importantly, it was through army I experienced aspects of life which I never did experience before and which I never thought I could experience before. I made friends that I knew would last a lifetime. These are the very people whom I'll catch up with them whenever I go back to Singapore after I commence my university studies, whom I'll invite to my wedding, and whom I share fond memories with. I know that many years from now, I'll reminisce those carefree NS days, and I know these wonderful friends are just a phone-call away to meet up and catch up again.

The coming Thailand exercise heralds a new phase in my life, for I know that once after the Thailand phase, the moment I step back in Singapore, it will effectively be ORD for me, and an inevitable departure from those slack days when I could sleep through the day and still be paid (HAHA!). The wheels of life will turn once again, and I'll find myself plunged into the real world, where money will be earned through sheer hard work, possibly the clocking of many laborious hours. I'll be busy with JCMOT, my research attachment, SIMO training, and the preparation for university studies. And this is after all my life, the way I choose to live it with no regrets. Finally, I'll be standing on my own two feet, having a 'business' of my own, doing actual research, and having financial investments, just like a grown-up man. But whether I'll acclimatize to the harsh unfamilarity of this reality, its ramifications will be a big question mark. Yet, whatever my answer is that will put a fullstop to that question mark, it will inexticably be linked to every single action of mine.

With days left to the Thailand phase, I embrace it with open arms, for I'm at the transition of another phase in my life, and I choose to conquer both the final stretch of NS, and the entrant of the university studies and working life with an indomitable spirit. Fight I must, and fight I will to ensure that my dreams and aspirations are realised, and as Judo has taught me, I'll fight with a clear mind, in total control of myself.

I'll be away in Thailand for a full month, and I know that the next time I blog again in March, I would already have relinquished the title of Sergeant Ernest. "ORD loh!" Many will shout in exuberance as we touchdown in Singapore, or even after the last mission of ATEC, and I'll be sharing this exuberance. But new responsibilites abound after ATEC, and new responsibilities equates to new challenges. And it will then be time for me to brandish the sword of steadfastness, slaying every challenge, overcoming every obstacle, defeating every opponent, and ultimately be a true warrior of Life.

A new life beckons.

åé¥±é¥æ²¡äºå at 9:43 AM