Frustrating Day!!!!!!!

Frustrating Day!!!!!!!

I can't believe it!!!!!!! After obtaining the necessary doctor's letter that i can be excused from the firing range, My CSM still wants me to go back to camp the next day to show him the letter of excuse, even though im still on mc...

Coming back home, this is a rare time that i complain all this to my brother about it....
Lucky me, he was there to listen to me.

In my time in NS, this is probably one of the few times i really hate being in it and can't wait to get the hell out of there...
The last time that it really occured to me was probably my time in BMT when i was continuously ill for a 2-3week period. That period concide with the time when i had to undertake my field camp, SIT Test, firing range, SOC test and route march.
All the activities came in quick succession and with my condition then, i was really frustrated, especially in myself that my body could not take it and break down.
In the end, i had missed my SIT test and had to undergo a ReSIT test. However, with that, it means that i missed my range in which i really hope to go. Darn, do i really regret on that deicision on attend the SIT test... Never did i know that the decision will follow up on me till now when im finally about to ORD... This is definitely a day that all NSFs and regulars do look forward to.. to be finally free.... Free from regimentation, free from the dirty bunks, free from the far travelling, free from all the shit, free from the food, and free from the nasty ppl that they have met in camp....

Now, i was told to attend the range, ordered to clear before I ORD.... However, my pleas that i was not able to attend was not enough, fine.. i have gotten the relavant excuse...but now, he demands that i show him personally the letter by travelling the full 2 hour journey from home to camp... all for that 1min look of the letter that i am really excused...

This is obsolutely frustrating.... what made me feeling worse is that never did CSM, Staff How, nor OC ever asked about my eye... Yes... i know personally that its a minor thing... But at least as a regular, as a commander, as a leader or as least a human being would show some little concern about my condition..... BUT HELL NO!! And CSM... he himself stays very far from camp... from pasir ris... all the way to camp at lim chu kang.... and here he expects his Medic Spec to travel from Sengkang to camp just to show him the letter.....

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
How i wish i could just scream at the top of my voice to let it all out!!!!!!!

But nw, im telling myself repeatedly that i will keep my calm....
As planned, i will reached camp at 10am... walk in, show the letter, say hi, say bye, off i go... case settled, and i will enjoy my time out of camp.. out of his sight... out of my sight...

Sold... NDP Tickets...

Sold... NDP Tickets...

This is my second sale made through online.. kinda lucky actually.. I had bought pair of tickets from a guy for 80 bucks... And yesterday night, i started my posting in the yahoo auction and WLNU forum... there was a couple of responses coming in... and within 2 hours, a deal was met. I managed to resell it at 150 bucks.. hmmm.. not bad for a quick transaction....

Today arrange to meet the buyer to pass the ticket at city hall.... Silly me, i actually forgot to bring out the tickets with me lor... i was like at Buangkok station when i realised it.... sucks.. so i had to reverse back to home to get it... and with some rearrangement, i meet him at his workplace at TTSH. He was starting his work shift around that time... nice to know that he was a staff nurse there... well, we talked a few words.. and the deal was successful made...

I was thinking of walking around town to check out any place for Say Wai's birthday meal, but another thing cropped up again. My hp went low batt.... and i was very uncomfortable when this happen, in the end, i went straight home... alamak....

Later in the evening, met with jj, aaron and tengfu to discuss the itinery for our upcoming road trip on tuesday to thursday. Was back home ard 11...

Kinda fatigue now given that i havent been sleeping well these few days....
oh, beside the Ndp tickets that i sold, i also tried to help dengwei and his friends to sell theirs too... i managed to find some buyers and had already agreed on the pricing.. but damn.. one of dengwei went back on his words upon another better offer... now dengwei have to find an extra ticket to cover his friend's back out... Hope it goes out fine..

Another Wisdom tooth op day

Another Wisdom tooth op day

Today after my duty, i hid myself in the duty room...hehe.. wanted to continue sleep until around 10 ba.. then go eat something b4 i do my wisdom tooth again....unexpectedly, i overslept a little. But lucky it was still alright.. got up, wash up a little, change to a more comfortable attire and went to the nearby macdonalds to eat.

then a phone call spoiled my meal. Khai wen called to say that OC and SSG how wanted me to change my eye operation schedule. but though he did say that if i cant change then better go get status for it or mc.. well, this made my mind bothered about the matter again... sucks...

haiz.. then the operation on my wisdom tooth wasnt as smooth as my first... this time.. the procedure was a little more uncomfortable and painful... hai.. the whole thing ended and i took a cab home.. not wanting to travel back by mrt.. back home, eaten some porridge prepared by mum, and off i am to sleep for a while... the blood did still continue to bleed time to time... sucks man... and this time it was more swollen and a part of my jaw will feel pain when i touch the area....

hai... forget about it.. tml will be meeting my medics for lunch then will meet kaiwen for accupuncture... think i will ask more regarding my range tml...

Oh ya.. tf also went to the rental company to rent a car... apparently its a honda city... so think we'll meet on sunday to plan out itenary for the next few days next week...

Who is worse? Me, you or they?

Who is worse? Me, you or they?

Over the past few weeks, thru msn or thru some people and incidents, I have come to know some people that are having difficulties, whether is it personal wise, relationship wise or financial wise.

I had examples of friends breaking off with her boyfriend, friends having a tough time with her bf regarding his divorce matters, friends who come from a bad family background, trainee who have a tough time coping with army, patients who cannot stand army life and others.

All this sometimes make me think that actually at the end of it, who is actually worse? who is actually the more sad than the other? And compare to my own family background, and problems, am I more fortunate or worse off?

At the end of it, like what some says, Each of us have our own set of problems and obstacles that we have to face and go through, guess what seperates us is how we faced it and cope with it...

At times when i think it through, the things that my family went through was not of a small matter too... but how did mum and all of us pull through those years? And this is where i really must think that mum is really a strong person indeed. On the outside, she looks petite, weak at times physically, but from the things that she has gone through, she is definitely much stronger than some other women. And she still manages to handle me and my bro well, taught us the right life values that made us what we are today.

Life's tough indeed, and what i usually tell people is that it is also why life's interesting too... Facing everything as it comes, take it to your stride, give it your best shot, never give up, look forward, think positive, let it go, forgive and forget.... can most of us do all this? i doubt so. But if we are able to do most of it, im sure life will be more interesting than it is tough.

Another day at AH

Another day at AH

today i had to go AH for my duty again. Actually, it is a favour im doing for Benjamin. Anyway, im alright with it, can at least can an half day off and out of the camp.

Wanted to leave house early so as to reach Queensway Shopping Centre to get my jeans and uniform sewn on. But i left the house a little bit late. While walking to the interchange, i found out that i actually forgotten to bring out my appointment slip for the next day's wisdom tooth operation. Sucks.. then i had to walk back home. By then, i was like pek chek already and decided not to sew the clothes liao.

Reaching AH, the same routine was expected, to take over the permament staff and monitor the patients. I was watching tv with the 2 patients when one of the patients mum came along with two of his unit's officers. This patient just came in this afternoon. So the officers and mum took some time to talk with the duty MO. After which, they stayed for a while talking to the patient.

From the conversation that i made with them, I found that the mum is underataking two jobs as his husband had a stroke. Can see from her eyes that she is having a tough period of time now. With the problem that her son is having, she must be having a heart break. This made me think over on my own family problems and difficulties that we faced in the past. hopefully, the patient will turn to be more stronger and not let his mum worry too much.

Early week full of Ups and Downs

Early week full of Ups and Downs

Start of the week back in camp, i along with Aaron did a full day medical cover for our old AEC block groundbreaking ceremony. It was really super useless doing the coverage as there wasn't a need at all to provide any cover. I managed to read half of the book that i lent from Tengfu titled "The Alchemist".

It is really an interesting book, by far a book that keeps thinking about its content on its true meaning that the author wants to tell to his readers. I have managed to complete it by Tue, but thoughht that i would read for a second time, hoping to understand more.

On Tuesday, I managed to settled my leave and off forecast. It was approved by CSM, although i really wonder if he really look properly of my forecast. The net day when he called for me for the routine interview that he has to make, he actually asked me when i was clearing. I was "what the... i just gave u to approve the day before and now u are asking me when im clearing". Anyway, i was glad that the procedure was smooth. hehe...

What's more, i was bringing a trainee to medical centre to let him report sick. Just before i and some others went for canteen break, i remembered that i had to draw my blood for FFI. This has been in my mind for a couple of months, that is to draw my own blood. haha... and really i did... incredible feeling as some of the other medics look at the side, wondering what the hell am i doing... However, i wasnt proud enough, as i soon learnt that my upper study, Basu, actually did a level up better than me. All the blood taking procedure was done by himself alone, while i only drew my blood myself. I received help in tying and releasing of the tourniquet. That thought made me wanting to draw my blood again...

Anyway, the bad thing that i knew was going to happen was informing me of the Basic Shoot that i have to attend to. Daxun told me that i have to go for it between 7th august - 15th august. the date had clash with my eye operation and changes to the operation is almost impossible due to the circumstances that i am in. haiz.. what made it worse is that SSG How was not in camp the whole day, thus nor Daxun or I was able to explain him and hope that he will take me name out of it. So before i book out, i decided to sent him an email, explaining him of my situation. I really hope that he could understand and remove me out of it. If not, i will not be able to clear my leave and off proper and that it will disrupt my eye operation too... Just see what he will say tomorrow lor...

My first Transaction...

My first Transaction...

Yes! I managed to meet up the guy who arranged with me to buy the Singapore idols that i posted in Wholivesnearyou.

I went home first in the morning after my duty at AH. got to sleep about 2 hours. then woke up for my lunch. In the end, i left home at 2pm to go walk around first. I was supposed to meet him at 4.30pm at Marriot Hotel taxi stand.

He was kinda busy. Only reached at 5pm in his car. We did a fast transaction and off he goes in his Mitsubitsu Lancer. Strange, he was asking me seconds before he left on how to go to the location, Mediacorp Studios. I was a little surprised by that. I told him to check the directions through internet.

But back at home, i thought no harm helping him search for it. So i managed to send him a link to the website. Just hope he will be able to find his way ba...

Duty at Alexandra Hospital on a Sat

Duty at Alexandra Hospital on a Sat

Unbelievable, im actually doing a weekend duty when i should be doing a weekday duty. I was initally scheduled to do my duty on the earlier part of the month which falls on a monday. However, days before the duty, i sprained my left ankle while playing soccer. Darn, it was my left ankle again. I had injured it before about a year plus ago. It was much more painful this time as i could not even walked for the rest of the night.

My walking was a big obstacle as i had to limp around all the time around the camp compund. Even 3 weeks since the injury, my ankle still feels heavy at the base, and i still could not run comfortably. I was thinking whether to go for my second accupuncture treatment at Specialist Shopping Centre.

Hmm.. so how did i got this weekend duty??? I managed to chat with Fish through Msn one day and found that he was going to change duty with Lai Yew. The only problem was that they were changing weekends duty. I told him of my situation that i need to change because of my injury. At the end, i decided to change with him. Of course, he took the opportunity to do a weekday duty rather than to burn his weekend here at AH.

So there i am, at AH the whole day for my duty. In view of the boredom I will get, I brought a book which i borrowed from Terence, titled "Digital Fortress". It was one of the brilliant books that the author, Dan Brown wrote. Fantastic was really a word to describe the book. It really got me hooked up the whole day. Other than a vcd show in the late morning, most of the time i spent was reading the book. To my amazement, i was able to complete the whole novel by evening time. haha.. cant wait to continue his other book, "The Rule of Four". It should be as good as this one.

Oh ya... Finally, Im going to sell my first item online. haha... i had a pair of Singapore Idols tickets that my mum managed to get it from somewhere. So in the end, i suggested to try to sell it through online, since no one had the time nor the interest to go down to Mediacorp to see the show. It was a result show.

I had post it through Wholivesnearyou and yahoo auction. Finally, a guy contact me today about it. After negotiation, i will meet him up tomorrow at town for the transaction. hheehe..... Who knows... this may be the start of my mini sideline to come to rake in some bucks... heez....

A short day at SMM

A short day at SMM

Today, i have to go to Nee Soon camp for a CPR lesson. It was a lesson to update us on the changes in the way we are to give CPR. It has been said that the usual counts of 15 chest compression has to be change to 30 instead.

We were arranged to meet outside of camp. There were guys from AETC and some from AHQ. In the end, Garrick and Ben gived it a miss on the lesson and I was the only spec in the group. So off we go to the classroom. On the way, we managed to see Staff Suranyi who is in her Spec 1 Course. Luckily she can still remember me as i greeted her. Heard from her that the course will end at Aug 14, so i was wondering if she will continue to take the Spec 2 course intake at Aug 21. That course, Jin Heng will attend along with Evan from AHQ.

The CPR lesson was a quick one. We were taught of the new changes and made to practice a little. It did not take long before we were out of the room, going ahead to have something to eat. It was then decided that we head to the prata shop one bus stop away. We shared a $10 Mertabak among the 7 of us. I myself, ordered an extra kosoong and a chocolate prata. First time, i try a chocolate prata. After quite a wait, all of the food were ready. The chocolate prata was indeed special in its appearance. It was pyramid-like with the chocolate sauce along it. But it was too crispy for my liking. The meal took an hour. After which, everyone went seperate ways as Jin Heng and Evan still had a course briefing later in the afternoon. I shared cab with Aaron and went home early.

Busy day at camp

Busy day at camp

What a busy day at camp today... today i wanted to settle most of my stuff once and for all as i found out that i have nt much time left before i start to clear leave. I had to do up the stores, the admin stuff, and prepare for next week's cover on monday... The old building that i lived for many months before is going to be finally demolished. So on monday, there will be a ceremony that will be held for the event and medical coverage is needed.

Yesterday was kinda sucks. I was being called by SSG How that i have to go shoot my basic range. He still blamed me that till now when i going to ORD i have clear it. But hey, i was in the unit for so long, and only until recently a few months ago that arrangements were made for me. Worse is that i heard that he told a guy from his Bttn HQ side to go ahead to get the status to be excuse from a particular range if he wants. I was like "what the hell, its so different from what he told me". I told him that i will have my eye appt around the time that the range will fall in, and that it may clash. What's more is that i only have 2 months left to i ORD and im going to clear my leave soon. what he told me is to change the appt after the range and he couldnt tell me the exact dates of the range.. u tell me how to change... damn it man.. I was even thinking of really changing.. until i heard about him telling a personnel to take excuse for range.

So i have decided that i will go ahead with my wisdom tooth and eye appt on the dates set and to even ask an excuse from the doctor to excuse me from range bcos of my eye. If it ends up that i do not get the excuse then so be it.. i live it to fate that i must finally clear my basic range after 2 years of army.

Then at night, worse. after planning my leave and off, i decided to inform CSM of it next week after he comes back from his course. What happen is that i was standing in to look after the office. The keys were with me at that time. Everyone was so busy with the day's exercise, on the topo test that the trainees have to take. In the end, no one was available so i stand in. When finally they are back, one of the specs, Jing yuan came to get a key from the key press. But i forgotten that earlier on, the key press key was a little cracked made by Shiqin. Silly me, i tried to open but in the end, the key broke. "OH MY!!!" that was damn terrible as i was beginning to panic. soon everyone knows about it and khai wen and alpha came to help out. Finally, we decided to call CSM to find the spare key. In the end, we had to break open the key press box and use a new one. Haiz, and news went to CSM that i was the one who broke it. haiz.. just my luck.. we'll see what he says when he see me next week... "Gosh!!! how am i going to tell him about my clearance...." sucks man...

Pirates of the Carribean

Pirates of the Carribean

Today as planned, i was to meet tengfu and jin jie for the show. Been anticipating for quite some time. hmm.. Left home ard 3pm. Upon reaching, i basically walked around there, see see look look. went to bookstore, phone shop.

I was pretty much bored out when JJ and tengfu was not able to meet early. Half hour before the show started, i went to arcade, hoping to play my usual game, Virtual Striker. What fustrated me initally turned to be a mini happiness. haha... what happened was the coin i slotted in got stuck. So i had to get the staff to retrieve the coin back. The staff was a indian uncle, whom i can see who is pretty fed up with the many problems that he had to deal with. Some of the machines was spoiled and he had a couple of task at hand. Anyway, he told me to go play other games instead. I was about to walk away when i noticed that he actually made 2 credits on the game while he was fixing the thing. I was like "oh my!! free credits!!" But he was taking his time doing his work so i just forget about the free credit and went to play another game.

Midway through the game, JJ managed to meet up with me. It didnt take long before my game ended. we were about to leave the place when i noticed that the credits remained untouched. haha.. so i quickly took the opportunity to start a challenge with another guy. I guess he must be puzzled with the credits there in place but to have a challenge so long after. Anyway, I took him easily. With him gone, i went to the other side of the machine to play with JJ. haha.. After all is played, that tengfu reached. Too bad, he missed it.

Finally, i managed to borrow the book from tengfu. It was titled The Alchemist. Interesting title, interesting content. So i was bothering him for quite some time for it.

So hurriedly, we entered in the cinema for the show. I would say it was quite ok, not as bad as what Aaron said it would be. It was pretty funny at some of the scenes, which i didnt expect to say the least. As stated, it ended after 2 and half hours, so we went to food court for dinner. Over the meal, we chatted quite a bit, joking around just as always. At the end of it, we even agreed on a road trip some time this month end. An arrangement was made to meet up this friday again to go to the rental place.

well, next day will be another appt with the hospital to take out my stitches. So hope the checkout will be just a normal routine.

a day at Mustafa...

a day at Mustafa...

Today is pretty crazy.. out of a sudden, a few days ago, the thought of going to Mustafa centre comes to mind. As such, i went there this afternn.

After dropping down Farrer Park station, and some topo, i managed to reach the place. Went inside, walk ard about an hour or so before wanting to head to dhoby ghout. But silly me, what i didnt realise that is there is actually 2 such centres. i was inside the small mall for a long period of time. Time was about close to 5pm when i was outside of the mall did i realise that behind it, there's another centre which is very much bigger than the front one. I went in the second one, walk inside for a while then got out of the centre. After everything, all i manage to get is just a bottle of addidas shower foam and deodorant. What made me wondering was that the plastic bag that they provided, had to be tied up with a strap. Hmmm, is that a way to prevent stealing? I guess so. From observing, there are a couple of security guards that always stand at the entrance and exits. Being a 24 hour place, i guess this level of security is needed.

i began my mini topo again. I was walking downwards along the sideroads, hoping to get to the other side of the main road. Over at the other side, I figured that having a bite at the nearby market place would be good, as finding a place to eat at Dhoby Ghout is definitely not an easy task. So I was at this market place which has 2 levels. i walked the whole area, only to settle myself with a bowl of prawn noodles, handled by 2 elderly uncles.

At first thought after ordering, i was thinking if my choice of food was right. I was wondering food served by two elderly person would be of a edible standard. I know this was not the right thinking, but i just couldnt help it. Even though, they had no customers, i had to wait pretty long so as to speak. The uncle serving could not walked fast, as he slowly served the bowl over to me. However, i can't help but sense that he was glad that he had a customer. Well, what surprised me next was the serving amount I got. It was certainly a lot for a bowl of noodle. The next surprise was when i finished my food and about to leave, i was thinking of getting a cup of watermelon juice. So i ordered and the change i had from the $2 i gave to the auntie was $1. Very surprisely, the pack of juice cost just a dollar.

Haha, after which i began to walk to the nearby bus stop to head to dhoby ghout.Why there? because a few days ago, i received a msg that i was apparently shortlisted for a lucky draw held by Stomp. Stomp meant Straits Times Online Mobile Print. It was only at the end of the day that i realised the full term.

Anyway, so off i go to my next destination. The stage was there, ready when i reached PS. Being curious, i asked the staff there about this "lucky draw". All they could explain was that i would have to come back at around 7.15 to 7.30. So seeing the i have some time, i walked around a bit, played a while of arcade game.

I was early for the event. As it ended, i didnt won anything. My name wasn't being called at all. Dad and Mum actually came for it too. We didnt stand together. So halfway through the event, Dad, in his usual self did not have the patience to stand and see. He then dragged mum up to the food court to have something to eat. I caught up with them after that and back we go home.

At Sengkang, i still managed to get a t-shirt from Compass Point. haha... was some cheapo clothing that cost $8 which had a special colour, a little purplish. heez.....

Back at home, Mum was complaining to me on how her near miss of the 4-D results. Haiz... Guess it is not meant to be. Managed to contact the gang and booked tickets for the pirates of the carribean movie for tomorrow. Sure looking forward to watch that show, though Aaron said it is not that nice as the previous one.

In Army-Topo/Compass Exercise

In Army-Topo/Compass Exercise

This week, i spent most of the initial days at home serving my MC... heez... cos i had mc for my wisdom tooth op ma..
it was like "darn", SSG Chris wanted me and Aaron to come back to camp the night when our mc expires.. sucks.. then imagine the next day we still have to go for our medical appt... so troublesome..

But anyway, that was not to be at all. Upon reaching, we realised that the medics from Bttn HQ was off for their retreat, while MEC medics were off to Nee soon for the next coming week. Worse is that the next day , my company had a Topo exercise. With no one left in the unit, I and Aaron had no choice but to change our medical appt to the following monday. What made me scratching me head is that i, being a guy on status who can only wear admin are being called out to provide extra cover too. So for the 2 days of Topo and compass exercise, i was with them, the only one who is not wearing uniform.

It was like "oh man!". all the mosquitoes were feeding on me. And worse, i had nothing to do beside chatting with the guys or reading my book.

For the topo exercise, the only interesting thing that happen was at the end of it, suddenly rain comes, and we didnt had much shelter. Everyone has to rush over here and there to save all the stores and documents. i was just nice in the rover with Hock. In that situation, everyone was concerned with the teams still out in the field, still in the mist of their Topo.

so the drivers were activated to go find the teams and bring them back to company line. We in the safety rover also had to follow as the signal set handled by Hock was in the vehicle. So i tried to assist in hearing the signal messages being passed thru. After an hour plus, all teams were found and managed to get back to company line safely.

Wisdom Tooth op

Wisdom Tooth op

haha... yesterday had my first wisdom tooth operation at Alexandra Hospital. Was pretty nervous initally as i heard from friends that it was a painful ordeal to go through. But as it went out, it wasnt as bad as i thought so. The process was smooth i would say, thanks to the dentist, Doctor Hur. She keep assuring me throughout and it was done within minutes.

My fellow medic friend, Aaron also went through the same op as me on the same day too, with the same dentist. After the op, we went home.

I managed to get something to eat for myself and mum. Ate my medicine which consists of painkillers, reduce swelling, and 2 kinds of antibiotics. Went to sleep to rest.

It was pretty much the same for me today. Staying at home, resting. Was actually looking to watch the 3rd/4th placing between Germany and Portugal. But realised that channel 5 is not showing at all... Darn !!! so hope RTM will be showing. Or if not, try my luck at the 24hr macdonalds.

I have 6 days, so will be spending out of camp for quite some time. On monday, i have another appt to go for. This time is regarding my eye. Actually had a small, tini lump on my eyelid. Asked a duty MO the other day while on duty. He recommend me to get referral for it. I'll see how it goes on monday bah..

Project Lancer-- a once in a lifetime experience

Project Lancer-- a once in a lifetime experience

Project Lancer - Brunei
090905-240905
Day 1 - 090905 Friday
Finally, it has come to this day. After much discussions, preparation, delay and anticipation, our Brunei trip is realised today.This can be considered as a very special trip. Firstly, the purpose is to carry out a SAF mission. The whole objective is to expand 12 existing helicopters landing points (LPs). This is to allow newer, bigger helicopter, Superpuma (SP) to be able to land to the various sites.
The day started by gathering all the men at Paya Lebar Air Base. We were to take C-130 flight to Brunei. It is followed by a bus to a jetty, then a fastcraft, and lastly a final bus trip to the base camp, Lakuin Camp.
However, the start was definitely not as pleasant as i thought it would be. Firstly, my cab actually dropped me to the wrong air base gate. In the end, I had to hurry back to the front gate, letting me sweaty and nervous from the start. In addition , I wsa having a flu and sore throat the previous day. Up on the C-130, i was initiall quite excited as it was rare to be able to take a SAF air transport vehicle. In it, it was stuffy and hot. we were seated sideways with seat belts on, side by side. When it took off, it was much cooler. Soon, i was feeling giddy and uncomfortable. I had no appetitie at all for the food. Halfway through the 3-hr trip, we were allowed to hear music. That helped me felt better. However, in the end, I had to stll vomit 3 times in it.
I was totally weak after the flight. We were then taken to a SAF based camp, Jalan Aman Camp (JAC). There, we had our lunch better our journey towards Lakuin Camp. Before we set off, we were made to change to our civilian clothes. Finally, by evening time, we have reached the camp.
Upon reaching, I realised that the whole is actually situated on a slope, with its central road named, PIE. In bunk, I chose to share the cupboard with Kuan Thai. I slept the top bed of our double decker.
We were given a opening address by the Lakuin Camp commander. By the time it was lights off, it was about 12 midnight. This was the first of many nights to go.
Day 2 - 100905 Saturday
We woke up at 6am. The first reaction from Sim was " Wow, so bright at 6am." The whole day was bascially packed with lessons, thoery and practical. By late afternoon, we had to packed and prepare for the next day's activity, a route march into one of the LP, 167.
An interesting thing I noted that the workers in the canteen, do not have enough change, and the work pace is much slower than in Singpapore. I also met my two medic friends at the Lakuin Medical Centre, Ariff and Jon. Both of them were posted here after our medic course.
Day 3 - 110905 Sunday
For the day's route march, we were first taken to a site by bus. From there, our route march started. First part of the march, is an open field, followed by a jungle trail. The open field was relatively short. We marched past several local vehicles an also a family of buffalos. Interestingly, the animals seemed to be equally curious. Some of the guys took the chance to take some pictures.
Into the jungle, I was with my platoon, carrying my SBO and fieldpack. We were caught by surprise by the muddy ground. Within minutes, all boots were in complete mud. We had to overcome obstacles like, logs, wooden planks which act like a bridge to get to the other side of the terrain. We had to be on the go as we have to continually catch with everyone.
It didn't take long to have my first casualty. My attached signaller had a minor physical exhaustion, with cramps on his both calf. In the end, our 2IC had to stay on site as the rest of us continue our trekking. After much clmbing, crossing, walking and trekking, we finally reached to the LP. We were shown around the area, the harbouring ground, stream, cooking area etc. There, over lunch, i took the chance to go down to the stream to get water with Sgt Tiong Boon.
Going out was to trek back the way we came. Within minutes, I was stung by an unknown insect on the back of my head. It was really painful. A heating sensation sets in plus a continuous pricking feeling was with me all the way. Besides me, Sgt Leonard, KK and Loh Wei were also stung. As we ended our route march, we even saw a group of children playing and swimming at the stream.
Back in camp, work goes on as we had to prepare for the first insertion the next day.
Day 4 - 120905 Monday
At 10 am, we were all at the LP site, ready for insertion. My group was to be the first stick to go in. I was assigned to be with my Platoon Sgt (PS) and a section of my PL. For the first, insertion, I was with my PS and signaller. On board the UH1H, i was all alone at one side of the chopper. Indeed, the side was smooth. The view was amazing. I was able to see the whole jungle in front of my eyes. Never before, had I seen so many trees.
On site, we quickly settle down, building our hammock and basha as our roof. Very fast, work started as the rest of the guys began cutting. Very fast, nightfall set in. By 7pm, it was very dark. Everything seems to be blacken completely. I had really difficulty seeing at night even though i did not have night blindness.
Day 5 - 130905 Tuesday
The work started early at 7am. However, soon, around 8am, PS came with a wound. He accidently cut himself with the chainsaw. It was 1cm wide, 1cm deep. Blood wa flowing out continuously. I did a very quick dressing as he wanted to carry on with the work. By 8.30, everyone was back to the harbouring area as OC was to arrive on site for a rekee. PS came back to me for a redress. This time, i did a firmer one.
PS initially hoped that his wound would go unnoticed by OC and S3. To no avail, in the end, i was questioned by S3 of his injury. I said that the wound was still managable and that it probably needs a stitch. This alarmed him as he demanded that PS is to be sent back to Base for treatment. In the end, without MO's further advice, they took PS back to camp, leaving Warrant Officer (WO) Chua with as our commander. The work continued after that. I decided to go up to the LP, checking out the work they are doing. It was then I realised how "siong" is was for them. Thus, I stayed by the LP, helping out minor things.
Day 6 - 140905 Wenesday
Rain started the night around 3am. Luckily, my rooftop was good enough. By lunch time, all work was stopped as we had to prepare for our extrication. Everyone wanted in anticipation for the chopper to bring us back. In the turn of an event, the weather turn bad. A part of our group was extricated first before news came in that we had to wait till the weather turn better. Waiting under the trees was long and straining as we have no idea if we were to be extricated at all. Minds were thinking if we had to stay an extra night ourfield. Luckily, after an hour or so, the chopper came in.
Finally, back in camp, I had to check up on my men as well as PS on his wound. Sgt Weili had heat rashes, James had multiple sandflies bite, Sgt Tiong Boon had some bruises, Ang had a scratch on his thigh, while PS knee was stitched up.
Day 7 - 150905 Thursday
We were allowed to sleep late and have canteen food for breakfast. Basically, for the rest day, I had to repack my things, have some game of soccer, sometimes movie screening by Company Sgt Major (CSM). That day, we had a mini celebration for guys whose birthday falls into the Brunei. Two of them were my Platoon Commander (PC), Lta Alvin and Sgt Tiong Boon. Both were kena sabotaged by cake attack. For the first time, I have seened James running so fast after being chased by Ah Tiong. However, in the end, James had to slip and incur a wound on his thigh.
Day 8 - 160905 Friday
For the 2nd insertion, there were many dull faces as we headed towards the LP. I was feeling quite down too, thinking that they are still many more insertions to go.
In addition, for this insertion, SSG Thomas were to be our commander as PS was still not able to walk properly yet. SSG Thomas was actually in Brunei for his JCC course.
A fight had occured between Mingfa and Ah Tiong. Mingfa thus did not take his lunch, causing giddiness, and through careless got his head knocked by a fallen branch and a slight ankle sprain. Luckily, he was fine.
At nightfall, some of us went up to the LP. There, we took some pictures, seen the stars. The LP we were at was 299 while the other section with my PC were at 299 A. At the LP itself, we could actually shout to the other section and be heard.
Day 8 - 170905 Saturday
For the day's work, I had actually went down to work with them, cutting some trees with the parang. However, as the work seemed to be completing, our day ended early.
Day9 - 180905 Sunday
The day started very relaxing as no work was done at all. It was until the SP rekee in the late morning when informaton came in that we had to clear up 15m of radius extra towards our harbouring area. Everyone was confused by the instruction as no specfic reason was given for the instruction. Work then continued. Not long after, we were then extricated back to camp.
Back in lakuin camp, news came in that the other section as well as PL 2 were struck in the jungle, thus they had to sent an extra night outfield. For us the lucky ones, we were able to catch the soccer match between Man U and Liverpool. Rain poured throughout the night as i was worried for the rest trapped outfield.
Day 10 - 1900905 Monday
Rest Day
Day 11 - 200905 Tuesday
It was our 3rd insertion. This time, we did not immediately set up our hammock upon reaching the ground as we had to clear the area facing our habouring area. By the end of the day, it was deemed completed. i had 2 new casualties, Wen Qing and Weng Fai. They both kena stung, probably by a hornet. Wenqing at the top of his left eye while Weng Fai at his back of his neck. Their condition was minor as it was just localised reaction.
For this insertion, PS joined back the team. The LP was to be evaluated again the next day.
Day 12 - 210905 Wednesday
Because of the continuous rain the previous night, the morning was foggy. It was completely different from the fog that occurs in Singapore. It is just like in front of you.
The day's causualty was Chee as he too was stung at his right elbow. Besides that, a memorable sight was the fall of 2 big trees cut by PS, Ah Tiong and Wenqing. The impact was great.
On that day, we also heard artillery flash bang plus shooting. We presumed that it was troops from 5 SIR. They had just reached Brunei the previous day.
Day 13 - 220905 Thursday
We break camp early around 10am as PS wanted to cut some trees at our harbouring area. Once work ended around 12 plus, we simply chit-chatted for 2 hours. We also did some silly games to spend the time.
When we back in camp, the guys from 5 SIR were around. I was hoping whether I could Say Wai.
PL 2 was not tired at all, starting playing soccer once back in camp. I had dinner first, having Fish & chips. The system at the canteen simply suck. There was no proper way of ordering as we could just grab any food that they served out even though we haven't anything yet.
After that, it was soccer again. There, i really managed to see Say Wai. He said that he had navigation excerise the next day.
Day 14 - 230905 Friday
Rest Day.
This time, the fresh ration came in from Singapore. We had Maggi mee, hotdogs, jellys. energy bars, hot chocolate, cambell's soup and many more. I was not sure which LP we will be going the next day. It was said that we will know only the very last min.
Day 15 - 240905 Saturday
We got the news that we were to be inserted to LP 168 first while the other section will go back to 299A. This Lp was supposedly to be platoon effort.
Upn reaching the new site, we were kinda shocked as the area was totally different from 299. It was a flat ground, a low level terrain. The site has less scrubs, with trees mainly the obstacle.
Initially, I had some difficulty finding a suitable area for my hammock. After it was done, i went down, helping out with the work. Luckily, PS had no objection.
With the new LP, everyone of us had some adapting to do.
Day 16 - 250905 Sunday
It was very cold in the morning for this site. Dew are normally formed that it seemed to be raining. For the day, we had visit from our CO, RSM, S1, OC, 2IC. They actually trekked all the way to the LP. They were here in Brunei for 3 days.
There was a short talk by CO. After lunch, we began to trek back.
At late afternoon, unfortunately, I was the next casualty. I was accidently knocked by a falled branch too. The thickness was about 5-6cm hit the top my head. Luckily, it was thick, but I had a slight bump.
Day 17 - 260905 Monday
The day's work ended early as the diesel oil run out. With about 4 hours to go before our extrication, we started playing games. One game, was guessing the a number given by Sgt Sean and Sgt Choon. Forfeits were to clear rubbish, moving stores and drink water. I even suggested a forfeit to sing a few phrases of a song.In the end, everyone purposely set Ang up, making him sing "Jie Kou". I also kena as I was made to sing a Li Sheng Jie's song. All these singing by us were recorded by weng Fai and Ah Tiong.
Back in camp, there was a CO address to us. CO were to leave the next day, but he would be back with Comander ETI the next week.
I was soon used to the lifestyle in Brunei. As the halfway mark reaches, I really hoped that I could persist all the way.
Day 18 - 270905 Tuesday.
Rest Day.
Tomorrow's insertion will the first time our whole platoon is combined.
Day 19 - 280905 Wednesday
Guess it wasn't as smooth as I thought to be as the whole platoon combined. We were initially meant to seperate the 2 sections, with each leaving at different sides of the LP. It was after some discussion that all were to harbour together. In the end, many of the harbouring sites from our initial section were taken by the other section. For me, I had to search for a new ground. At last, I found a new site. Along with PC and Ah Tiong.
Soon, as work began, I could see the difference of working style between the 2 sections. At this LP, there was a stream. Thus, some took the chance to wash up there.
Day 20 - 290905 Thursday
Amazingly, I slept through the previous night in the "cocoon" of the hammock. Work started as I went to help out Ah Tiong and Andy after dressing Wenqing's wound. Wenqing had initially injured himself the previous day. He was cut by Mingfa's swing of the parang at his left hand. That had caused Mingfa to be very guilty for the injury caused.
Who is to know that he, himself would get hurt today. He was cutting some trees along with some others. He tried to avoid a fallen tree when he leapt off and banged his left rib onto a large tree stump. He had deep scratches on his rib. Initially, he had difficulty breathing that there was suspicionof a fractured rib. He was not able to moved that I had to call on the stretcher. With the help of the other guys, we managed to bring him into the shade. He was hurting in pain that he could not straighten his back at all. We had to use logs, jerry cans to support his back. i administer 2x panadols before reassessing him. PC, along with the signaller tried to comms back to see if evacuation is abled. However, the reply was negetive. All this time, he was still in some great pain. Because of the suspected fracture, I used an unopened FAD to back his chest. Along with 2 triangular bandages, i wrapped around his chest.
Luckily, thank god, he was soon able to get onto his feet. Out of the sudden, the weather got worse as it started to rain. hurriedly, we brought him into Sgt Sean's tentage. After the rain, Mingfa actually able to walk to my hammock with much this time. It was really a relief.
However, the pain still comes time after time. I had to help powder bath him, prepare panadols for the night. As the extricaton was the next morning, i will send him to medical centre immediately at camp.
I was puzzled by PS decision to build a makeshift tent in the middle of the LP. I was also worried about him when he actually continued working in the afternoon rain. He is really one interesting person.
Day 21 - 300905 Friday
The day actually marked the day of de-commissioning of the UH1H. For this extrication, our stick was sent straight to Lakuin Camp. I remember the sharp turn it made as it reached the camp. It was just like sitting in a roller coaster.
Immediately, I brought Mingfa to the medical centre. After assessment, MO deemed the injury as shock to his chest, with no fracture implication. After bandaging him and prescription, we were off. PC gave him the excuse for the next insertion. Further review will be done on him.
Day 22 - 011005 Saturday
Rest Day.
Day23 - 021005 Sunday
This time, our insertion will be by SP. The feeling was totally different as UH1H. Reaching 168 again, instruction were given to PC that a tall, big tree had to be cut. However, it was too complicated that even after 3 hours of work, no progress was achieved. The final decision was to seek a lumberjack for assistence.
Day 24 - 031005 Monday
In the morning, Commander ETI along CO and other officers came for a visit. Work continued after that as we expected to have a dinner with them back in camp after extrication.
However, the weather seemed to like to play a fool on us everytime we extricated. It would always turned for the worse. This time, it rained badly, as we had to rebuild our shelter. i had to seek from PC's. It was only an hour plus later that we were finally extricated.
At camp, the dinner was good. We had nasi lemak with satay.
Day 25 - 041005 Tuesday
Rest Day.
We were all anticipating the 3 day R & R. Finally, a well-deserved break.
Day 26 - 051005 Wednesday
Today was the start of our R & R. By 8am, we were out of Lakuin Camp. as we reached town, we were segregated into different groups. We went passed some mosques. In Brunei, the mosques were more grand. The ones we saw, the roof were made of gold. We also went to the local water village. There, the locals' houses are build along the river, totalled 90,000 people. we had the chance to visit of the villagers' home. We were treated with some local pastries. a pretty nice experience.
By 2pm, we were given ample time for shopping at a local shopping mall. I managed to get a belt, and singlet. The lodging was to be at JAC. After dinner, we were allowed to go to the local mall. There, I managed to use an hour of internet. I got to chat some of my friends through MSN. It felt great to be able to keep in touch with after so long.
The bunk at JAC was different. At a level, the whole company was squeezed into it. At the end of it, was the toilet.
Day 27 - 061005 Thursday
Our first itinery was the visit to the local oil rig discovery centre. It was indeed an eye opener. For shopping, I got a polo-t, and a shorts.
At night, back at JAC, we were again given time to walk around. This time, I, Robbie, Ang, and Damien walked 10 mins to a nearby shopping mall. There, I got some briefs. My total spending for the R & R exceeding my limit at $70. I managed to also chat with home through MSN. In the end, I was the last one to leave the internet cafe.
The next day was to be the arrival of 3 Guards. There, I could see Dengwei and others.
Day 28 - 071005 Friday
We reached back Lakuin Camp around 3pm. I first saw Guohao and Shao Liang.At dinner, I saw Chee Siang too. Too bad, there was no sign of Jason or Dengwei.
Day 29 - 081005 Saturday
For this insertion, little work was needed as most of the time was simply slacking away by the guys. However, this time, Sgt Dalun joined us because of the huge tree.
That afternoon, the rain came again. Because of the poor setup ( i was combining with Ah Tiong), water went in. I was went that i decided not to wear any pants that night.
Day 30 - 091005 Sunday
The big tree was finally conquered that day. The impact of the fall definitely exceeds the ones at LP 299.
Because it was to be the last insertion for this LP, I decided to went to the stream this time. I followed Wenqing and Ang.
At a point, both of them split up, so I chose to follow Ang instead. Into the woods, it seemed to me that Ang looked lost. I was worried that i made him to walk back out to the LP. I then took another route, using the noises of the others as a guide. When I reached, down to my underwear, with my water bottle, i washed myself up. Definitely a once in a lifetime experience.
Day 31 - 101005 Monday
The extrication was really not meant to be. Again it was the weather the main cause. We were given last min instruction that we have to harbour for an extra night. I had to set up my shelter under the intense rain. This time, I was really totally soaked. Half of us trapped as one section was the only section to return to camp that night. I could still remember the sight of the corner of my roof as it seemed like a tap water flowing. That night, we collected rain water, using puritab to cleanse the water.
I also found out that PS did not set up any shelter. With just his jacket, he sat at the store dump throughout. As the rain stopped, he took the diesel oil to setup a tempporary campfire. The sight was breathtaking as Sgt Dalun lit up the woods.
For that night, I had to sleep without any underwear on. With singlet and jacket, using my Long 4 to cover up my lower body, I slept through the night.
Day 32 - 111005 Tuesday
Finally, when back in camp, we were told that we have an extra day's of rest. At dinner, I finally met Dengwei at the cookhouse where he was the day's COS. Later that night, we met up for a chat along with Kuan Thai. Also, I met Raauuf, Aron and another medic from the same course. All were seen except for Jason.
Day 33 - 121005 Wednesday
Rest Day.
We were to go to a new LP 219B.
We were given a kinda shock when OC announced that our flight may delay till 3 Nov.
Day 34 - 131005 Thursday
The new LP was again totally different. This time, the stream is just beside the LP, with our harbouring area the other side of the stream. Less work was needed for this LP as it allocate one insertion of work.
I was again wet again that afternoon when I helped PC to set up his hammock in the rain. My basha roof was getting worse as it starts to leak. In the end, more trash bags were used to waterproof my roof. The stream there was simply too good to miss. We were able to lie down and feel the rush of the current. Damn Shiok!!!
Day 35 - 141005 Friday
I was at the harbouring area the whole day. In the morning, I spent time, building a mini-stand. With it, I used it to hang mine and Ang's clothes to dry.
Casualties came soon later. Ah Du had his finger cut by a head trimmer. William had his ankle srained. Sgt Sean had his thigh cut by chainsaw.
For this insertion, PS again set up his tent at the LP. There was a comment by GuoXiang that PS purposely set up there to mend stores. I wonder if it was really true. Guess I'll never know.
Day 36 - 151005 Saturday
We were successfully extricated back. However, news came in that PL 2 was to be struck again. In addition, Sgt Prem also had his shin cut by chainsaw. It was 4cm by 1cm by 1cm. It was so serious that he had to be sent to Jalan Aman local hospital for stitches. Back at Lakuin camp, he had to be administered anti-biotics thru IV. It was a painful order as the substance will burn the walls of the vein.
Day 37 - 161005 Sunday
Rest Day.
Day 38 - 171005 Monday
For the last insertion, we were back to 299. The LP needed plant work. This time, it was PC, not PS who followed the section. The section, lead by PS went back to 168. I chose my old harbouring site. This time, I shared with Mingfa. The rest was basically slacking as only the bobcat was needed. This time Sgt Poh Keng and Sgt Kuang Pei joined our section for the plant work.
Day 39 - 181005 Tuesday
That late afternoon caused my hammock to be half wet. I was also bitten multiple times in the evening on my right side of my body. Luckily, the night was dry thus was able to sleep through.
Day 40 - 191005 Wednesday
For this last extrication, the feeling was extra special. We knew that finally work was over. We could finally look forward going back to Singapore. Back in camp, we were told that confimation of departure was 24th Oct.
Day 41 - 201005 Thursday
Work continues as we had to return the medical stores. We again had a good dinner, along the the Air Force personnels. I also finally managed to see Jason just before 3 Guards' departure.
Day 42 - 211005 Friday
Rest Day.
I and Robbie had to stay over at the medical centre as Sgt Samuel had caught fever. There were some worries that he might not make it back to Singapore on time if he does not recover.
Day 43 - 221005 Saturday
Rest Day
Day 44 - 231005 Sunday
Rest Day.
Finally, it was the last night here in Brunei.
Day 45 - 241005 Moonday
Departure.
The flight back to Singapore ended the same fashion. I had to vomit 3 times again in C-130. However, being back in Singapore overcomes any other thing. I'm finally back !!!

Finally, starting a blog of my own... think need to take some time to figure how to play the functions around man...