Every man's memory is his private literature

Mm. The feeling of temporary freedom. It's been quite a while since a proper one. And yes, itsakerlilerbitz POP loh! (: Mixed emotions actually. Yeah you guys know me pretty well. I'm gonna miss everything, and I do mean it. I remember having my first book-out after two and a half weeks of confinement, and it wasn't a full blast of joy. I felt sad actually, coz I know when there's a first, there's always a last. And man, having to do things for the last time - marching, eating in the cookhouse, sleeping on my bed, using my 5037 rifle, being in 5th company's playground - I hate that feeling.

BMT was a breathtaking ride filled with unforgettable memories, highs and lows, realizations as well as meaningful moments. Till today, I've never experienced something truly enriching and character changing. It's like a mirror looking into our true selves, a platform to understand our strengths, and most of all, a privilege for us to set the right paths for the remaining part of our lives.

And man, what better way to fully enjoy Tekong than being enlisted into 5th Company - a company that's known for its high standards of discipline, regimentation and performance. It's true that some of us felt 'unlucky' when we're posted to 5th coy (xiong ah!) but I dare say that by the end of our 5th coy BMT, we view it as the greatest privilege a recruit can have in Pulau Tekong, and I truly mean it.

In camp, we're pushed beyond our limits. When that happens, you get to see everyone's true colours, including yourself. There'll be people stepping up, making sacrifices for the sake of the section or platoon - and there'll be those that run to the shadows and reappear when everything's fine and dandy. There'll be those who're tough on stage, but are weak when their shows are over. You get to see a whole buffet of characters. Some make you hungry, others make you puke. Lessons are learnt everyday, and they're not just combat knowledge. Nah, I won't make a list. But there's one thing I feel like sharing  - always do the right thing, even if no one's watching you.

Besides that, if you're a nature lover like me, the jungle's a haven. Greeneries. Unobstructed horizon sunsets. Experiencing the brightness of pure moonlight to guide you through the pitch blackness of the jungle. And during the last nights of my field camp, our commanders brought us to cook noodles by the beach. We were facing a setting sun, with vermillion clouds blanketing the sky. When it turned dark, we got to see the full spectrum of stars, unpolluted by city lights. It was a quiet scene that was bursting with beauty. Oh, I saw a shooting star that night. (: Never take anything for granted and cherish every small thing possible.

In the final week of BMT, we had our OC evening, and daaayuum it was freaking hilarious! I've never laughed so hard before. We mocked our commanders till their faces turn red! Oh and of course, the unavoidable confrontation of Commanders vs Recruits impromptu Dance-Off! Was surprised to see my PC doing some sick shuffle, was shocked to see another PC doing some dual torchlight tecktonik with the audi lights off, and was glad to see PS Thorton breaking the floor with his bboy style.  I knew it, the commanders have been hiding their moves for this night against us.

I can go on describing every single memorable event but I don't think I should. There're too many of them. But, I can go on writing about every single memorable thing - my commanders. They are the greatest mentors I've ever had. I'll always remember Sgt Eqmal's advice before saying goodbye to us. "Be true to yourselves, people will see it through you". Replying "Hooah" to Lft Ernest for the last time, and shouting "conquered by none, 5th coy" for the last time under the Float's grandstand...

Alright, alright. I'm gonna shut up.

Just one last thing. Wanna thank my buddy Z for.. everything. When I first met him I was a little scared coz he cut himself on the first day with a swiss knife and had to get stitched up! xD But man, he's the most positive guy I've ever met. He'll be the loudest when it comes to counting or echoing, everytime. He'll be the one jumping first into the wet mud. He'll be the one volunteering and sacrificing his rest time for us. Couldn't ask for a better buddy. And freak, he surprised everyone with his breakdance! Bboy from the land of down under aye maite ;D

Ah.

I'm going to get my next posting tmrw. New camp. New people. New expectations. To be honest I'm not really keen into adapting to a new environment, again. But hey, I told myself here before going into Tekong that I've to keep an open mind. It's not about what we leave behind, but what we gain ahead.

I guess I have to keep my morale up. Which means, I've to go groceries shopping tomorrow morning and get ingredients to make my morale potion.

Tom Yam Soup <3