Dear Mandy,
It's the end of the week, and Germany have advanced to the final 8! GO GERMANY! Haha... Lukas Podolski is really good man! And so is Miroslav Klose! Hahaha... oh boy, though I don't find the time to watch the World Cup, I'm still caught up in the fever of it all!
Alternatively, back in camp this week, the coming Friday will be Field and Mess initiation for the new officers... am I looking forward to it? Not really... why? Cause to date we already owe S2 11 mugs of beer. No joke... and we have one more week to accumulate more... I pray that things will be better and we don't have to clear so many mugs, but I can't control what will come. The 07th batch of Orientation Officers can only reduce the possibility of accumulating the mugs, but even that is still a huge ambiguity.
On a separate note, I went for Serenade 06 at Emmanuel Assembly of God for Gabriel's Concert. To say that it was a hit is out of my reach, but it was a good outreach and a new experience for me, as well as to see Gabriel in a somewhat more spiritual sense... I mean, Gabriel's always been a very religious person, and I respect him for that and go to him for advice with respect to Christianity, but that day, for Serenade... he seemed somewhat more spiritual than before... and it was a really wonderful feeling... :)
Also went for my first cell session, where we were going through this book by Joshua Harris, "Boy meets girl", which is a very interesting book! Haha... and of course, the viewpoints and the sharing that I had with Joel and Randy were very beneficial and enlightening. Specifically, the parts on the 3 tiers of Greek love... The Phelios, Eros and Agape... :) I think that it's very meaningful!
Today, I went to FCBC again, and the attendance today was HUGE! I mean, it was a miracle weekend, but I was so amazed at the attendance! Haha... so cool manz! Han Feng came,and we chatted about OVA, and if anything, I also prayed a word of thanks to God for everything that has happened so far. :) Today's lecture on how a Gentle and Humble heart can heal the heart of three Rs, Rejection, Resentment and Rebellion was something I felt I could relate to quite well... I had fun listening to the sermon, and the stories told today were quite touching as well. I was amused by the transformation of a two coloured piece of Crepe paper turned into a beautiful rose, but understood the underlying meaning of why it was done. I realise I learn something new every service that I have attended... I'm thankful for that.
After service, I stayed to help chalk up 7000 passes with a soccer ball, and even ended up playing soccer with the members of the 4 tribes... Haha... though I'm still a newbie, they still accepted me as one of them, and I felt quite at home despite playing with a group of relative strangers. I guess that's the power of God, for the people I interacted with during the passing, and the power of soccer for the guys and one girl. Hehe... I enjoyed myself today... and I felt less restricted as compared to camp...
S3 has officially flown off to USA, and when he comes back, it would be time for the official handing and taking over of the S3 from MAJ Lim to MAJ David. It is quite sad, seeing MAJ Lim go, but I'm also curious as to how it would be like under MAJ David. So far, he's still relatively new to the job, but he is keen to learn and grow into his role fast, so for that, I'm optimistic of how the office will be under his leadership.
Engineer Premier League will be coming to a close for Bear's Cove as we've lost 2 out of 3 matches already. I'm quite unhappy about the losses, because there were clear cut offside calls, but the referee didn't call them. Whatever in the end, we played our best. But also, when we played our second match, they were really rough and to put it in a sense, unfair. They seemed to like to go for our feet rather than the ball, and they put Ah Hoe out of the game with a sprained ankle, and EC got kicked at twice by two different players. We all got rather unhappy and angry at what happened, and it got to me once when I committed a late tackle on one of them, so I'm kinda unhappy with myself for that, but oh well, it's over already.
To all ex VS guys, OVA is organising a dinner for VS 130th Anniversary on 2nd September at $100 per seat. All interested parties, please e-mail me at daniel@ova.org.sg for more details k?
Take care everyone... love u all.
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Dear Mandy,
As I look back on the events that have taken place in the last 2 weeks, I realise I've done a lot... ok, to be honest, I've made huge decisions that I'm gradually getting to furbish, and also been acquainted with huge workloads that may be too big for my own self to handle everything. But of course, that's life isn't it? It's always full of challeges...
Well, first things first, I joined FCBC, and well, the services that they have been having are quite good, being honest. The praise and worship, and also the "Rest from Stress" lectures that have been going on seem to me to be not only applicable, but also, a form of escapism and comfort from the everyday reality of life. It's quite a good place to be, and I pray that my spiritual journey will carry on developing, as Tryph so aptly puts it. :)
Ok, following which, we've met up with Burnaby and also Inspiration events to discuss the VS130 dinner, and I must say that Burnaby impressed me more, as always is the case when we held SDD 04 as well. But what I'm glad about is the fact that we're finally making some sort of progress down this line, instead of being stagnant and waiting for some sort of instructions that have yet to come down... Perhaps I must take some of the blame as well, seeing that I should have taken more initiative to make things better, or at least in motion... sigh. I don't blame anybody for this... seeing that I could have done more... but oh well... I shall not dwell on the past... I'll work harder for the future.
World Cup Madness was a BLAST! Haha... the event garnered so much more support than I imagined it would be, and being honest, the place is rather nice!I managed to get Lynette, Zhiyuan, Shu Fang, Sanjay and Deepak down, and Han Feng managed to get Vincent, Hansel, Sam, Zong Yu, Dao Hua, and the rest of the soccer gang to come, and I also managed to see so many ex-Victorians.. and well, it was very very heartening to see the support that they have given our Management Council. The least that we can do is to work harder to improve OVA's track record and also the Victorian Spirit. It's something that's been lacking quite often, and I do so want to reignite that... Perhaps I may be too ambitious to begin with, but I believe it's not impossible.
In camp... my workload seems to be an insurmountable experience... from all the quarterly reports, to doing the odd jobs, to all the meetings, and now, to EX BOLDCASTLE which has got me in a very very unhappy position... I shan't comment on what has happened, because it already has, but I can only say that it really isn't in my jurisdiction but it suddenly became under our call. Whatever in the end... just have to do it right? It's after all the BAttalion's name at stake.
Bears' Cove AGM took place on Friday, and it was quite fun, to begin with. Haha.. voting for the new members was interesting in it's own right, and I am quite sad to see MAJ Lim leave... but MAJ David seems to be not a bad guy, so I'll just have to wait and see how things will be. I'll just make sure that I do my job as well as I can, and pray for the patience, understanding and determination to carry on doing as good a job as I can.
AHM will be coming soon, and in a couple of days' time, we'll hit the 7km mark. Sounds good. Hahaha... but being honest, I still have to clear my SOC and my IPPT, which I'll probably take soon... sigh. I'll do my best, but if I get a silver award, then so be it... I'm content to have at least cleared it and have a safe margin to go by. As for SOC, I'll train for that soon... I hope. Must stop procrastinating in any case...
These days, I find myself having to battle all the depression, emotions and all the stress mostly by myself, since I realise that friends I was once close to... I'm uncomfortable telling them about my problems now... I mean, it's a saddening case! Haha... I end up talking to Gabriel, YC and MK about them, and Gabs esp has made things seem much better... but I'm also quite glad to say that I managed to find a confidante in Michelle jie... thanks jie... for the trust, the faith and the shoulder you always have for me... Thank you...
As I look back on the events that have taken place in the last 2 weeks, I realise I've done a lot... ok, to be honest, I've made huge decisions that I'm gradually getting to furbish, and also been acquainted with huge workloads that may be too big for my own self to handle everything. But of course, that's life isn't it? It's always full of challeges...
Well, first things first, I joined FCBC, and well, the services that they have been having are quite good, being honest. The praise and worship, and also the "Rest from Stress" lectures that have been going on seem to me to be not only applicable, but also, a form of escapism and comfort from the everyday reality of life. It's quite a good place to be, and I pray that my spiritual journey will carry on developing, as Tryph so aptly puts it. :)
Ok, following which, we've met up with Burnaby and also Inspiration events to discuss the VS130 dinner, and I must say that Burnaby impressed me more, as always is the case when we held SDD 04 as well. But what I'm glad about is the fact that we're finally making some sort of progress down this line, instead of being stagnant and waiting for some sort of instructions that have yet to come down... Perhaps I must take some of the blame as well, seeing that I should have taken more initiative to make things better, or at least in motion... sigh. I don't blame anybody for this... seeing that I could have done more... but oh well... I shall not dwell on the past... I'll work harder for the future.
World Cup Madness was a BLAST! Haha... the event garnered so much more support than I imagined it would be, and being honest, the place is rather nice!I managed to get Lynette, Zhiyuan, Shu Fang, Sanjay and Deepak down, and Han Feng managed to get Vincent, Hansel, Sam, Zong Yu, Dao Hua, and the rest of the soccer gang to come, and I also managed to see so many ex-Victorians.. and well, it was very very heartening to see the support that they have given our Management Council. The least that we can do is to work harder to improve OVA's track record and also the Victorian Spirit. It's something that's been lacking quite often, and I do so want to reignite that... Perhaps I may be too ambitious to begin with, but I believe it's not impossible.
In camp... my workload seems to be an insurmountable experience... from all the quarterly reports, to doing the odd jobs, to all the meetings, and now, to EX BOLDCASTLE which has got me in a very very unhappy position... I shan't comment on what has happened, because it already has, but I can only say that it really isn't in my jurisdiction but it suddenly became under our call. Whatever in the end... just have to do it right? It's after all the BAttalion's name at stake.
Bears' Cove AGM took place on Friday, and it was quite fun, to begin with. Haha.. voting for the new members was interesting in it's own right, and I am quite sad to see MAJ Lim leave... but MAJ David seems to be not a bad guy, so I'll just have to wait and see how things will be. I'll just make sure that I do my job as well as I can, and pray for the patience, understanding and determination to carry on doing as good a job as I can.
AHM will be coming soon, and in a couple of days' time, we'll hit the 7km mark. Sounds good. Hahaha... but being honest, I still have to clear my SOC and my IPPT, which I'll probably take soon... sigh. I'll do my best, but if I get a silver award, then so be it... I'm content to have at least cleared it and have a safe margin to go by. As for SOC, I'll train for that soon... I hope. Must stop procrastinating in any case...
These days, I find myself having to battle all the depression, emotions and all the stress mostly by myself, since I realise that friends I was once close to... I'm uncomfortable telling them about my problems now... I mean, it's a saddening case! Haha... I end up talking to Gabriel, YC and MK about them, and Gabs esp has made things seem much better... but I'm also quite glad to say that I managed to find a confidante in Michelle jie... thanks jie... for the trust, the faith and the shoulder you always have for me... Thank you...
Friday, June 02, 2006
Dear Mandy,
I'm officially back from Thailand, but actually, it was like a week ago on the 28th May 06, and there's a lot that happened that I've been both unhappy and sometimes, but more rare, happy about.
This trip has made me see the down side of how organisation can make a huge difference. Despite the exercises and the whole trip being relatively smooth in the end, there were many unsung heroes along the way... people who went out of their way to do their work, and more besides, and well, there were those who really did much lesser than they were supposed to, and those who well, just totally didn't do anything at all... sadly.
I learnt a lot while I was up there... as an officer, and as a person in general. I guess you can say that I changed my perspective once again, as is always what happens whenever I go for an overseas exercise. I realised how important it is to be optimistic, and how in events that are dreary and can bring you down, you have to be strong... even if it is your fault, you cannot give up, cannot stop trying... And you have to try to keep a level head... It's something that I'm not as proficient yet... but I must admit that it feels good to know that I can't work alone sometimes... Alvin and Pele made me see that when my rover got bogged down in the mud along the plantation. I owe them that much for accommodating me along the entire journey as Safety Team 1.
The officer core from 30 SCE has always been one that has made me feel at home, and this trip is no different. Despite the odd few who made me feel irritated or irked by, the main cohort still make me feel somewhat at home... EC, YC, Poh, Darren, ZF, Goo, Maureen, HC, John, YK and CPT Kenneth all make me feel like I'm still sane, and that I'm still doing what I can. They are encouragement, gossip partners, and more often than not, friends that I can rely on. So thank you.
Of course, I cannot discount the importance that Lincoln, Tsai, Andrew, Joel, ZW, WX, ZB and the many other people who help me along when I'm lost and just need some sort of guidance. Despite the difference in years, they still treat me like one of their own, and it's definitely something that I'm glad to have... that people with vast experience are actually willing to share and guide. :)
I came back with a more fragile outlook on the surroundings, that I cherished certain friends more than others... and that I just wanted to be there for my friends when they needed me. It does make me feel somewhat better that I can still be a good friend, but I'm upset I missed the VJC Soccer finals... I heard 23rd did a fantastic job, and I don't doubt it one bit... They've really grown and I'm honestly really proud of them. 23rd are a good council, and I'm not saying this just because Deborah and Terence have managed to find my blog. I keep the faith. :) By the way, hello Deborah and Terence. :)
I went back to camp on 29 May 06 to be DOO and I had a long chat with S3 from 11pm till 1am the next day... I guess that MAJ Thomas has been a really great person to work with, and in some sense, the entire department have worked pretty well... Lincoln, MAJ Thomas, Wilson, YZ, DR, Joel, ZW and me... but of course, I came back to lots of work and crazy events... but it's a nice feeling, though. Until I started to feel overly lethargic and weary due to not having rested enough... oh well, I can't win everything now can I? But I just kept working until CO had to tell MAJ Thomas to force me to take my off or I'll be charged... what a command. Hahaha...
Throughout my tenure in camp, the 'C' guys have been totally fantastic, and of course, MK and Gabs as well. Haha... so the funny thing is, why do I still feel kinda lonely? Hee... I have absolutely no idea. :)
I'm officially back from Thailand, but actually, it was like a week ago on the 28th May 06, and there's a lot that happened that I've been both unhappy and sometimes, but more rare, happy about.
This trip has made me see the down side of how organisation can make a huge difference. Despite the exercises and the whole trip being relatively smooth in the end, there were many unsung heroes along the way... people who went out of their way to do their work, and more besides, and well, there were those who really did much lesser than they were supposed to, and those who well, just totally didn't do anything at all... sadly.
I learnt a lot while I was up there... as an officer, and as a person in general. I guess you can say that I changed my perspective once again, as is always what happens whenever I go for an overseas exercise. I realised how important it is to be optimistic, and how in events that are dreary and can bring you down, you have to be strong... even if it is your fault, you cannot give up, cannot stop trying... And you have to try to keep a level head... It's something that I'm not as proficient yet... but I must admit that it feels good to know that I can't work alone sometimes... Alvin and Pele made me see that when my rover got bogged down in the mud along the plantation. I owe them that much for accommodating me along the entire journey as Safety Team 1.
The officer core from 30 SCE has always been one that has made me feel at home, and this trip is no different. Despite the odd few who made me feel irritated or irked by, the main cohort still make me feel somewhat at home... EC, YC, Poh, Darren, ZF, Goo, Maureen, HC, John, YK and CPT Kenneth all make me feel like I'm still sane, and that I'm still doing what I can. They are encouragement, gossip partners, and more often than not, friends that I can rely on. So thank you.
Of course, I cannot discount the importance that Lincoln, Tsai, Andrew, Joel, ZW, WX, ZB and the many other people who help me along when I'm lost and just need some sort of guidance. Despite the difference in years, they still treat me like one of their own, and it's definitely something that I'm glad to have... that people with vast experience are actually willing to share and guide. :)
I came back with a more fragile outlook on the surroundings, that I cherished certain friends more than others... and that I just wanted to be there for my friends when they needed me. It does make me feel somewhat better that I can still be a good friend, but I'm upset I missed the VJC Soccer finals... I heard 23rd did a fantastic job, and I don't doubt it one bit... They've really grown and I'm honestly really proud of them. 23rd are a good council, and I'm not saying this just because Deborah and Terence have managed to find my blog. I keep the faith. :) By the way, hello Deborah and Terence. :)
I went back to camp on 29 May 06 to be DOO and I had a long chat with S3 from 11pm till 1am the next day... I guess that MAJ Thomas has been a really great person to work with, and in some sense, the entire department have worked pretty well... Lincoln, MAJ Thomas, Wilson, YZ, DR, Joel, ZW and me... but of course, I came back to lots of work and crazy events... but it's a nice feeling, though. Until I started to feel overly lethargic and weary due to not having rested enough... oh well, I can't win everything now can I? But I just kept working until CO had to tell MAJ Thomas to force me to take my off or I'll be charged... what a command. Hahaha...
Throughout my tenure in camp, the 'C' guys have been totally fantastic, and of course, MK and Gabs as well. Haha... so the funny thing is, why do I still feel kinda lonely? Hee... I have absolutely no idea. :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)