Days before flying off to Kao-hsiung
8th April 2008, Tuesday
The flight world take off coming Monday morning as I endured another much-loathed in-camp training.
Attended the brief yesterday morning which very much mirrored that last year and got acquainted with comrades of this current stint, especially those I hadn't met before.
I was glad that Desmond as well as 2 of the other 3 were going this year; it would be great if funnyman, Chee, who provided much entertainment and laughters last year would be going, but of course he was off the hook after reaching that ripe age of 40.
There would be like 8 of us (not inclusive of Dez who is an officer), but the frail and unreliable patriarch, Burt seemed to put us on 2 watches as of those days when there were 4 personnel. Previously I thought it would be a good 15 people or something but many decided to send in that deferment letter and they gave way.
8 is a good number...Big enough to stand as a group collectively, but not big enough to make us too visible to be allocated unnecessary chores though that would bound to happen.
One major concern which really killed the morale altogether was the miserable living condition in the slum known as "troop mess" in the bellows of the ship.
Imagine staying with the contingent of other recalled naval men and even comrades from the land side, things could get quite fiery.
The worst would be the "heads (toilets)" which was ill treated with shit overflowing the bowls which can spoil everyone's morning.
Burt mentioned that we would be staying in a mess on our own with exclusive "heads" as well; but knowing that two-faced yet cowardice warrant officer, it might turned out to be a false hope...
Just hope for the best and prepare for the worst....
Recently my ever-switching interest meter had now inclined to our local footballing scene, much credited to Foo who has concentrate in local football after the more prestigious one from Europe is now to costly to follow avidly.
It could also because that the win over Lebanon recently, makes watching the Lions much more enjoyable from the beleaguered days. Might even have an outside chance to make it into the World Cup, but that would be too greedy...
Surely some patriotic lads in this forum wouldn't think so... A nice place to keep updated of the local scene and pretty astute observation and suggestion as well...
Got me all addicted to my old "Football Manager" game again to take this minnows from local football league and began another adventure... Even got me keeping a journal of that virtual club managing adventure, honing my skills of a prospective sports journalist perhaps...
I had been constantly relating the tales to Foo over the past week as well.. Surely 30 year old men like us should have better things to do....
Being sort of neglecting my missus, but she should understand the nature of her hubby that once he was addicted to something, it would take about a week to die off and things would go back to normal...
Finally, it's been a while since I headed down to Kallang Leisure Park. Since Karen is still enjoying her trip of solitude and self-discovery in Japan and Ferris still very much "missing in action" with reasons not given (heard could be busy with renovation of his new flat), the La Tendo clique seems to be on the verge of being a passing alliance.
With the waning attendance for badminton last month, EK since been jaded enough to try organize something.
Meanwhile I found reason to slack around in the comfort of my home than making the effort to travel all the way eastwards to the shop.
EK said since even me and Chan failed to show up as much as we used to, the clique seems to be disbanding. He did suggested a karaoke session with the return of Karen and a sending off to one of their long-serving staff, Sean.
But with the ICT staring in my face, I felt I just wanna stay at home, perhaps spend more time with the family... hey who am I kidding, more time with my computer!
Anyway do hope the situation with the clique would be back to its rosy state (I still chat with the guys online often) once I returned from Taiwan...
The flight world take off coming Monday morning as I endured another much-loathed in-camp training.
Attended the brief yesterday morning which very much mirrored that last year and got acquainted with comrades of this current stint, especially those I hadn't met before.
I was glad that Desmond as well as 2 of the other 3 were going this year; it would be great if funnyman, Chee, who provided much entertainment and laughters last year would be going, but of course he was off the hook after reaching that ripe age of 40.
There would be like 8 of us (not inclusive of Dez who is an officer), but the frail and unreliable patriarch, Burt seemed to put us on 2 watches as of those days when there were 4 personnel. Previously I thought it would be a good 15 people or something but many decided to send in that deferment letter and they gave way.
8 is a good number...Big enough to stand as a group collectively, but not big enough to make us too visible to be allocated unnecessary chores though that would bound to happen.
One major concern which really killed the morale altogether was the miserable living condition in the slum known as "troop mess" in the bellows of the ship.
Imagine staying with the contingent of other recalled naval men and even comrades from the land side, things could get quite fiery.
The worst would be the "heads (toilets)" which was ill treated with shit overflowing the bowls which can spoil everyone's morning.
Burt mentioned that we would be staying in a mess on our own with exclusive "heads" as well; but knowing that two-faced yet cowardice warrant officer, it might turned out to be a false hope...
Just hope for the best and prepare for the worst....
Recently my ever-switching interest meter had now inclined to our local footballing scene, much credited to Foo who has concentrate in local football after the more prestigious one from Europe is now to costly to follow avidly.
It could also because that the win over Lebanon recently, makes watching the Lions much more enjoyable from the beleaguered days. Might even have an outside chance to make it into the World Cup, but that would be too greedy...
Surely some patriotic lads in this forum wouldn't think so... A nice place to keep updated of the local scene and pretty astute observation and suggestion as well...
Got me all addicted to my old "Football Manager" game again to take this minnows from local football league and began another adventure... Even got me keeping a journal of that virtual club managing adventure, honing my skills of a prospective sports journalist perhaps...
I had been constantly relating the tales to Foo over the past week as well.. Surely 30 year old men like us should have better things to do....
Being sort of neglecting my missus, but she should understand the nature of her hubby that once he was addicted to something, it would take about a week to die off and things would go back to normal...
Finally, it's been a while since I headed down to Kallang Leisure Park. Since Karen is still enjoying her trip of solitude and self-discovery in Japan and Ferris still very much "missing in action" with reasons not given (heard could be busy with renovation of his new flat), the La Tendo clique seems to be on the verge of being a passing alliance.
With the waning attendance for badminton last month, EK since been jaded enough to try organize something.
Meanwhile I found reason to slack around in the comfort of my home than making the effort to travel all the way eastwards to the shop.
EK said since even me and Chan failed to show up as much as we used to, the clique seems to be disbanding. He did suggested a karaoke session with the return of Karen and a sending off to one of their long-serving staff, Sean.
But with the ICT staring in my face, I felt I just wanna stay at home, perhaps spend more time with the family... hey who am I kidding, more time with my computer!
Anyway do hope the situation with the clique would be back to its rosy state (I still chat with the guys online often) once I returned from Taiwan...
Japan word of the day: 常習 (Addiction) With life so mundane and routine, I am just glad to create such transient addictions from time to time.
posted by Kei at
4:32 PM
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