The Year In Retrospect

It is the time of the year again, when we reflect back on the events that shaped the year, and wonder if the year would be the same if certain events didn't happen the way they did.

The following are some of the events that shaped my 2005:

1. I Need A Friend
11 January 2005, Tuesday

"Half the world is trapped on this bloody island called Tekong, where they claim that they will train you to be ready to serve your country. When in reality, they torture you, and make you suffer big time...The other half of the world happens to be working. Either as some secretary, tuition teacher, or administrative worker. Their lifestyles are shaped around a nine to five schedule, and this absolutely makes no sense. Because there's no one to go out with me for the better part of the day."

Oh well, I'm glad those days were over now. Indeed, very glad. But then again, I'm disappointed that the army is taking away my time, my precious time.

2. The Replacement Tutor
27 January 2005, Thursday

"It was Chrystal. When I heard her voice, I was like, "Oh God, what happened to her voice?" I could barely hear what she was saying. Then she started asking me if I was free later on in the evening. She's sick and needed someone to replace her at the tuition centre. And she wanted to know if I could help her.

At first, I was kind of reluctant. Cause I don't know what to expect. Don't know what to do in a tuition.

Then again, I thought since I was so free, might as well go down and give her a hand. So I agreed. But even as I agreed, I was wondering and imagining what kind of a scene I could expect."

Hmm, perhaps I can give tuition to earn some extra cash next time?

3. My Greatest Secret
6 February 2005, Sunday

"On Thursday, I was at my computer, reading through a couple of blogs. Then my greatest fear struck me. I heard this weird yet familiar sound. It was the sound of a cockroach flying and landing. Yes, the stupid little monster landed on my bookshelf and was making its way up to the top.

So the smart KwokSiong decided to grab a stack of newspapers and bundled it up like a rod. And then I started to hit the stupid cockroach. But, the cockroach flew. And for a moment, I ran."

Actually, I haven't quite master that fear. Shh. Don't tell anybody okay?

4. One Day Before Enlistment
10 March 2005, Thursday

"Having seen so many of my friends going into the army before, I really wonder what they do one day before enlistment. Do they stay at home and sleep? Or do they go out and paint the town red? Or do they spend it with their family, doing the things they like?

So when it came to this fateful day of 10 March 2005, this question got its answer. Actually I wanted to keep this day free, so that I could rest at home and do what I want. Like sleeping, blogging and watching television. But that was not to be."

Looking back, I can't help but laugh at myself for being so silly. After all, it was only two years of slavery.

5. Juventus Bows Out
16 April 2005, Saturday

"I can still remember that scene in the class that day, when Su Peng predicted a 5-nil victory of Juventus over Liverpool. But that was not to be. Haha. I'm so so proud of Liverpool. And whatever the result is against Chelsea, I'll forever be proud of Liverpool."

Forever proud of Liverpool? Indeed, they'll never walk alone!

6. SMU? Or NTU?
30 April 2005, Saturday

"Now I really wonder which course should I go for? Should I go for the SMU one? Or should I go for the NTU one? And by the way, I'm still waiting for a reply from NUS."

For the record, my final decision was SMU's Business Management. Many people told me it's going to be tough, but then again, I will survive!

7. Grenade In The Ditch!
28 May 2005, Saturday

"On Wednesday 25 May 2005, we had our handgrenade live throw. It was a pretty wonderful experience for all of us as it was our first time doing such an exciting and yet scary thing. And most probably our last live throw unless, of course, some country decides to attack Singapore and we are activated."

This is no doubt one of the more memorable events. Mind you, I was throwing a live grenade!

8. Campioni Liverpool
28 May 2005, Saturday

"It was, by no way, an easy battle. After conceding an early goal for Maldini, Liverpool was left wondering how many goals they would be beaten by. Especially when they were 3 nil down at half time. Even the most sincere and devoted Liverpool fan would have wondered what the hell went wrong.

But no. Kudos to Benitez for shaping his team, and shaping his team well. After the half-time talk, the Reds emerged stronger than before. In a brief six minutes spell, Milan's 3 goal advantage was gone. It was gone."

Five-times European Champions! No wonder I love Liverpool!

9. Training To Be Soldiers
8 June 2005, Wednesday



POP loh!

10. Six Months Down
11 September 2005, Sunday


"Six months down, eighteen more to go."

Time flies? Or do they?

11. Public Speaking
27 October 2005, Thursday

"Just yesterday, PC dropped a bombshell on me and gave me a great shock when he told me that I was selected to represent my course, and deliver a course reflection. My initial reaction was "You must be kidding, PC! Are you sure you want me to do it?"

But reality began to sink in, and soon I embarked on something I've never done in my life. Write a speech and deliver it."

Tell you a secret okay. I just found out a paragraph of the speech was published in the Lion's Roar. Haha.

12. On Straws And Needles
26 November 2005, Saturday

"Without any doubt, the highlight of our course has got to be the live intravenous infusion that we had to do on our buddies. And of course, our buddies had to do their live infusion on us as well.

It was no joke, and many of us were fearful and worried about what to expect. Seeing the instructor medic performing the infusion on the dummy arm alone was enough to send shivers down our spines. And for us to perform the infusion was too much a task to ask of us. Then the bad news was this: If the initial pierce was not good enough, we would have to pierce again."

It wasn't the pain that we were afraid of. Rather, it was the lack of confidence on our part that were our greatest enemy.

13. Meaningless Routines
15 December 2005, Thursday

"The dumb thing was that we had to be prepared at all times of the day in the event of a turnout, meaning that we had to be on standby, not knowing when we had to fall in. Our only indication was the alarm, nothing else. When the alarm rings, everyone of us would have to rush down the stairs, and form up at the centre of the parade square and lay out the items. This means that we could not even rest peacefully in our bunks, and have to be on the lookout at all times."

Now, we have officially turned operational. Alas!

14. Thanks For The Gift, Santa
30 December 2005, Friday

"No words could express my sincere and heartfelt gratitude to you, and your gift for me this festive season. You answered my Christmas wish in the best way possible. For that, I'm eternally grateful."

How about another holiday, Santa?

15. New Year's Eve
31 December 2005, Saturday

A million other bloggers are doing their reflections as well as new year resolutions. Here are some interesting ones:

A Gonzo Journal

Asking For The Sky

When Zhe Bin Can Be Interesting. Sometimes.

Ahdokboy

To conclude the year 2005, let us hear the words of the wise one.

"Life in itself is already very difficult. No point making your life more difficult. Appreciate life whenever you can." - KS

Have a blessed 2006.

Thanks For The Gift, Santa

Dear Santa,

No words could express my sincere and heartfelt gratitude to you, and your gift for me this festive season. You answered my Christmas wish in the best way possible. For that, I'm eternally grateful.

Instead of granting my wish of phones, iPods and whatever else I asked for, you gave me a trip up to Hong Kong with my family. Along with that trip, I managed to spend some quality time with my family, something that I haven't really been doing since I was enlisted into national slavery. Once again, thank you very much!

The trip to Hong Kong was great no less, and there is this burning desire in my heart to share with you what happened over the five days there. Visit me some time soon! Meanwhile, I have attached some photographs for your viewing pleasure.


The street near our hotel


From another angle


Night view from the Victoria Peak


View from the Repulse Bay Beach


Leaving my mark


The fishing village


Floating restaurant Jumbo


Ocean Park's Cable Cars


One of the rides


The show


USA Main Street, Disneyland


Tomorrowland, Disneyland


Magnificent fireworks


One last shot before we head home

Well, I certainly hope you enjoyed viewing the pictures as much as I enjoyed myself there. Santa, you've been wonderful this festive season, and I really love you! Hope to hear from you soon!

In the mean time, have a belated Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays!

Your Loyal Supporter,
KS

Away For Christmas

Heading to Hong Kong tomorrow.

It's the most wonderful time of the year.

And check this out: 12 Days of Christmas.

The Week Before Christmas

Meaningless Routines

The past three days in camp have been rather meaningless. Because of the fact that our battalion has turned operational, several rounds of operational audits were conducted. And it was no joke.

Stores had to be sorted out and settled, while other equipment had to be inspected to ensure that the proper functioning in the event of a mobilisation exercise. In addition to that, much paperwork were involved as we had to confirm our personal particulars and things of the like.

But the most tedious part of all has got to be the field pack inspection. There were rigid standards to be followed, and everything had to be ridiculously adhered to. And not forgetting the very little time we had to unpack and arrange the items according to the standard.

And that was not all. The dumb thing was that we had to be prepared at all times of the day in the event of a turnout, meaning that we had to be on standby, not knowing when we had to fall in. Our only indication was the alarm, nothing else. When the alarm rings, everyone of us would have to rush down the stairs, and form up at the centre of the parade square and lay out the items. This means that we could not even rest peacefully in our bunks, and have to be on the lookout at all times.

Sometimes, we have to do the dumbest thing on earth when we serve our country.

But, I'm glad it's over. Well, at least that is what I choose to believe.

Where I Know I Must Be

Dick Lee penned the words of the national song, Home.

This is home truly,
Where I know I must be
Where my dreams wait for me,
Where that river always flows

This is home surely,
As my senses tell me
This is where I won't be alone,
For this is where I know it's home

I almost didn't make it home today. But I'm glad I eventually did.

Home is just too good to be true.

Friday Night Adventure

So I was at Compass Point with Kheng Li yesterday to check out the Comics Connection branch. Having heard that it is one of the more complete outlets, I decided that I've to pay it a visit, despite it being rather far off.

Well, I must say the outlet there didn't disappoint. The range of titles there is really wide, and there are a couple of titles which I didn't manage to find in other outlets. I'm so glad I made a trip there.



Beet The Vandal Buster

This is one title that caught my attention. Though it is not the latest title to be published, but I still liked what I read. Currently, I've already completed the first volume, and am looking forward to read the next couple of volumes.



One down, three more to go!

Along with that, I bought a five-part series of Old Master Q adventures.

And so, my adventure at Comics Connection ended with a $43.70 bill.

Costly investment, divine entertainment.

On a side note, we're 15 days away from Christmas. So please start your Christmas shopping, if you haven't already done so. 'Tis the season to be jolly!

A Game Of Monopoly

My night was spent with Naughty Boy, who insisted on playing a game of monopoly with me. Despite my initial reluctance, his persistence got the better of me and I ended up spending more than one hour on the game with him.

So the game went. He was the banker cum player, and did everything else from arranging the cash to distributing the title deeds. My role was only to throw the die and move my token. Almost non-existent, isn't it?

And so I played along with him, anything he said, I merely followed.

Then, I heard something that didn't sound quite correct.

"Here is your Go To Jail Free card!"

Go to jail free?

Right. For a moment, I thought it was correct. Then I realized that it should have been a Get Out Of Jail Free card.

Oh my. Pardon him, please. He is only seven years of age.



Please don't persecute him. Allow him to get out of jail free on my account.

On A Wednesday Night

A picture paints a thousand words, so consider the above as a thousand word entry.

Well, I'm bored.

Letter To Santa

Dear Santa,

It has been a long time since I last heard from you. How have you been? What have you been doing the past one year you haven't been working? I certainly hope that you and your folks have enjoyed yourselves thoroughly, so that you guys would be better motivated for your work this season.

I heard a song the other day which goes something like that:

"Oh! You better watch out,
You better not cry,
You better not pout,
I'm telling you why:
Santa Claus is coming to town!"

When I heard that, I was so relieved. Are you really coming to town this season? Well, I have long heard of your fame all around the world and it would be a thrilling experience to meet you in person. I don't want to be just your pen pal. I want to be your best friend, your buddy and your companion. I haven't cried for two days now, and I haven't been pouting for some time already. So will you please visit me?

Alright, I admit I have been naughty. But it wasn't entirely my fault. It wasn't my idea to pour glue on the teacher's seat. It also wasn't my fault when her skirt got stuck to the seat, and got ripped apart. Really. All I did was to pour the glue. My mates told me if I poured the glue, they would do my homework for me.

And no, I didn't try to be difficult by not doing my homework. It was just that I felt the best investment of time was to chat online. My teacher told me the saying that no man was an island. And I wasn't going to go against that thought. So I chat with my friends online whenever I was free. For me, that was the best investment of time. And because of that, I was caned by my teachers. But then again, I bear no grudges against them. In fact, I forgive them. Please don't be difficult on them, Santa. To err is human, so just forfeit their gifts this time round and let them ponder about their mistakes.

Don't worry about the gifts that you've already prepared for them though. I will be more than willing to receive them on my teachers' behalf. After all, I am the nicest guy around.

The song also went:

"He sees you when you're sleeping,
He knows when you're awake.
He knows when you've been bad or good,
So be good for goodness sake!"

Since I heard that, I have increased my hours of sleep per day from 12 to 18. Isn't that fantastic? Well, I certainly believe so. I have slept so much that even the Sleeping Beauty would have been ashamed. I have slept so much, don't you think I deserve a visit from you? Oh please, will you try to meet my request to meet you? All I want to do is to pass you a slip of paper with all my wishes for the next decade or so. Nothing more, Santa.

And since we in Singapore don't have a chimney in our house where you can deposit your gifts, I would suggest that you drop them off at the SingPost. Then, by paying a little postage fee, the friendly postman would deliver the gifts right at our doorstep. SingPost is Singapore's leading provider of domestic and international postal services, so there is no fear of them misplacing the gifts, especially those from you to me.

While we're on the subject of gifts, I want an iPod, any phone from the Nokia Nseries, a Canon camera, as well as a new computer. Wait, do you think I'm too greedy for my good? I hope not, because it is only natural for humans to want things. I certainly hope that you would fulfill my wishes and pay me a visit. Even if you couldn't give me any of these, I would be glad to settle for some cold, hard cash. Seriously.

And if you finally decide to visit Singapore, please make sure that you get your cashcards ready. Our Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) is one of the most efficient ones in the world, so nothing will escape the eyes of the machines. Even if you're a visitor to our country, you will be required to pay for the usage of roads during peak hours. If you think you can escape by flying or something, please note that it is even more impossible. The air space in Singapore is heavily guarded, and nothing will escape the attention of our sharp protectors of our land. Not even if you happen to have the last name "Claus".

Well, I guess I will end off now. Sorry to have taken up your precious time. Remember that I want an iPod, any phone from the Nokia Nseries, a Canon camera, as well as a new computer. Or some cash.

Hope to hear from you soon, and take care.

Your Loyal Supporter,
KS

Long At Last

"I'm naturally a happy person but it was getting me down a bit but it has gone in and I can get on with things now. The second one put any doubts to bed and it keeps this little run going for the team."
- Peter Crouch

Today, he is a happy man.