For Real

Cheryl left on Tuesday. Her China Eastern flight was delayed not once, but twice, due to fog at the airport in Shanghai. Well, at least she had good company for the extra nine hours. Not forgetting the Swensen's dessert too. Haha. I must say that I'm quite proud to have been at Terminal 3 the day before its official opening. We made many new discoveries of what T3 had to offer in terms of new shops and eateries, had lots of space to roam around, trying our their erm, chairs and toilets and watching workers and staff scurrying around, making sure that everything was in place for the big day.

So Cheryl'll only be back like what, early February? That's a long time. =( This week, Grace and Benjamin'll be going to the UK and Australia respectively. Now it seems that an overseas education/study exchange programme is the way to go. If only money wasn't a problem... Haha. Oh well.

It's been twelve or thirteen days since the start of 2008 but I guess it's never too late to reflect on the year past. There're certain things that I really miss, and then again, certain things that I wished had never happened. Here're seven of them (Yes I know, an odd number but I couldn't think of enough reasons to make it to ten):

1) Overseas live firing exercises: Thailand and India. How can we be full fledged artillery specialists if we've not actually fired live rounds before? That's not something you can do in Singapore you know. The weather, food, duty-free goods, training with foreign troops and the pathetic R & R sessions are also unique experiences by themselves.

2) Taking on the role of Youth Vice-Chairperson. After "semi-retirement" from the end of 2006 to beginning 2007, I had an additional role! Helping to coordinate, plan and execute the numerous events and activities proved gave me valuable organisational and administrative experience. It was an honour to work with the people from Fellowship and Evangelism committees, and on a larger scale, the rest of the EXCO, group leaders and youths in general. But let's remember that we do all this for His Majesty's Service, not to please Man.

3) On the same note, taking on a new group at Faith Factor. Everything was going fine with us taking the Sixteens in 2006 (now Seventeens). Then they had to change our groups. But I guess there were lessons to be learnt, some pleasant, some painful, from taking the Seventeens (now Eighteens). One size doesn't fit all. Different people should be treated differently. And it can be difficult to reach out to them, especially if there are personal issues with some people in the group.

4) Trying to change horses in mid-stream. Okay, it didn't come to that extent yet. But I was contemplating changing university courses. From FASS to Law. Tried to, but failed. An Arts student I shall always be, no matter what people might say about the faculty. Thousands of FASS graduates have proved them wrong, by becoming successful businessmen, civil servants and even government politicians. And so will I!

5) Spending weekends, public holidays, and New Year in camp doing duty. Everyone has had their fair (or unfair) share of spending quality time away from their loved ones. After all, they don't call it National Service for nothing. Someone has to do it right? I mean, if not you, then who?

6) Learning that, in the SAF, hard work is rewarded with... more work. And that SAF stands for Singapore Acting Force. Because of certain things that we do just for show. In fact, most things that we do...

7) This one has got to take the cake - getting a new home. Not that we've shifted house yet, but at least we know that we're finally shifting from Boon Lay back to Singapore! Where we truly belong - The East. More like central East, but that makes it even better!

But this is a new year, and everyone will have a list of resolutions to make (or break). Here's a list of things I'd really look forward to. Well, no point being all pessimistic and negative and blog about things you wouldn't like to see right?

1) First and Foremost: ORD LOH! Civilian life has never been so close, and felt this good!

2) YAM. A new ministry. New friendships. New working methods. New programme. New new. A renewed relationship with God. Been a bit dry lately, without the discipline to do my own QT daily and meet up for mentoring. Can't wait to go back to studying God's Word on a regular basis again. =)

3) Learn to drive. I've been saying that since the end of 2005, but while the spirit is willing, the flesh has been weak. No time, no money. Ah the excuses. But this year, enough is enough. After transfering my membership from BBDC to Ubi, it's time to start the practical lessons.

4) Go on a long holiday to somewhere that I've never been before. I don't mind visiting our neighbours (besides Malaysia, Myanmmar and Thailand). It'd be nice to tour Southeast Asia, especially if you're on a tight budget like me. Haha. Places further afield like Canada and Europe will be the ultimate dream. If, only money wasn't a problem. I think I said this in my previous entry. Haha. Now's the best time to travel, before school starts, and before you've gotta start looking for work once you've graduated. Hmmm.

5) Then again, there're many things to do in Singapore too. After reading up here and there, I've decided that I've simply go to visit some of the many nice eating places and entertainment outlets/nightspots in our own country. Dempsey, Orchard, City Hall, Marina, Sentosa, Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, Bukit Timah, River Valley, Pulau Ubin? (note how it doesn't fit in. Haha.) etc etc. Now that's a cheaper alternative to overseas travel.

6) The resumption of my academic studies. And getting a new laptop! School sucks. But it beats NS and working. I need to de-rust my brain and start the good habit of hitting the books. Then comes the tough choice of modules and kinds of courses to take in FASS. Looking forward to trying out hostel life though. Work-study? Maybe, to supplement my allowance. We shall see.

7) Work. Not that work's a nice thing to do. But I need the money you see. To do all the things mentioned above, expect 1) and 2). Hope to get a nice job with decent pay. Applied for like eighteen jobs via JobCentral already. So far, only six calls for interviews (out of which two were from the same companies). Haha.

8) Finally getting a new home. After the renovations and all, we should be able to move in by late March or April. Let's hope we get a good price for The Floravale apartment ya.

9) Formula One's coming to Singapore. Not that I watch the F1. But since the race dates fall close to and on my birthday, I might just cultivate the interest, you'd never know!

10) 21st birthdays. Expecting many friends to be celebrating theirs with much fanfare and partying. Still thinking about how I should spend mine. We shall see. Advice from anyone is always welcomed. =)

It was really huge. But most of the good shops are all in the transit area though. =(