Ok, because I haven't updated for god-knows-how-long and I really want to blog a post to sum up 2008, so here goes nothing.

2008 was a rather fruitful year for me. It was a year where I had the chance to push my mental capabilities to my limits by mugging for my A levels. (Write the various steps of aerobic respiration 20 times etc.)

It was also a year where I had the chance to finally realise my dreams in chinese chess, gaining various decent positions in the competitions I had the chance to take part in, to being recruited by Bei Dou chess team.

I made new friends as well, along with strengthening existing friendships. (Pardon the bad grammar, I am from tekong) All in all, 2008 would have been a great year, if not for the fact that I had to enlist in the army.

That, would at least be what I have thought prior to 11 Dec. I know better now.

Despite all of the rumours and myths surrounding army life, one thing I have to ensure everyone, at least those from the PTP batch (like me!) that while training can be tough, it is rewarding as well. Pain and muscle aches translate to stronger biceps and quads while blisters merely toughen up your soft skin into callused hands and feet.

3 weeks in army, and while I can't say I don't enjoy my book out days, the days I spent in army are relatively fruitful, and oddly, quite fun. Verbal retorts from superiors merely toughen one up for the real world where words are much less kind and connived to strike those in the back. I am both physically tougher and mentally tougher now.

I got a tan, a nice smooth round head, and tekong cough to boot. (For the uninformed, tekong cough is a particularly virulent disease that strikes nearly every recruit) I am stronger. Training is going to get more tough, but I am relishing every minute of it. Maybe I developed a bit of sado-maschoism while in camp.

I enjoy talking cock with my section mates at the common table during the short periods where we get to rest. They are the ones who made army more enjoyable, and I dare say I will be relying on them in the future as well.

To sum up, 2008 has indeed being a fruitful year, because of my As, and because of army as well. Too all those pre-enlistees, do not fret unduly over how tough army life is or how you may lose your freedom. I have been there for the two weeks in confinement, and I have survived. If these napfa failure can do it, then surely, the rest of you napfa silvers and gold can do so as well.

P.S. May be going for a swim on friday. Those interested in swimming as well pls give me a call.