You're not on the list!

"What?!? I'm not on the list. That means I get to go back? Cannot join ah?"

"Nope."

*eyes brighten up* "Sure or not?"

"Uh-huh.."

Yep. You read right.. I was rejected from the recourse. Think its the first time I feel so happy about being rejected for a course.. Let's relive this week quickly..

Monday.. My last full day at work and my last day working for my immediate superior MWO Tan.. he's a fantastic superior.. made my and many others army life different.. I had just finished the Finance crash course with Weisong.. done my interview with MWO Tan.. I packed my stuff and walked out of camp at 7pm.. Sky's dark.. took a taxi home.. was hoping that my parents could pick me up or something.. Acutally, the reason I wanted them to come was because I wanted some company.. I can always take a cab if I wanted to be chaffeured around.. which I did.. cos they were already somewhere near home. It took awhile for the taxi to come.. my emotions overcame me as I waited by the roadside.. good thing the sky's dark.. otherwise people would think I'm some siao kia.. I broke out into songs of praise and worship.. really feeling the need to depend on God again.. but was my sadness once again because I was just sad that THE day was approaching or because it was the Holy Spirit who touched me, again. As I flagged the taxi, I told myself... I'm gonna ask the driver what he thinks of my situation... I did feel better though after letting it out..

"Uncle, Pasir Panjang. Opposite last time Gate 5.."

"Okay.."

(pause)

"Uncle, you last time got go BMT or not?"

"Yeah, yeah.. Last time siong.. my BMT was at Taman Jurong Camp.."

"Orrh.. because I going in this Thursday..and I feel quite sad about it."

"Why? Nowadays army life easy lah."

"No lah.. Just down lah.."

"You just remember this. I still remember what my Platoon Commander told me.. Happy also have to serve 2 years (in my case 7 weeks), not happy also have to serve 2 years. So might as well be happy?"

And that was that. End of conversation. Inside me, I reflected. Yeah, that made sense. But living it out would be a problem..not so easy lah ah? Anyway, I got home and packed my duffle bag after a quick shower and dinner. I wanted to get over the packing process quickly.. didn't want to feel blue if i took too long to pack.. Thank God.. I felt alright whilst packing.. and so that was done. Ready for Tekong..physically..

Tuesday..half day.. appointment with counsellor in the afternoon.. he didn't want to pull me out from Tekong every week.. said that that would not make me more independent.. ah well.. at least i didn't hate him for that.. I get to meet him on my birthday though..Weeeee! At least 21st birthday not in Tekong..watched "The God's must be crazy 2" with Diana..

Wednesday.. I went back to camp for an interview with SWO Jeffrey, the Institute Sergeant Major. Told him of my problem.. he then told me to try and complete the course, afterwhich i would come out stronger.. or something.. he told me to give him a call if i faced any problems.. how cool was that? I went to TTSH to look for Diana afterwards.. but not before spending time at the arcade and shopping at Jurong Point.. arrived at TTSH at about 12.20pm, we went to the DIabetes & Endocrine Clinic, where Diana used to work.. They were having "Sandwich Day" which was supposed to mean the end of the week was approaching. Shouldn't you hold it on a Thursday then? nvm.. So i ate.. met Dr Chew and Claire, amongst many others.. spoke a fair bit with Dr Chew.. Claire's the sister of my former secondary school classmate, Huiting.. Later on I helped the clinic manager, Sista Brenda, with some stamping and games.. She was in charge of Christmas games.. got bored after awhile... so went walk walk.. spent $9.30 at Starbucks.. then went back to finish my work.. Was a pretty okay place to work in, save for some people there.. anyway.. Diana and I headed to Novena Square to shop.. I have this urge to spend when I'm down. That's bad.. So we went to the Factory outlet.. got ourselves some Levi's bottoms.. me an Abercrombie pullover, my sister an Abercrombie jacket, which is a little tight.. ahah.. came home for dinner, and watched The Champion, a new Ch 8 drama series..

Thursday. Woke up this morning to find that dreadful sinking feeling starting to set in.. uttered a prayer inside.. Overall, I'm coping better than I did last year when i enlisted.. Said my goodbyes to the family.. and left. Reached camp and realised I forgot to bring my camp-pass.. heheh.. i reached my unit and settled some admin stuff before i was off in a rover with Weisong, the registry clerk, who was nice to come back to send my docket to Tekong.. As the rover neared SAF Ferry Terminal, I had the "I don't want to go back" feeling.. but no choice lah.. already here..lined up at the in-[process counter..3SG are such bigshots around here.. I don't even bat an eyelid when my Comd, a Colonel walks past.. heck I even ask the 3SG in my unit to do things for me.. ahaha.. different place, different mentality lah huh? After a while, it was my turn..

Manpower Clerk: "how many people?"

Weisong:"One."

Manpower Clerk: "which unit?"

Weisong:"Uh.. SAFWOS. Warrant Officer School."

Manpower Clerk: *checks his list* "Eh.. I don't think you're on my list."

Me: "Huh? Sure or not?"

Manpower Clerk: *whips out his phone* "Wait I check.."

Weisong and me: *listens attentively*

Manpower Clerk: *shakes his head* "Nope. I think we've to reject you."

You all should have been there, man. I felt like a whole heavy load had been lifted off my shoulders.. My eyes brightened, my voice started to have that crappy twang again.. wahh.. I was just simply overjoyed I tell you.. I know that that means I might have to go back someday.. but I just hope for a few things to happen:

1. I'm downgraded to PES E
2. PES C recourse gets cancelled
3. COL Kuek really speaks to Chief of Army and gets the duration shortened.

Once it was confirmed, I started calling people, Diana, Mummy, Jeremy, MWO Tan, Edwin.. anyway I hope that they don't bomb me by asking me to go back tonight or soon.. I'd definitely feel worse lah...

Not going back means a few things:

1. I get to book my Traffic Police test, which means I may get to drive soon
2. I get to seat in the new car
3. I get to watch Man United beat Arse-nal this weekend
4. I get to watch "The Champion"
5. WHHHOOOOOO!!!!!!

Throughout this rather "trying" time for me, I'm glad God sent so many people to tell me that they cared for me. SWO Soudagar, SWO Jeffrey, MWO Tan, SWO John, Counsellor - Edwin Heng, COL Kuek - Comd SWI/CO SAFWOS, my campmates, Yang, Joey, Yongjie, Chris, Gordon, Tang, etc., Joseph - former campmate, my family, Diana and maybe others whom I may have left out..Thanks to all of you..

*Sigh* It's beena long day thus far.. I'm just glad to be home, take a shower.. now i going to lie down.. Where's Bobby (my bolster)?

take care you all..