Sunday, 9 December 2012
Sunday, 11 November 2012
好久沒用汉语打字了！看了八频道的连续剧过后，突然觉得自己的华文程度越来越差了！这也说得过去，在国外没什么机会用汉语沟通，应该多写写“布罗格”。彭欣！不知道你是否还有继续到这里来，或者是用这个“布罗格”。谢谢你今天抽空和我在网上交谈，不知道是不是被连续剧影响，但我非常向往新加坡的夜景，也非常回味以前在河畔毫无犹豫得散步。虽然离回国的时间不远，但感觉却不同了。。。
随传随到。。。就这么难吗？是的，因为工作，因为失业，我们多数都得牺牲生命中一些较重要的东西，必如嗜好，朋友，爱情。失去了爱情，一直以为都没问题，可是慢慢的，心里似乎空虚了，不知道为什么会有一种心酸的感觉，也许是想家，想朋友吧！好了别想了！五个星期！加油加油！
随传随到。。。就这么难吗？是的，因为工作，因为失业，我们多数都得牺牲生命中一些较重要的东西，必如嗜好，朋友，爱情。失去了爱情，一直以为都没问题，可是慢慢的，心里似乎空虚了，不知道为什么会有一种心酸的感觉，也许是想家，想朋友吧！好了别想了！五个星期！加油加油！
Saturday, 10 November 2012
Saturday night, two days before Ex Dynamic Victory. Stuck here in the academy, watching Channel 8 dramas, interesting method in spending a Saturday night, although I should make better use of time, i.e packing my room, titivating my Personal Statement. But the lethargy is hitting me, better go to bed soon.
33 more days to commissioning, although there are less days than weeks left, it still seems pretty draggy. STAY POSITIVE Harrison!! Let's go Exercise DV!:D
33 more days to commissioning, although there are less days than weeks left, it still seems pretty draggy. STAY POSITIVE Harrison!! Let's go Exercise DV!:D
Friday, 9 November 2012
5 more weeks to the end of course. The idea of who is going to win the sword and who has done well seems to be really obvious at this point. Yet again, I have done above average yet not there yet, but not good enough to be in the race for the title of the "Overseas Sword". Same in OCS, same in Sandhurst.
But does that really matter? Does the SOH or the Overseas Sword really matter that much? Am I even the right place to even say that it does or doesn't? If I were to agree with the former, then why did I not work harder to mingle with the Brits a little more? If I were to agree with the latter, would I still be blogging or rather lamenting about this?
I guess it all then boils down to the very reason I chose the military as a career; to develop people, the allow their 2 years in NS to be memorable. And I stick to that, my passion for nurturing my men still exist, and I guess dealing with all this are just part and parcel of life. If its meant to be, it will be. Same in a relationship, same with the SOH or the Overseas Sword.
All I can do now is to wish him all the best and that he will get the sword and do Singapore proud.
Back to this week then, preparation for March and Shoot, and then really doing it yesterday. Although we came in 5th for the March and Shoot, we still got second in the overall Sovereign's Banner Competition. Further proves my point that if its yours, its yours! We have been a good platoon, doing what needs to be done, but never eyeing for the top place to exceedingly well in the Sovereign's Banner Competition, yet we were able to top some of the competition (academic mainly), and still come second.
Right enough rambling about the Sovereign's Banner, but key lessons that I have learnt from the March and Shoot was how realistic it was in creating how we would feel physically in a combat environment, adding the sense of realism to the competition. We realized how difficult it was to shoot well when we were fatigued and how important it was to pace ourselves as leaders in 5 weeks' time. Some of us gave our all and had nothing else to give at the last leg towards the range, yet as leaders I think we will always have to leave that "reserve" just in case something goes wrong, or rather if things do not go according to plan.
The build up of grit and mental fortitude was seen and experienced in the entire platoon as well. Well done to 3 platoon!
One more reflection, our CABs tutor gave us each an A5 laminated paper of the key principles of leadership, and reminders that we can use as officers. It came as a surprise, and I respect him for his commitment and passion for teaching and nurturing. He is not young anymore, yet he is willing to always put in that extra effort to teach us that little bit more, preparing us better for our role as an officership. Hopefully we can learn and be like him, having that passion in us even as we age, keeping that goal in mind and constantly working towards it. Thank you Mr Kennedy!
But does that really matter? Does the SOH or the Overseas Sword really matter that much? Am I even the right place to even say that it does or doesn't? If I were to agree with the former, then why did I not work harder to mingle with the Brits a little more? If I were to agree with the latter, would I still be blogging or rather lamenting about this?
I guess it all then boils down to the very reason I chose the military as a career; to develop people, the allow their 2 years in NS to be memorable. And I stick to that, my passion for nurturing my men still exist, and I guess dealing with all this are just part and parcel of life. If its meant to be, it will be. Same in a relationship, same with the SOH or the Overseas Sword.
All I can do now is to wish him all the best and that he will get the sword and do Singapore proud.
Back to this week then, preparation for March and Shoot, and then really doing it yesterday. Although we came in 5th for the March and Shoot, we still got second in the overall Sovereign's Banner Competition. Further proves my point that if its yours, its yours! We have been a good platoon, doing what needs to be done, but never eyeing for the top place to exceedingly well in the Sovereign's Banner Competition, yet we were able to top some of the competition (academic mainly), and still come second.
Right enough rambling about the Sovereign's Banner, but key lessons that I have learnt from the March and Shoot was how realistic it was in creating how we would feel physically in a combat environment, adding the sense of realism to the competition. We realized how difficult it was to shoot well when we were fatigued and how important it was to pace ourselves as leaders in 5 weeks' time. Some of us gave our all and had nothing else to give at the last leg towards the range, yet as leaders I think we will always have to leave that "reserve" just in case something goes wrong, or rather if things do not go according to plan.
The build up of grit and mental fortitude was seen and experienced in the entire platoon as well. Well done to 3 platoon!
One more reflection, our CABs tutor gave us each an A5 laminated paper of the key principles of leadership, and reminders that we can use as officers. It came as a surprise, and I respect him for his commitment and passion for teaching and nurturing. He is not young anymore, yet he is willing to always put in that extra effort to teach us that little bit more, preparing us better for our role as an officership. Hopefully we can learn and be like him, having that passion in us even as we age, keeping that goal in mind and constantly working towards it. Thank you Mr Kennedy!
Wednesday, 12 September 2012
to dearest Harrison...
i don't know if you'll still read this blog or continue using it to record your exercises and reflections during your time at Sandhurst. But there is one thing that I would like to say.
That night when we had dinner together at One Rochester, and you surprised me with that birthday dessert, I made a real birthday wish for the first time in my life. I have never really known what i'd wish for every time i blow out the candles on my birthday cake. So it was just random stuff that I never really meant, or whatever I could think of at the moment, like doing well for 'A' levels for example. But that night, I knew. I knew exactly what I wanted, and the most ironic thing was that it wasn't even for me.
I wished that you'll be happy in the future, no matter whether I'm with you or not. You're one of the most amazing guys to be with that I've ever met, and I'll never forget or regret the times we've spent together. So embrace the future, Harrison, and find your happiness. May you always make the best out of your situation, and find joy in everything that you do. May you find true love where it exists, and may love find you and keep you.
Yours, Claire.
That night when we had dinner together at One Rochester, and you surprised me with that birthday dessert, I made a real birthday wish for the first time in my life. I have never really known what i'd wish for every time i blow out the candles on my birthday cake. So it was just random stuff that I never really meant, or whatever I could think of at the moment, like doing well for 'A' levels for example. But that night, I knew. I knew exactly what I wanted, and the most ironic thing was that it wasn't even for me.
I wished that you'll be happy in the future, no matter whether I'm with you or not. You're one of the most amazing guys to be with that I've ever met, and I'll never forget or regret the times we've spent together. So embrace the future, Harrison, and find your happiness. May you always make the best out of your situation, and find joy in everything that you do. May you find true love where it exists, and may love find you and keep you.
Yours, Claire.
Friday, 3 August 2012
One more week left till the end of Inters, cannot wait for it to be over really. Despite a daily routine of getting up at 0600 and getting to bed at about 2230, the fatigue after 13 weeks is undoubtedly taking its toll on most of us. However, things always seem to fly past at hindsight. It felt like it was just yesterday that I stepped back into New College after 3 weeks of Recess, unpacking my room and getting ready for Ex Royal Return. Then getting into a routine of lessons for two weeks before going on Ex First Encounter, where I have dug for the longest time yet, and getting dressed in 4 Romeo under the heat of summer, which I should be used to. Once Worst Encounter was done, we were thrown into the Faraday Hall stretch, with loads of essay and presentation to work on, and of course gym sessions to relieve the academic stress in the evenings. Not long after came Ex Druid's Ridge in Week 9, getting transported back to Wales in Brecon Beacons. It was a good exercise with a good mix of conventional and urban operations, the rainy weather made it just that much more memorable. Coming back from Ex Druid's Ridge saw us pushing on to France for Ex Normandy Scholar, of course there were build up lessons to prevent it from being a wasted trip.
Back from Normandy Scholar, the Brits are pushed into preparing for their Regimental Selection Board while we, the overseas cadets just take the schedule as it goes. That was Week 12 done, not forgetting the emotional ACFT, a 1.5 mile run with 21kg, to end the week with a bang.
A leave weekend in London allowed me to take a break from Sandhurst and then it was Log Race first thing in Week 13. Here we are, nearing the end of Week 13, pushing forward to Week 14 with loads of drill kit to prepare, loads of rehearsals for the Sovereign's Parade, all of course looking forward to the end, the 10th of August when a four weeks recess starts, allowing us to recuperate (hopefully), before throwing ourselves into the last 14 weeks-SENIOR TERM.
Wednesday, 11 July 2012
End of Ex Druid's Ridge, peer appraisal time. As the British Cadets are gearing up for their Regimental Selection Boards, an interview that decides how the rest of their army career will be shaped, the overseas cadets are just wishing them all the best for their interviews, in hope that they will commission into the cap badge of their choice. However, I want to do well myself, I want to be maintain my place in the middle third. Despite wanting to help them by placing them in a better place in the peer appraisals (not saying its difficult to differentiate between the good and and the average), I would like myself to be placed in a suitable place such that I still stand a chance to compete for the sword. Self conscious, selfish, maybe, I just feel that I have got so much pressure to do well, I did work hard for the exercise, but most of the command appointments were given to the UK cadets. For Singaporeans to be the first and second amongst all overseas cadets, that is my wish and I have been working hard towards it. Maybe its too early to talk about all of these, but the fact that the Intermediate is ending is not helping, knowing that there is not much time for me to prove myself and before I know it, the decision as to who are the better ones will have to be made.
Platoon Commander always say that he needs more from me, for me to be more vocal in the platoon. What does that mean? Alot of times I find people throwing themselves at the PC so that a better impression could be formed. And with no doubt are these rankings and appraisals done on first impressions, superficial you might say but the truth is many a times ugly.
Enough of ranting, let's gear up for the Inters Navex tomorrow and hopefully that helps in the rankings of some of us.
Platoon Commander always say that he needs more from me, for me to be more vocal in the platoon. What does that mean? Alot of times I find people throwing themselves at the PC so that a better impression could be formed. And with no doubt are these rankings and appraisals done on first impressions, superficial you might say but the truth is many a times ugly.
Enough of ranting, let's gear up for the Inters Navex tomorrow and hopefully that helps in the rankings of some of us.
Wednesday, 4 July 2012
Hello Dear!!
Hey dear! You’re
still out on exercise and I’m in office on a rainy Thursday morning! Hope
everything’s going fine for you over there… I read your latest post! I know it
definitely takes time for you to get used to the Brits’ lifestyle. And I do
agree that you don’t have to do everything that they do in order to fit in! It’s
good to go there and experience new stuff, and if you don’t like it, then just
take it as a learning experience and that’s that. You’ll be home soon and you’ll
be living and working here for the rest of your life (probably). So it’s okay!
Don’t feel so stressed thinking that you have to follow them and do whatever
they do :) Continue to talk to me if you have anything you wanna rant about
alright? Don’t keep everything to yourself! I’m still here to listen and to
advise! :)
Anyway, I didn’t
get to play Floorball this week. There was some event going on at Tembusu MPH
so it was out of bounds to us. But I had dinner with my friends at Sapore
instead! Tried this drink called Black Russian… it’s a mix of coffee and liquor!
I love it!! And I didn’t get tipsy on it at all! And yesterday night I played
badminton with my colleagues at West Coast CC. Hahaha I must tell you about it
la. They’re not as zai as I thought la so I wasn’t so stressed playing :) They
all grow fat alr lor! When I grow up and start working I cannot let myself turn
into a fat blob!! Although I’m not very good at badminton also. When you come
back we must play okay? I wear shoes and guard this time so no more excuse! Set
ah!
The people I
played with are all NUS grads and they went to NOC (NUS Overseas Colleges),
like in Philadelphia, Silicon Valley, Shanghai, Beijing, Stockholm, etc. My
boss was talking to me about his experience in Silicon Valley and he really
recommended that I try out for it too, rather than just do SEP (Student
Exchange Programme) like everyone else. But it’s for a year. And I’ll have to
graduate in 4.5 years instead of 4, on top of my double major. I’ll talk to you
about that when you come back okay? We can chat about it on Oovoo!
Alright I
gotta get back to work. Or I’ll be caught slacking >_< Text me when you’re
back kay!! Talk to you soon <3 Love ya!!!
Yours,
Claire!
Monday, 25 June 2012
What is happening? There is a run tomorrow and I am running my ass out with the Brits, not that I don't enjoy it but I am just not use to the enthusiasm that they have. The fact that they want to put in more effort to improve, not being afraid of having a sore muscle on the run the next day. This is not new but I feel that I am still not getting use to it, still feeling a little bit of a culture shock. But all it does is to make me stronger, so no harm done I guess, not like I was hanging out, I was actually feeling quite good. Maybe I am just getting use to the change in culture I guess.
Thursday! Ms Yang has not replied, the boys are going out on a lash. What am I suppose to do? Go on a lash and get wasted on a Thursday night right before Ex Druids Ridge? I am lost, must I really do this to fit in? I would rather just have a day off, go to the gym, go shop around London and then be back. Hmm..
Dear, I have a confession to make. Don't know why we did not discuss this but I think that its a little bit difficult at times. I think we did touch and go on this topic, just like I feel that I am too competitive and I am tired of being competitive, having to represent Singapore and the need to do Singapore proud, I feel that I am not enjoying myself as much as I want to. I find it a little stifling at times, I am sure I told you this before, I feel like I speak to you more in few hours than I do for a week here. At times, I just want to complain, but I just don't know who to go to. I do miss you a lot, especially during the weekends. I know you are having a camp now, so don't worry, reply me when you are free ok? I feel better typing all these out! Thanks:)
Thursday! Ms Yang has not replied, the boys are going out on a lash. What am I suppose to do? Go on a lash and get wasted on a Thursday night right before Ex Druids Ridge? I am lost, must I really do this to fit in? I would rather just have a day off, go to the gym, go shop around London and then be back. Hmm..
Dear, I have a confession to make. Don't know why we did not discuss this but I think that its a little bit difficult at times. I think we did touch and go on this topic, just like I feel that I am too competitive and I am tired of being competitive, having to represent Singapore and the need to do Singapore proud, I feel that I am not enjoying myself as much as I want to. I find it a little stifling at times, I am sure I told you this before, I feel like I speak to you more in few hours than I do for a week here. At times, I just want to complain, but I just don't know who to go to. I do miss you a lot, especially during the weekends. I know you are having a camp now, so don't worry, reply me when you are free ok? I feel better typing all these out! Thanks:)
Monday, 18 June 2012
to my dearest
Hello dear! I'm blogging again in a very long time! To be honest I actually forgot completely about this blog because we always communicate via Facebook or Whatsapp or Oovoo. And the occasional email. But I'm really glad that you're making good use of this blog! It's nice to see you updating about your life over there and your attitude towards your peers and any events that you may have.
So I'm going to blog more often too! I'm going to update about my work and stuff, although there isn't really much la. Not as exciting as your life over there! Tomorrow night I'm going back to Tembusu to play floorball. Really looking forward to it! I always feel really happy when I'm meeting up with my friends to play together. They're a really fun bunch of people :) I feel very fortunate! Sigh. That's why I always hope that you can come and meet my friends! Cos I love all of y'all. But things never really turn out the way I hope they would. I guess that's only to be expected though... so it's okay! One step at a time :)
Okay. I'm not feeling very well tonight. After work, my eyes hurt and I had a headache. But I still had to go meet my friends to discuss orientation. Heng they ended the dinner meeting early and I reached home at around 9.30pm. I brought my laptop home today to do some research actually because I felt that my work was getting a bit meaningless. Everyone's working on this really cool big project and I'm stuck with Facebook... which hardly anyone cares about. So I wanted to do some research and come up with some ideas but I'm just too tired tonight. I guess I might go to work earlier tomorrow morning and research instead.
I'm going to bed now! Love you dear! <3 Reply soon!!
So I'm going to blog more often too! I'm going to update about my work and stuff, although there isn't really much la. Not as exciting as your life over there! Tomorrow night I'm going back to Tembusu to play floorball. Really looking forward to it! I always feel really happy when I'm meeting up with my friends to play together. They're a really fun bunch of people :) I feel very fortunate! Sigh. That's why I always hope that you can come and meet my friends! Cos I love all of y'all. But things never really turn out the way I hope they would. I guess that's only to be expected though... so it's okay! One step at a time :)
Okay. I'm not feeling very well tonight. After work, my eyes hurt and I had a headache. But I still had to go meet my friends to discuss orientation. Heng they ended the dinner meeting early and I reached home at around 9.30pm. I brought my laptop home today to do some research actually because I felt that my work was getting a bit meaningless. Everyone's working on this really cool big project and I'm stuck with Facebook... which hardly anyone cares about. So I wanted to do some research and come up with some ideas but I'm just too tired tonight. I guess I might go to work earlier tomorrow morning and research instead.
I'm going to bed now! Love you dear! <3 Reply soon!!
Friday, 15 June 2012
This week felt really long. Dinner night, Company Prayers, Platoon socials, can't wait for Sunday to come so that I can have a little bit of "me" time. Despite the fact that I have to revise for PRACTAC and prepare for a presentation due next week.
Platoon Social: Go-Karting. It wasn't as boring as I thought, the previous knowledge I had about Go Karting was driving a slow kart around and bumping in the rest of the karts on the track, but what we did yesterday changed that my views entirely. It was thrilling and fun, although I wasn't as fast as I wanted myself to be.
One more week and we will be half way through our CC. About 50 more days to home! I don't really know why I am always counting down. BE POSITIVE!!
To be continued..
Platoon Social: Go-Karting. It wasn't as boring as I thought, the previous knowledge I had about Go Karting was driving a slow kart around and bumping in the rest of the karts on the track, but what we did yesterday changed that my views entirely. It was thrilling and fun, although I wasn't as fast as I wanted myself to be.
One more week and we will be half way through our CC. About 50 more days to home! I don't really know why I am always counting down. BE POSITIVE!!
To be continued..
Thursday, 14 June 2012
Nearly the end of Week 6 of the Intermediate Term. Had a great dinner night, was not as boring as I thought it would be. I think as long as you are willing to open up and speak to people, there will definitely be some common topics that we can all have a good chat about.
PRACTAC next week, the test of Orders and Estimate really, really want to just get it over and done with, but the fears or not doing well and not finishing in time are just creeping all over me. Hopefully it all goes well.
This week has been pretty good really. Monday was Ex Eagle Strike, orders process again, didn't manage to get to deliver a summary paragraph but I did rehearse through it in my room, hopefully that helps! Then they left for Regimental Visits and we are here to prepare for our presentation the next day. Was quite pleased with my presentation yet I felt some of the Overseas Cadets did not put in much effort into their own presentation. Especially some of them who took on very biased stance or hold a rather narrow perspective of the topic they were given. Looking at all the Overseas Cadets made me realized that the pool of us is really quite small as compared to all the British Cadets in the cohort. But it still seem really difficult to do well, who knows the competition could be the US cadet or my very own peer from Singapore.
Just got my PB last week and I was in the Middle Third. Glad and contented, my peer got the same stand as I did. But he but he has always been doing better than I did. One day he said, " Oh I am not going to give chance, I am clean sweeping everything." Well, he does blend in better with the crowd, slightly fitter, placed in a better position I guess. But that doesn't mean I stand no chance. Even if I know I am going to lose, I won't let him win easily. Where is the fun without competition?
Glad that we are nearly half way through the course, just got to get over Victory Building Duty today and PRACTAC! All the best to me.
PRACTAC next week, the test of Orders and Estimate really, really want to just get it over and done with, but the fears or not doing well and not finishing in time are just creeping all over me. Hopefully it all goes well.
This week has been pretty good really. Monday was Ex Eagle Strike, orders process again, didn't manage to get to deliver a summary paragraph but I did rehearse through it in my room, hopefully that helps! Then they left for Regimental Visits and we are here to prepare for our presentation the next day. Was quite pleased with my presentation yet I felt some of the Overseas Cadets did not put in much effort into their own presentation. Especially some of them who took on very biased stance or hold a rather narrow perspective of the topic they were given. Looking at all the Overseas Cadets made me realized that the pool of us is really quite small as compared to all the British Cadets in the cohort. But it still seem really difficult to do well, who knows the competition could be the US cadet or my very own peer from Singapore.
Just got my PB last week and I was in the Middle Third. Glad and contented, my peer got the same stand as I did. But he but he has always been doing better than I did. One day he said, " Oh I am not going to give chance, I am clean sweeping everything." Well, he does blend in better with the crowd, slightly fitter, placed in a better position I guess. But that doesn't mean I stand no chance. Even if I know I am going to lose, I won't let him win easily. Where is the fun without competition?
Glad that we are nearly half way through the course, just got to get over Victory Building Duty today and PRACTAC! All the best to me.
Tuesday, 29 May 2012
Leadership
That was the topic we were on today. Major Nathan played Episode 7 of the Band of Brothers, even though I have the box I haven't had time to finish it, so I have never been across the episode, however, this one episode displayed the ethos of many characters in the series. However, I notice that there are always good and bad officers, be it in the Singaporean, British or the US army. All the system does is to sieve out the better officers while some just slips through the system. Yet, it is heartening to see that there are indeed more good officers than bad ones. Then again, the method of judging an officer differs from country to country too. Does doing well as a Cadet has a correlation as to whether you will become a good officer in the future. Maybe to a certain extent, with the fact that most commissioning courses tests the Cadets to the limit and doing well in it meant that one can handle both mental and physical stress. But what about the average Cadets, will they not do well in the future? I guess not. What is more important would be the spirit of learning, to never stop learning or be complacent. No one will be an eternal winner, but we can always have the spirit of learning going on, at least then you know you are moving along and not stagnating or 'marking time'.
C2DRIL was what our Commandant live by. Selfless commitment, courage, discipline, respect, integrity, and loyalty. These are the values and standards that he holds dear to himself and I guess every officers should have some core values that they live by. These will be the bedrock or foundation of their career, when shit happens, they know that they can rely on such values to make a decision. A decision that might not be right, but a decision nonetheless, so at least things will continue moving and not stagnate.
All in all, easier said than done. And those that emerge from the shittiest situation will be the epitome of a great officer.
That was the topic we were on today. Major Nathan played Episode 7 of the Band of Brothers, even though I have the box I haven't had time to finish it, so I have never been across the episode, however, this one episode displayed the ethos of many characters in the series. However, I notice that there are always good and bad officers, be it in the Singaporean, British or the US army. All the system does is to sieve out the better officers while some just slips through the system. Yet, it is heartening to see that there are indeed more good officers than bad ones. Then again, the method of judging an officer differs from country to country too. Does doing well as a Cadet has a correlation as to whether you will become a good officer in the future. Maybe to a certain extent, with the fact that most commissioning courses tests the Cadets to the limit and doing well in it meant that one can handle both mental and physical stress. But what about the average Cadets, will they not do well in the future? I guess not. What is more important would be the spirit of learning, to never stop learning or be complacent. No one will be an eternal winner, but we can always have the spirit of learning going on, at least then you know you are moving along and not stagnating or 'marking time'.
C2DRIL was what our Commandant live by. Selfless commitment, courage, discipline, respect, integrity, and loyalty. These are the values and standards that he holds dear to himself and I guess every officers should have some core values that they live by. These will be the bedrock or foundation of their career, when shit happens, they know that they can rely on such values to make a decision. A decision that might not be right, but a decision nonetheless, so at least things will continue moving and not stagnate.
All in all, easier said than done. And those that emerge from the shittiest situation will be the epitome of a great officer.
Monday, 28 May 2012
I have decided that I should blog when I can, and use it as a way to rant or just to reflect upon my day. After Ex First Encounter, we are launching ourselves into the Faraday Hall stretch, lots of lessons and "intellectual stimulation". However, I still have yet to recover from the sleep lost from Ex First Encounter, still feeling slightly lethargic and not being able concentrate during lectures and lessons.
After going into the Gas Chamber today, we had two periods of PT and then a whole stretch of lessons. The lesson by my CABS (Communication and Applied Behavioral Science) tutor on creative thinking was good. The fact that as military commanders we need to think out of the box and at times consider a different approach to a certain situation was what we needed. Especially as Infantry officers, sometimes it is not simply about taking the objective from the left, right or center, creative methods could be applied into tactics and most of the time that is how you win a battle.
DIA however was boring, there seem to be no value add to the lesson, partly it might be due to the fact that I am not very well versed with the current terrorist situation all around the world but the tutor simply asks for input from the ground and does not really give us much information during the lesson.
In any case, it has been a tiring day. The problem with Sandhurst, too much curriculum, too little time, always rushing from point to point. Start of the Faraday Hall stretch, hopefully it gets better..:)
After going into the Gas Chamber today, we had two periods of PT and then a whole stretch of lessons. The lesson by my CABS (Communication and Applied Behavioral Science) tutor on creative thinking was good. The fact that as military commanders we need to think out of the box and at times consider a different approach to a certain situation was what we needed. Especially as Infantry officers, sometimes it is not simply about taking the objective from the left, right or center, creative methods could be applied into tactics and most of the time that is how you win a battle.
DIA however was boring, there seem to be no value add to the lesson, partly it might be due to the fact that I am not very well versed with the current terrorist situation all around the world but the tutor simply asks for input from the ground and does not really give us much information during the lesson.
In any case, it has been a tiring day. The problem with Sandhurst, too much curriculum, too little time, always rushing from point to point. Start of the Faraday Hall stretch, hopefully it gets better..:)
Friday, 27 January 2012
Hey dear,
Just came back from route march. Saw two British cadets quarreling with one of the foreign cadets from Nigeria. Don't know whether it is done on purpose or that we cannot comprehend what some of the British cadets are saying, but I feel that some of the instructors seem to be more harsh on the foreign cadets than the British ones. The fact that the other three foreign cadets in my platoon do not have a good grasp of English causes the platoon to have this animosity towards foreign cadets, seeing us as people who do not understand English, thus not being to comprehend instructions as quickly as they can thus slowing the platoon down. This makes it really hard for me to communicate with them as I feel that they have this negative impression about foreign cadets. And I do not know how to better communicate with the rest of the foreign cadets as I get frustrated sometimes too. HELP!
Just came back from route march. Saw two British cadets quarreling with one of the foreign cadets from Nigeria. Don't know whether it is done on purpose or that we cannot comprehend what some of the British cadets are saying, but I feel that some of the instructors seem to be more harsh on the foreign cadets than the British ones. The fact that the other three foreign cadets in my platoon do not have a good grasp of English causes the platoon to have this animosity towards foreign cadets, seeing us as people who do not understand English, thus not being to comprehend instructions as quickly as they can thus slowing the platoon down. This makes it really hard for me to communicate with them as I feel that they have this negative impression about foreign cadets. And I do not know how to better communicate with the rest of the foreign cadets as I get frustrated sometimes too. HELP!
Wednesday, 25 January 2012
Dear Harrison,
I felt so sad hearing you speak over the phone. You sound so sian every time I talk to you... and the worst part is, I don't even know how to help you.
This reminds me of the time back in mid-J2 after we broke up. One evening after studying at the library I came to look for you at the council bench. Suddenly I just burst into tears saying that I felt no motivation to study at all. I couldn't find the reason for studying and attempting to do well. Getting good grades just means getting into a good university and the course of my choice; after that it's on to getting a good job and leading a happy life, blahblahblah. It bored me, and I didn't want that to be the reason why I should study. Everything was so bleak too... I didn't do well for block test 2 and there was just too much content I didn't understand. Every mock paper that I tried to do, I couldn't finish half. And those questions I thought I knew how to answer, I got them wrong. It was overwhelming. And I felt like giving up...
So I came to you. You were busy studying, I remember... I was asking myself if I should be looking for you since you did break up with me so you could focus on your studies. But there wasn't really anyone else I could turn to. I don't think anyone would understand me like you did. And you had seen me cry so many times until you probably wouldn't find it weird anymore if I cried in front of you. (You know me -- I hate crying in front of anyone else.)
And you talked to me. You just spent time listening to me and letting me say whatever I wanted to say. The best thing wasn't actually what you said to me, but the fact that you were there physically just for me to say something to and to see you respond to me.
I want to help you, dear. I know it's not easy over there. I think I'd break too, having stupid men yell at me all day. But you can't break. No. Your going there is not just for yourself. It's for everyone who believes in you. For your family. For your peers. For your superiors. For me. You have so much to prove to everyone around you too. To prove that you're more than just a Chinese dude who can speak pretty decent English. So you can't break. God forbid you should ever give up.
Take everything one step at a time. It'll surely help you if you keep everything in perspective. Set small goals for yourself. Keep yourself occupied. Everything will work out fine. You need to believe that. You need to believe in yourself. You can do this.
Give me a call whenever you're free. I can't be there in person, but I'll do my best to tide you through your year in the UK. I promise.
Love,
Claire
I felt so sad hearing you speak over the phone. You sound so sian every time I talk to you... and the worst part is, I don't even know how to help you.
This reminds me of the time back in mid-J2 after we broke up. One evening after studying at the library I came to look for you at the council bench. Suddenly I just burst into tears saying that I felt no motivation to study at all. I couldn't find the reason for studying and attempting to do well. Getting good grades just means getting into a good university and the course of my choice; after that it's on to getting a good job and leading a happy life, blahblahblah. It bored me, and I didn't want that to be the reason why I should study. Everything was so bleak too... I didn't do well for block test 2 and there was just too much content I didn't understand. Every mock paper that I tried to do, I couldn't finish half. And those questions I thought I knew how to answer, I got them wrong. It was overwhelming. And I felt like giving up...
So I came to you. You were busy studying, I remember... I was asking myself if I should be looking for you since you did break up with me so you could focus on your studies. But there wasn't really anyone else I could turn to. I don't think anyone would understand me like you did. And you had seen me cry so many times until you probably wouldn't find it weird anymore if I cried in front of you. (You know me -- I hate crying in front of anyone else.)
And you talked to me. You just spent time listening to me and letting me say whatever I wanted to say. The best thing wasn't actually what you said to me, but the fact that you were there physically just for me to say something to and to see you respond to me.
I want to help you, dear. I know it's not easy over there. I think I'd break too, having stupid men yell at me all day. But you can't break. No. Your going there is not just for yourself. It's for everyone who believes in you. For your family. For your peers. For your superiors. For me. You have so much to prove to everyone around you too. To prove that you're more than just a Chinese dude who can speak pretty decent English. So you can't break. God forbid you should ever give up.
Take everything one step at a time. It'll surely help you if you keep everything in perspective. Set small goals for yourself. Keep yourself occupied. Everything will work out fine. You need to believe that. You need to believe in yourself. You can do this.
Give me a call whenever you're free. I can't be there in person, but I'll do my best to tide you through your year in the UK. I promise.
Love,
Claire
Tuesday, 24 January 2012
Hello Harrison! Happy Chinese New Year!! I've collected quite a bit of angpao money over these two days... heheheh :D And I've eaten way too many biscuits, crackers, sweets, chocolates, and cups of ice cream! I'm going to go over the 50kg mark, I just know it! :'( Anyway, this is a picture of me and my brother in our house. I hope I can get to bring you along and show you off to all my relatives on both my dad's and mum's side next CNY! And let's take manymanymany photos together!! :D
This is what I wore on the second day of CNY when I went over to my grandmother's house for the day. Nice?? :D The pants were bought by my mum from Dubai and they're one size too small, unfortunately. It's really uncomfortable to wear :'( But quite nice right? :D
And look at this super cute thing! HAHAHAit's a rubberband! I took it out of my bag and left it on the table in the sun when I got home, and after a few hours it turned into this shape!!! I think it's a special kind of rubberband that was originally in this shape. Have you seen this before? It's SOOOOOOOOOOOOO CUTE!!!!!!! Sigh~
Shall post more soon okay! Stay tuned ~ <3
Monday, 23 January 2012
Dear Claire,
Abit down today. Its CNY and I am still having lectures after lectures, did not treat the people around me very well either. There was this guy who asked me if I understood a movie that was played during one of the lectures and I asked him why not, in a not very nice tone I guess. Then I guess he did not really want to talk to me afterwards. Just feeling abit moody and tired. I know I should be more positive and try to make new friends but it just gets so tiring sometimes. Haha! Tell me about CNY! Post pics!:D
Abit down today. Its CNY and I am still having lectures after lectures, did not treat the people around me very well either. There was this guy who asked me if I understood a movie that was played during one of the lectures and I asked him why not, in a not very nice tone I guess. Then I guess he did not really want to talk to me afterwards. Just feeling abit moody and tired. I know I should be more positive and try to make new friends but it just gets so tiring sometimes. Haha! Tell me about CNY! Post pics!:D
Sunday, 22 January 2012
Dear Claire,
Thank you for creating this blog and inviting me to be part of it. I hope that this is where we can post pictures that we want each other to see as we are in different sides of the globe at this point of time. I just want to say that I have been missing you. Talking to you face to face, hugging you and kissing you on the cheeks. Though all this cant be done till I am back in April, I hope that we can continue to communicate to each other and with technology we not fall apart! I LOVE YOU! Take care! <3
Thank you for creating this blog and inviting me to be part of it. I hope that this is where we can post pictures that we want each other to see as we are in different sides of the globe at this point of time. I just want to say that I have been missing you. Talking to you face to face, hugging you and kissing you on the cheeks. Though all this cant be done till I am back in April, I hope that we can continue to communicate to each other and with technology we not fall apart! I LOVE YOU! Take care! <3
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