Random act of bravery.

We were trudging along the jungles of Brunei, tired from the relentless walking and elements. Along with our standard items, we had to bring along smoke grenades as well in case of hornet attacks. I carried one of them and the other I passed to Jianfu, my second grenade launcher guy.

All of sudden, I could hear Jianfu calling for my help. Apparently, the safety had come loose on his smoke grenade and it had begun to spew out smoke. I rushed over and helped him take out his IBA and throw it aside to ensure it didn't burn him. Jianfu was in such a panic mode he didn't even know what to do but to shout for my help.

Alas, the IBA was quite burnt and the entire pouch where the grenade was supposed to be in was completely burnt off. I wasn't sure if he had kept the IBA on if it would have injured him but I was happy that we didn't have to find out.

And did they give me a shiny medal or coin for this act?

Not a single fuck was given.

And they gave a coin to some random dude who doesn't do shit for us and steals our food in bunk for wayang-ing his way through the mission.

#army

"He has to leave soon."

I didn't comprehend who said it or where he was going but I knew he had to leave.

What was left was an old man, probably an image of what was left of his soul through the years. I asked him a few questions but he could not seem to comprehend what I was saying, instead giving me answers that were related but not correct.

Mom and dad were there too, dad shook his hand while mom told me to pay my last respects to him.

He sat on a chair and I bowed to him, wishing him a happy and long life ahead. And as I bowed, I felt tears rolling down my cheek. I knew I wasn't praying to someone else, I was just thanking him for everything.

I knew he was already gone many years ago and I wondered what a touch would feel like. Nonetheless, we shared a hug and then I awoke.

The dream felt so surreal, I wiped away tears from eyes. It was the first time I had ever woken up like this.

Goodbye, grandpa.

After such a sincere apology from the prime minister in GE 2011 and the devastation he felt at the end of that GE, I am immensely happy for him and his team for the GE this time.

That apology was for a mistake he made while overlooking certain aspects of the citizens but nonetheless it was made for the betterment of Singapore. How many leaders can bring themselves to do that?

The last 5 years have been rather pleasant for myself. Apart from the transport issue, there was hardly anything I could complain about. I hope the next transport minister is ready to fill the shoes left behind by Mr. Liew Tuck Yew, the guy who sacrificed himself for the PAP to really garner the votes this time round.

Was very humbled to see Ms. Low Yen Ling thanking and waving to us as she stood behind a van and visited every single block of houses in her constituency.

I see good things coming in the next 5 years. Majulah Singapura!

Manchester United has not been what it has been for me ever since Sir Alex Ferguson left.

Last night while I caught the match against Swansea at home with my dad, it felt like I was watching a complete different team. No doubt they were wearing the same logo, at the same stadium I visited once before and playing for the same goals but they just felt like a complete different club altogether. If not for the façade, I would have thought another club was playing at Old Trafford.

Even the signature Nike jersey has been changed. Out of the 11 players on the pitch, only 2 were from Fergie’s reign. It was difficult to feel any affinity with the entire squad. The type of football was completely different from the United I have known for the past 12 years watching them play.

At the end after the final whistle, they lost 2-1. Usually, I would feel disappointed for them but all that was left was indifference. Turned off the television and went to sleep, the club that I have strongly supported has now completely disappeared.

I just turned down an offer from a company and I am once again jobless. It feels almost surreal but I know that it was something I had to do.

Bad starts are 10x more difficult to recover from than good ones. From the moment I had set my mind on not wanting the job, it was already a barrier for me to cross before I could change my mentality. Circumstances may never allow me to find something I truly and wholeheartedly am ready to commit to but given enough of the right ones I think that I am ready.

I don't have to work for the money, and for that I am thankful. I just want to find something I would like to do instead of exchanging my time for money.

I have not lost anything but I am back where I started. The route is inevitable I guess.

Chapter closed, chapter opened.