Childhood

Heard over the airwave, the song by Micheal J "Have you seen my childhood"
Look around, and he is not alone.
I wonder how many will grow up recalling their childhood memories with glee and glint in their eyes.
Then again, What exactly is a happy memorable childhood?
The many hours attending enrichment courses and activities lined up to sharpen the mind and stimulate the young mind. Is that something to cherish?
Spending hours on computer games, 24/7 on twitters, FB posting photographs and messages..
Would that be the best part of growing up?
I wonder.

Week 3

Into his 3rd week in the specialist cadet course. A routine now  to wake up at 4.45am, be down by 5.15 for a daily 3Km jog before breakfast and to start off the day. So far he has gone through a short course on SAW( Squad automatic weapon) and  MATADOR (Man-portable Anti-Tank, Anti-DOoR) amongst the many killing weapon. Theory and practical. Learning how to navigate in the jungle. Going for a field trip next week,  putting into practise all they've learnt so far. On one hand he seemed to enjoy the current course on the other, he dreads the morning exercise. He actually saved a jam tart home for me to try. The nicest  night snack so far.

Something Sour

Upon discovering what this fruit was, I had to pick one home. The fallen one, of course.  Mum was equally surprised, and decided to put it to good use.
The Assam Gelugor fruit.

Listen

Assume not for not all red pods must produce black seeds. Just as in any situation, keep an open mind, listen and ponder about it before jumping into any preconceived notions.

Lovely Leaves

Been a regular morning visitor to the botanic for the past one year. The cool crisp fresh air, flora and the pleasant meandering path. A learning journey on these morning walks. A first for me to see a mangosteen and a jackfruit tree fruiting. Discovered that the dried assam fruit slices I've been using is from the assam gelugor tree. Huge yellow fruit.
However, this morning, it was this that caught my eye.

SpecialistCadet School

This week he is off to the second part of his training. Learning to be a competent soldier. Learning in more indepth of what warfare is all about.  He has indeed grown. Packed his huge luggage the night before. Next morning 5.45am he was up and dressed. On the dot 6.20am down with his luggage ready. Told him the night before that we would be out of the house by 6.30am.

All through the journey to the western tip, reminiscing on his bloops, blunders and all the happenings during his BMT in P. Tekong.
Hopefully he will find the next phase of his training rewarding and satisfying.

Passing Out Parade

Notwithstanding what was said,  was glad to be at East Coast Park at 10pm last night. A cool and breezy night.  Drove along until the last carpark lot when military vehicles were spotted. Son messaged to say that he was at his resting point at ECP that very moment. In the crowd of hundreds sitting around, he waved to catch my attention. Only a handful of parents turn up as not many were aware of this resting point. Though he could not come out to meet but we chatted over the phone until it was time to move out for the next 3km. Finally reached his 24km at 3 in the morning.

This morning was the Passing Out Parade. In a grand ceremony to congratulate the recruits for Passing the Basic Military Training. Proud that he gritted his teeth and held his tongue and endure.

POP!

Come this friday evening, the recruits will take the final test of endurance. The final making of Ah boys to Men. The 24km march from the SAF ferry terminal to the floating platform in the heart of the city centre. He was aghast and protested when I suggested that parents should line the road to cheer them on. The walk starting from 8 pm till dawn the next day.
It has been a learning journey for many. The  #&?%$ language just to push them a little harder. The excruciating ache from the weight and the exercise. A conversational piece amongst his  peers for many many moons to come.