Second to None

Went to a nursing home for the aged the other day. We were brought to this old man who shared his interesting life story, it was full of inspiration to us young adults. He was an educated man in his 60s to 70s, really eloquent in speaking and obviously well to do. He boasted about his little ones who were lawyers and doctors and wished for us to be as successful as them. He then showed us a letter his children sent him from overseas saying that they are in the midst of migrating him over to their home and it will take a while, ending off with a sweet merry christmas. A letter filled with lots of love, indeed. He was so excited and couldn’t wait to be brought over to have a reunion with his young ones.

Follow that when we left, we found out that his story wasn’t as rosy as it sounded. Apparently, his kids sold the flats he owned and used the money to migrate and started a life abroad, without him. The letter was a fake, leading him into denial.

That’s why they say sometimes it’s better to live in denial than face the hard truth.

This story disgust me of how to some, greed and money can be of more importance than the people who brought you up. How ugly this world actually is. At the same time it did remind me to do well and take care of my parents. I’ll give them the best.

That’s my promise.

You know sometimes the recruiters set your mind thinking when they ask you the magic question:

“What do you want to do in the future?”

Do you have an answer to that? A clear, specific one. Well, I don’t.

I look into myself for an answer but all I can see are question marks. Honestly, I’m still searching and I guess same goes to many of you too. No, I wasn’t brain washed by them but it’s really time I start to think, really think.

Veni, Vidi, Vici, 2011

Veni, vidi, vici is latin for “I came, I saw, I conquered”. This are the three words  to summarize my 2011.

2011 had many challenges, mostly from OCS. It’s a year that I found a lot about myself. My flaws, my strengths. Many times I realized I’m not who I think I am. “When there’s a will, there’s a way” was what that gave me hope when things went downhill. There will always be a way out. No matter how hard you hit the ground, how bad it seems, just have a little faith that it will turn out for the better.

I had the proudest moment of my life in 2011, a once in a lifetime experience. It still lingers in my mind. That sword, that sunset on 15 October, the parade, the brotherhood, the cold enduring nights, the fire that were in our eyes, tossing the cap. Unforgettable. I miss all that.

My main aim for 2011 was accomplished, I got the sword. Here comes 2012, new aim new ambitions. My aims in two words. Pilot, university.

“Aim for the stars and maybe you’ll reach the sky.” 

Even if you miss, you’ll land among the clouds.

New year, old spirit. FIGHTING! (:

Compass, Aeromedical and Interview passed. Waiting for them to process my application, sign my contract and I’ll bid bye to the greens and hi to the skies. Then head to Tamworth for Air Grading Course. I will not enter with the mentality that I will definitely pass, nor fail. I’ll just give my best. If my best isn’t enough, then I will be back to an NSF and ORD!

February I will be joining the officer cadets on their trip to Thailand, I’ll be there as a liaison instructor, guiding the forward observers to be. Fun it will be. Visiting and eating all the good food there :D

Will be supporting some infantry regiment to fight their ATEC in January 2012 as an forward observer. Having a good life everyday now means that walking with the infantry for the 5D4N major exercise will post a huge challenge to the current me. Got to refresh some skills, I don’t want to end up killing our own infantry and bringing down their strength. The pressure is on. Just hoping that everything goes on smoothly.

Not looking forward to the officer’s initiation. I wonder how will I fare after not wearing the battle order for so long.

I have passed my compass and aeromedical test. Next up will be my interview. If I pass, I will probably be on my way to airforce and eventually to New South Wales, Tamworth for some flying.

Considering whether to follow the officer cadets to their Thailand trip in February to guide the Liaison cadets. I will be busy coordinating the Artillery Family day in March though. Quite a lot of things to do for it. Event planning and management is definitely not easy.

Resending the university applications year after year is tiring. I hope that they accept me this year. If not I MAY consider signing on to the 2-3 years contract and during this sign on period, I will continue trying for local placing. Well to me, a degree is essential but the recognition of what degree you have is of paramount importance. That’s my view. It’s all about the paper chase. How high you want to go in this current society depends a lot on the paper you have. Of course if possible I will want to pursue a Masters but it’s easier said than done.

I’m always worrying about the kaching I have. If I really get into local university, where can I get the money for my expenses. With the Officer pay I have now till I ORD (10 months), it accumulates to around $10,000. Subtracting my debts ($1500) and monthly expenses ($500 X 10), I will probably be left with $3500. Which can’t even last me for a year in university. Don’t want to trouble my parents as they are still worrying about their housing loans and stuff.

My ambition in life is to bring my family up another tier. To be successful enough to live comfortably with a car, a house and more than enough cash to see my little ones through university and marriage.

Big plans. Where do I start? Is signing on the only choice to get a capital?

It’s all about the kaching, kaching, kaching.

Nothing much these days. I have a combat role supporting armour and an admin role at camp. Well the armour company don’t really need me so most of the time I’ll just be in camp settling admin stuffs. Conducting, supervising, safety, organizing family days, cohesions. Good life indeed. I’m free after 5 or 6pm for nights out. So just call me out :D

Our batch is probably the lucky or unlucky ones. Unlucky to some as they say it’s a waste to be in such role after training for 9 months. Most of my batch are doing the admin roles. Probably depends on how many combatants and admin officers are going to ORD. Well, I count that as lucky!