As a kid, I used to beam with excitement when I tried reaching for the skies while swinging above ground; I still feel the same way when I peer through the clouds from above every plane I board.

Just yesterday, I chanced upon a swing in the still of the night, and I lifted off closing my eyes trying to relieve the same moment I felt as a kid. I felt accomplished even when the feeling’s gone; its as if I finally manage to put a full stop and bury this treasured memory.

I guess that’s why they call me a dreamer.

Whatever’s with the nostalgia then, life goes on for the soldier..

Even on rainy days, when you’re sleeping outside the canopy of the forest shivering and hugging your rifle and pecking the hand guard every time you snooze. Then having breakfast in the early morning drizzle with the rifle wrapped around your torso.

Romantic.

Love it / Hate it

Getting myself back in front of this keyboard after firing a rifle loaded with live rounds and getting dirty crawling in the mud outfield the past week feels kinda strange. The Google page, which is my default home page, seem to present a certain alienated majesty.

Just a couple of clicks and precise maneuvers with the mouse, I found myself downloading video game trailers with military theme. It feels weird when you’re showing sudden interest on a subject you previously wouldn’t even bother thinking, its even weirder when it starts appearing in your dreams.

Sign on with the Army? Nah.

Dope

Back from the Tekong jungle and missing everything civilization has to offer.

Ain’t much of a holiday but there are definitely unforgettable sights (like ant nests as high as my knees, spiders large enough to mask faces and battalions of mosquitoes) and sounds (like grunting wild boars, deafening gunfire and more mosquitoes.)

The only thing I’ll probably miss about my field camp would be gazing the night sky on the hills of Pulau Tekong with the soft winds whispering minus all the male bunk mates who’s just beside you.

Its been more than 2 months training as a soldier and sadly I’ve caught the National Service (NS) syndrome, where conversations with friends revolve mostly about my NS life. Dull.

Pretty much trying hard to broaden my horizons a little by reading whatever magazines and newspaper I can get my hands on in the bunk and looking forward to passing out as a Private and getting a short break overseas.

Just slightly less than a month from now.

Two Weeks

Dear Readers,

I would be blogging less due to National Service and other commitments. I thank all loyal readers for their support and if possible, I’ll like to see myself blogging weekly, if not, bi-weekly.

I have nothing much to offer within this short weekend except an essay about 2 weeks of my army life, required for submission.

The next entry will definitely share no relation to National Service and that’s a promise.

Regards,
Daylon Soh

Freedom Isn’t Free

credit - WikiPedia.org

15 June 2007

answer to the most frequently asked question “When are you enlisting?”

For the next 2 years, I would see myself repaying a debt that has kept me a free man for the past 20 years.

Despite vicious rants from locals who have already walk this accursed path, or so they claim… I harbor no ill feelings towards National Service or the local government, yet. But if I ever start complaining like they do, remind me again that real men don’t whine.

With 9 remaining days of freedom, I’m not rushing to accomplish things. Once I’ve done my deed, I’ll spearhead myself to Art Center, hopefully.