Year 2008 has finally ended. It has been a tough year for me. I’ve gone through a lot and I have grown a lot. I have done many things for the first time.

I ended year 2008 with a first: drinking till I actually feel high, for the first time in my life. So now I know how being high feels like. It’s just this feeling of extreme giddiness when you are still somehow conscious of yourself and yet, doing the weird things that you normally don’t do seems to be natural. In year 2007, I was at Kian Yong’s house counting down and playing DS games while emo’ing that I will be enlisting in nine days time. Fast-forward a year later, I am doing relatively well in NS and I am once again, celebrating the arrival of a new year in a different setting.

I enlisted on 9 Jan 2008 at Pulau Tekong. I still remember how I felt when I was aboard the ship to Pulau Tekong. The feeling of not knowing what lies ahead. Time passed very fast. I still remember how stupid I was to brave through the two field camps even though I was high on fever and coughs. I remembered how hard it was for me to sleep at night with my constant coughing. I remembered how disappointed I was at the sight of my BMTC posting results (read: No OCS). In the end, I enjoyed BSLC and made some great friends. At the same time, I failed, albeit with experiences gained, in securing any scholarships, much to my disappointment. I am determined not to give up – 2009 will be another chance and this time round, I hope I am better prepared for what’s to come.

I was posted to 1 SIR, my home for 3/4 of my NSF life. I have made great friends there and despite our conflicts, I am glad to have known them. Tonight, I spent with some of the best friends I have made at the Loof Bar at Odeon Towers, drinking to our hearts’ content as we watch year 2008 waste away in favour of year 2009. For the first time, I actually stayed out so late to drink. For the first time, I actually drank until I felt high. For the first time, I actually spent so much money ($50) on drinks alone. For the first time, I actually felt so happy to have friends in my company.

While I was watching the fireworks at the Loof Bar at 1 Jan 2009 0000 hrs, despite of my giddiness, I was thinking of what was ahead for me in 2009: another go at scholarships, ORD (8 Nov 2009), more personal growth and the list goes on. Welcoming year 2009 into the midst.

P.S.: Apologies for the inconsistent English. I typed this while recovering from the alcohol and the lack of sleep.

Tags: national service