Finally!

WOW. Finally, my 2-week confinement period is over O THANK U GOD. It's getting a little bit mendak/sian /monotonous to be inside Tekong 24/7.I'm so grateful to be back in the comforts of home. But still, I remind myself, "1 year 2 months to go Hikam..." ^^

Alot of things has happened this week, I don't even knw where to begin.
So this is what happened in a nutshell.

1st up, I finally received my permanent camp pass with my picture on it. But the picture of me in it was so pale, I look pasty white! O_O I'm sorry I can't post the pic, it's restricted =)
For the record, I was NEVER pasty and in fact, I'm tanned now k.

2nd up, I had an uneasy experience this week as I sent one of my recruits out to New Changi General Hospital for a referral by Pulau Tekong's Medical Officer (MO). My recruit had been checked by the doctor at the hospital, and we were just sitting around the waiting area while passing the time waiting for the next ferry timing to bring us back to camp, when suddenly, there was a loud commotion a few feet away from me, and I saw a middle-aged Chinese man stand up and in an aggressive posture and tone, spout vulgarities. His object of displeasure were three 'mats' or the equivalent of Malay Ah Bengs seated behind him. The mats also seemed to be in a confrontational mood. I was feeling nervous, and thinking "Oh Sheet. A fight is about to break out, there's no one else to maintain law and order...and I'm in army uniform! The public surely must be expecting me to do something! Oh sheet..." sez I. Thankfully, it turns out that there WAS a Police booth, and a police officer came along to defuse the tension. And the cause of the disagreement? As the story goes, them three mats were making a nuisance of themselves, sitting with their leg up against the chair in front in the typical mat way, and rocking the chair, which the middle-aged gentleman happened to be sitting in. Apparently, he asked them to stop behaving in such a manner, but the 3 mats, being mats, replied aggressively 'What?What?Not happy ah?". Attitude seh. Hence the anger. I don't blame the Chinese gentleman though. Sometimes the behaviour of Malay youths embarrasses me. And what's more, it's the middle of the Holy fasting month of Ramadhan! Astarghfirullahalazim.

3rd up,I did my good deed for the week. After a lecture at the main auditorium, I told my recruits to clear the litter in the surrounding area. After some time, a recruit sounded off to me, "Sergeant! Look what I've found!" and goodness golly gee. Guess what? It was a brand new Samsung digital camera! 6.0 megapixels, with the factory plastic still attached to the viewfinder.

WOW. What a black beauty. As I switched it on and browsed through the pictures, hoping to get a clue as to whom it belonged to, my eyes saw what looked like an African family starring in most of the pics. Slowly, it dawned on me... this African family must have been part of the new Singaporean citizens that I took on a tour of BMTC last week, and must have left the camera behind somehow...

As I pondered as to how I was going to return it, (obviously I'm not keeping it for myself...heh)
I browsed thru the pics again. And Voila! Therein lies the answer.A picture of a air-freight parcel that had an address on it. And so I tried my luck, as me and my brother drove off to East Meadows condominium at Tanah Merah and approached the guardhouse. The owner of the camera was pleased as punch ("Oooo camera!") that I had returned his missing valuable, and THAT lit up my day =)

And finally, I've at last handed over the birthday gift that I had been keeping with me to the intended recipient. Granted, it's been well over a week now since the birthday and it's well belated, but still, I was under confinement and this was the earliest opportunity I had to hand it over. And to think I skipped a trip to Johor with my family just so I can make time to meet up with the person, even if the person only could/wanted to meet for only 5mins, and even though we haven't met for months. I'd like to think that the person appreciated this little sacrifice, even though I didn't make it known to the said person. I hope YOU'RE happy with this little gift. I had specially put alot of thought into it, and I hope u realized the concept. *hint colour themed* Sorry no pics up for posting, as I don't really want anyone to know to whom the gift was meant for...

Birmingham vs Man Utd tonight! =)
The first Man Utd game I'm able to watch in a fortnight.

Trust.

Lost in a dream
Nothing is what it seems
Searching my head
For the words that you said
Tears filled my eyes
As we said our last goodbyes
The sad scene replays
Of you walking away

My body aches from mistakes
Betrayed by lust
We lied to each other so much
That in nothing we trust

Time and again
She repeats "Let's be friends"
I smile and say yes
Another truth bends,
I must confess

I try to let go, but I know
We'll never end till we're dust
We lied to each other again
But I wish I could trust

My body aches from mistakes
Betrayed by lust
We lied to each other so much
That in nothing we trust

God help me please, on my knees
Betrayed by lust
We lied to each other so much
Now there's nothing we trust

How could this be happening to me
I'm lying when I say, trust me
I can't believe this is true
Trust hurts
Why does trust equal suffering

Absolutely nothing we trust

The Journey So Far...

Yoohoo friends and colleagues, children of all ages, and especially ye luscious ladies of marriageable age!

It's been a while since I've last blogged, and for good (good?) reason: I'm under a 2-week confinement period =(

In case you people don't know what it means, it simply means that my new batch of recruits have just enlisted, and as they've been placed on a 2-week confinement,us poor commanders too, are subjected to the same barbaric treatment.Which verily, to use a prevalent lingo, is suck.
This week has been sorta a challenge for me, as I discover more about the background of my recruits and their problems. Also, my poor body is suffering trying to adapt to the fasting month while trying to sustain on an average of 2 hrs of sleep per night, thanks to nightly patrol duties and a super early sahur time of 4am. No fun =(

On a brighter note, I've fairly enjoyed doing certain duties, such as bringing the newly commissioned(commissioned?for want of a better word) Singapore citizens on a tour of BMTC, engaging myself in public speaking and interacting with them and also with parents of recruits. I like the challenge of having to think on my feet the responses to impromptu questions. Fun =)

In my first soccer game for the company, we lost 2-0, so no point touching on that one.

I'm currently at home now, on 50-50 off day. Tmr morning it's back to work, which predictably, is suck. But ohhh my. I spent an entire day outside, shopping around town, discovering areas I never even knew existed in Singapore. And to be able to spend buka with family...quality, quality time. However, something came up....

To You:
If you ever come across this blog, please know that I'll do all I can to help you. Just pour out your problems to me. I'm never too busy; if I am, I'll call u back. Don't ever give up ok? I have faith in you. Nothing lasts forever...neither will your problems. Insya'Allah.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAK HUSNA!

HaPpY 25tH BiRtHDaY kAK HuSnA!!!

k I felt silly typing it like that.

First up, today marked the end of my Commanders' Preparatory Course (CPC).
Meaning, theoretically by right I'm well prepared to take my section of 12-13 men.
But obviously, I go by left, 'cos I'm so totally NOT prepared to take on such responsibility.
And tmr my first batch of recruits are enlisting, meaning tonight is the last time I'm gonna be bookin out in like maybe 2 (TWO) weeks, and I have to catch the 0715 hrs FastCraft tmr to reach Tekong for an 0800hrs meeting. And enlistment begins at 01000hrs. And shucks.

Anw, back to my sis' birthday.
Yesterday, I stayed up late 'cos I wanted to msg her "Happy Birthday" at the stroke of midnite. This was how it went...

Me: Happy Birthday!!! Da tua bangka now...Gosh.Ur 1/4 of a century old...On ur way towards being makcik2...U go girl! =)

My dear sis replied the next day, and to quoth:

Sis: Hey u...thanks!! Mana ada makcik2, stil maintain young n cute tau!! Hehe... thank you aight! N take care over there!!

Errr...Oookay.

Me had planned all this while to ask Kak Muni to come up and present it to her on my behalf, cos me didn't know that me would be bookin' out today. So, after Terawih, Kak Muni paid a visit to present my birthday gift to my sis. And here goes nothing...

Making her way...

...to the Prize Presentation

Patience! It's a long video.

This made my day =)

SELAMAT BERPUASA

Selamat Berpuasa to all ye Muslims out there! I have to admit tat it came a little early for me, n I'm not really prepared, but I welcome Ramadhan with open arms, heart and mind. This is my first time experiencing the fasting month while serving NS, and I'm anticipating the challenges ahead. Of wakin up at 3+ am in the morning so as to reach the cookhouse at exactly 0400hrs. Of training recruits and myself with no food or water. Of keeping a lookout for my fellow Muslim recruits, striking a balance between pushing them to their limits, and yet not overdoing it to the extent they'll suffer. Observing and making the call whether to ask them to break fast for their own safety. Keeping my own patience in check when faced with slow, blur or stubborn recruits. O PLEASE GOD HELP ME.

I'm on a very very very short break today. Given night's off yesterday nite, took the 2200 hrs ferry back to mainland, and I have to be back by 1400hrs later. What a rush. And to think that I might even be confined to the island for 2 weeks due to the new batch of recruits =(

To all my friends who are facing the challenge of their promos/prelims/A-level examinations.
All the best, do ur best, and be the best. Don't be stressed. Allah will provide the rest. Amin.

PUASA, JANGAN TAK PUASA TAU!

Football Crazy

This is hilariously funny to me.

My OC, a well-known football-crazy maniac finally met us new Specialists for the first time. And this was how it went in his first contact with the four of us...

Captain: So u are all the new Specs?
All: Yessir!
(turning to Valentova) Captain: Do you play soccer?
Valentova: Yes sir
(turning to Hai Yin) Captain: Do you play soccer?
Hai Yin: A little bit sir
(turning to Krithin) Captain: Do you play soccer?
Krithin: No sir
(to Krithin & Hai Yin) Captain: Now the first duty I'm giving to the BOTH of you, is to train up your football skills. I'm going to put the two of you into the Falcon football team, and if my team lose, I will CHARGE the both of YOU.

*Krithin & Hai Yin look stunned*

Mppfff Hahaha! First time I ever met anyone being forced to play football.

TKH Matchday - The Infamous Jinxed Game 17

The infamous Game 17.

After numerous cancellations, it seems we've finally gotten ourselves back on track with a game all set to be played
Al Capitan had the Game set at Telok Kurau Sec @ 1500hrs on Sunday, 090907

Al Capitan work till 1600hrs
Al Capitan had his break at 1300hrs
Al Capitan received sms from organizer: Game cancelled!!! AArgh!!!

Al Capitan called Vice Capt...Informed him of the news. No game, so 5- aside to be played @East Coast
We reached Telok Kurau Sec.
Ref Tony called. 1 slot available with opponent @ 1700hrs at Braddell Sec.

Met up with the rest @ East Coast. No last-minute back-outs from the guys.
Game ON!!!!

@ Braddell Sec, 2 fields were played on.Both field jialat, only the 2nd one slightly better.

We took the lead, with Urs Truly scoring a header coming from the blindside of opposing defender, courtesy of a left-wing cross from Al Capitan. Opponent equalized just before half-time, and we were unlucky to concede a goal in the last 5 mins of the game.

GAME 17 IS TRULY JINXED.

TKH played well, but lost 2-1 due to lack of match fitness. We'll be back, after Hari Raya!!!

Waiting for the Game

Posture mesti mau betul

Matchday Team Line-up

Of Reunions & Surprises

PARENTAL ADVISORY

This is gonna be a long post.

My Fri nite ended at 5am on Sat morning. And my Sat morning began at 11+AM, with a phone call from eFinZ, my long-lost buddy,partner-in-crime,1 of my best frens,brudder,VS classmate and current Danielle tv star calling me to say that he's shooting at the block next door and so come on down Hikam let's do some catching up! So I wet my hair, brushed my teeth, and rushed down to meet the ole rascal.I didn't even have time to bathe or eat breakfast.

My boy eFinZ didnt look an inch different from the last time we met up, which was many moons ago. We met, we hugged (brotherly hug mind u) and we lepak-ed at the staircase.And henceforth began the conversation, featuring topics like NS, girls, Taiwan, training, Army, girls, Danielle, auditions, girls, poly, guitars, tabla, girls, gay, cross-dressing ex-classmates who've gone openly homosexual and probably transsexual very soon, girls, Taiwan girls, trouble, getting into trouble, girls, gigs, friends, girls, cousins, dating older girls, dating younger girls, girls, GPA,pay, love lives... and did I mention girls?

I was also introduced to his friend and apparently his band member Shamil (hey there man u bloody skillful guitarist) and then he also partook in the conversation stated above. I tell you, when given the right topic(s) to talk about, even strangers become friends in seconds! Men will be men.

Had to leave meboi eFinZ 'cos I had to look for a present for my sister's birthday next week, but not before promising to go to his gig at Esplanade later at nite with the last, but not least of us Three Musketeers, the one and only Mama and Honorary Mat, Samuel Rajkumar aka Pastor/Father Rajkupong. (VS people will know wad I mean)

Left for Plaza Singapura, and I enlisted the help of my elder cousin Kak Muni to help me get ideas for gifts to give my sis. After all, only women know what other women want. So in the end of it, I decided to give my sis a mish-mash of colour-coded small gifts, given in a box amounting to 1 big gift. Spent hours amongst various shops there, wondering what gifts are suitable.
At the end of a long day shopping (it is shopping after all), this is what I bought for my sis :

The colour-code is Dark Brown (to match my sis's room decor)

1) a small brown novelty box in which to put all the rest of the small gifts below
2) a set of 10 coffee-scented brown candles
3) a tiny cute mini-book of quotes about 'Being True to Yourself'
4) a fridge magnet with quote 'There is no friend like a sister,and there is no better sister than u'
5) a Brazil Nut shower gel from BodyShop
6) Caramel Popcorn
7) Starbucks chilled Frappecinno
8) mini-birthday card
9) reddish/brown Spanish moss for stuffing

Wow. I didn't know it would cost me such a bomb. But for my sister, it's worth it.
Bak pepatah Kak Muni, "Beli presents macam belikan matair sey!Padahal kakak'.... Haha.

After I'm done shopping, we went to Anatolia's for some Turkish ice cream and fries, and then its off to liaise with Raj at CityHall. Ohoh Raj! The fella looks as I've always known him, still with that cheeky face. Some things just never change. Of course, Raj is also another one of my long-lost buddies,partner-in-crime,1 of my best frens,brudder and VS classmate. Together we made our way to the front of the Esplanade, and was just about to settle down when suddenly I heard 'Zul, Zul!' from the row of seats behind. And lo and behold, it was Mukminah & family! Wow eFinZ's gotten his entire family to come along.

And no wonder. For a self-confessed amateur band ('anak-anak', in their words) they were incredible. Playin one cover of Maroon 5 and the rest being originals, they rocked the crowd. Their originals were what impressed me though and I particularly enjoyed the last song, with both guitarists Shamil and this Slash wannabe/lookalike displaying great technical skills and good musical sense, drummer and bassist both driving a good rhythm section, the vocalist resembling Izzat Exists and sounding like him too, and of course my man eFinZ tapping and hitting his tablas with great passion (must be all that hitting of tables in VS playing the Mama Music eh pin?)

After the performance, me n' Raj went backstage to meet up with eFinZ and friends to congratulate them, only for us to be confronted by the sight of groupies (yes, groupies) surrounding them. Sheesh. eFinZ had better give me a free copy of his band's album once its ready.

and OH YEAH. eFinZ HAS A GIRLFRIEND. and he didn't even inform me!
Thanks arh man. You're out of The Bachelor's Party buddy.

Went for a late dinner with Kak Muni at some coffeeshop where she gets her favourite avocado juice. Halfway through, loud explosions erupted all around us, and we ran out of the coffeshop. Boom, boom, bing bang bing bang bing, boom boom boom! "What's going on, I thought". As it turns out there was a fireworks display going on, and we were treated to an electrifying visual display of vibrant colours in the dead of night.

Wotta way to end a fruitful day.

POSTING!

*Squawk squawk!* Is that how a bird-of-prey sounds like? I don't know. But wad I DO knw is that I'm officially posted to BMTC School 1 Falcon Company. Now come to think of it, squawk squawk doesn't sound very fierce. Nor manly...Hmmm.

For those curious, here's what the remaining members of Angkatan Tentera Melayu (ATM) got:

Afiq : Leopard Coy (Bila bila siapa tada kalah, LEOPARD!)
Airul : Mohawk Coy
Fauzie : Bronco Coy
Hazwan : Orion Coy
Hifzie : Taurus Coy
Nabil : Zulu Coy (Mpppfff....HAHAHA)
Rauff : Mohawk Coy
Shaikh : Mohawk Coy

My condolences to Nabil on getting Zulu Coy, which is at the Old SISPEC grounds some ulu 4km away from the main BMTCs. Look on the bright side, my friend over there said he wouldn't wanna move away from Zulu. THAT'S gotta count for something =D To Fauzie & Afiq, who both got Warrant Officer companies, take heart. Fauzie, ur training schedule probably wouldn't be too rough, 'cos you'll most likely be taking the abang² bodies. Afiq, ur gonna be working with the coolest Warrants I've ever been under the charge of. PLUS, be prepared to be a CHAMPION. 'Cos thats what's Leopard Company's gonna be, over...and over...and over again for Games Day.

Well as for me, upon reporting to Falcon Company, I was introduced to 3 of the Second Lieutenants, one of which happened to be my junior in VS. Hello Rifdi. They told me the OC was not around, and told us to be prepared to be questioned:

1. "Do you play soccer?" (of course I do)
2. "Which club do you support?" (Manchester United...16 years and counting!)

They went on to say that should u mention 'Liverpool', be prepared to suffer. If u mentioned 'Manchester United', u'll be the OC's favourite.

I'm beginning to like this place =D

On a side note, I met up with hitherto M-I-A fellow ATM member, Hifzie. Went for a late supper at Mickey D's (that's McDonald's for the uninitiated) and caught up on music, the latest happenings, and of course...girls. What's a chat between me and Hifzie w/o any mention of the fairer sex eh?

Till next time.

Slackkkzzz...

K in case anyone's wonderin how I'm online on a thurs nite, ive been online for the past 2 hrs with Airul n Afiq in Lighthouse Mess and we're generally making a nuisance of ourselves with Airul blasting Avenged Sevenfold and that Ella Ella Eh Eh Eh song from YouTube and me and Afiq browsing thru each other's Friendster accounts looking for hot girls to ogle. At least, tat's wad I tink Afiq was doing.haha.k tats a long sentence. Anyhoo, today is Recruit's Night for BMTC School II and there's a big honkin' stage in the middle of the parade square where ppl are gonna perform. Its kinda surreal really, 5 months ago i was attending Recruit's Night as a recruit and the whole event was held in honour of us. Now, courtesy of months of hard training, I'm back to my alma mater as an instructor and commander, and i'm watching these kids having the time of their lives and letting their hair down (or whatever hair they can possess as recruits). It IS surreal. And just a few mins ago, I can't believe it but I finally wrote a long letter (letter?) of apology to someone who deserved it a looong time ago...and now I've finally gotten the burden off my chest.I hope that it'll be accepted.

Someone tinks my blog is too wordy.

Ok ok.I'll cut it short next time =)

Miri

Woke up at 11+am today. Woken up by my dad cos he wanna knw where the car keys are, then I fell asleep again... all the way till 2+pm. Yikes! Why did i waste half a Sunday? Bad boy Hikam. Bad boy. Spent the aftnn collecting my uniforms which I sent for sewing of badges... got knocked off $34/-. 34 BUCKS! For purchase of badges and sewing. Kauz. And to think I spent 22 bucks last week on my CSB badges. Hmpz.

Parents leaving for KL at night by train. From there they're gonna go to Sarawak, to Miri to be precise for a short break. They deserve it, bless them. Gonna be linking up with my aunt from Brunei. I can't send them off unfortunately, for their train clashes with my reporting time at SFT at 2215 hrs =( and to think they'll be away till next Sunday.

My parents gonna be hitting Tasmania at the end of the year!!! AND I CAN'T GO. God darn NS. Not that I can't go per se, but I've gotta play my cards right to apply for leave... and they gonna be flying to Langkawi too at the end of the year with my entire family...arhhh!

K rite. 'nuff complainin. Gotta get ready for booking in.
Adios.

Teachers' Day

Today is Teachers' Day. Can I make it anymore obvious? (shades of Avril Lavigne there...I'm crazy about her nowadays...heh) The day when teachers around Singapore rejoice and receive overdue gratitude n' heartfelt thanks from their students,mentees,boys & girls. Now that I've left school, I really miss the atmosphere of this and other special occasions, when the students are let out to have fun halfway thru the day, when teachers let their hair down (wadabt those w/o hair?) and become less frumpy and moody, and generally, everyone has extra bags of goodwill (and candies, for them P. Schoolers) to share.

One year ago yesterday, 310806, I took part in my last-ever Teachers' Day concert. I'm a band man, and so far, out of the 3 years I studied in MI, i took part in 2 of the years. 2005 I skipped cos of some friction and politics (MI...standard arh). I remember playing lead guitar in 2004 with rhythmist Erezuwan, bassist Syaqir, drummer Shmeer, and of course, who can forget, abang vocalist, Hairi, and we covered Guns N' Roses's "Don't Cry". We cocked it up, we had fun, & we dedicated it to Mr.Heikal, who it turned out,wasn't even in the audi.Hmmm.After which as a last minute plan...n' it was literally LAST-MINUTE... Sulaiman, Shmeer and me banged out "That Thing You Do", by The Wonders. We did fairly ok considering the last-min nature. The singing was plenty awful though...no hard feelings eh Farhan?~ heh.

In 2006, again I had a band, this time me on rhythm, Sulaiman on e lead axe, Syaqir on bass, and our two special performers, Mr.Azlan banging the drums n' Amelia our only girl~ Once again, we played "That Thing You Do"...2nd time in 3 years for me... but alAmakk...the Student Council kinda spoiled it abit la.

My 2006 Band

Sheesh. And I did smtg I hadn't done in years, I acted! heh. That means I've danced, jammed and acted in front of school.Hmmm. Long story short, this vid below (part of the skit) was supposed to be wad I was 'dreaming' of when sleeping in class...

Guess u've all watched it from my Friendster acct...
Anw. there's more videos of concerts in MI that I can't post cos its too big and burnt onto VCD (Teachers' Day 2004 & 2006), or its gone from my comp (CNY Concert 2005) =( oh well.

Anyway, back to my musings.Point of this extended post is, is that i miss school.Yea all u who can't believe wad ur seeing here, I repeat:
I MISS SCHOOL. How I miss wearing my school uniform.My notes.PE lessons.Canteen.Friends.Teachers.Assembly. I realize that I'm an adult now, whether I like it or not. By any definition, be it by religion or by country. There's no more turning back. Speaking of being an adult , here's wishing my cuzz Mr.Jibondez a Happy 25th Birthday. U have grown man.U have grown!

And here's a shout-out to my dad which I'm ashamed to say...I haven't done all these years.
HAPPY TEACHERS' DAY, AYAH.
This post is for you.

Dear Amy, see you in September
Hope that you remember me next year
Hey Jamie, you've been a great friend to me
I hope that I'll still see you around here
'Cause I'm looking through the yearbook then I find that empty space
There's a name without a picture, but I can't forget her face
Tell me where did you go, I want to know
Where did you go?

Ahoy Tekong!

The Dream Posting? Or Nightmare?

Yes ladies n' gentlemen, boys n' girls, children of all ages.
Me, 3SG Zulhikam, fresh out of SISPEC, has been posted to BMTC, Pulau Tekong, as an instructor for the next 1 year,2 months and 9 days of my NS life. So last Tuesday 280807, I reported to SAF Ferry Terminal to begin the 3-week Commanders' Prep Course (CPC) which apparently was supposed to err prepare me on how to handle recruits. Oh nooo, thought I. More training???More chiong sua???Why in the world would I need to attend a course on how to handle recruits, u say? Let's find out.

The day began,for me,at 9:24am. I received a call saying I must report to the ferry terminal at 10am. Whatthe..."the paper said to report at 7pm!", methinks. So I rushed, packed all my stufs...which were all over the house really...took a taxi n' reached the terminal.Turns out there was a typo error in the paper n' we were supposed to report at 7am! Uh-oh. Someone's gonna be in trouble...and it ain't me~

In essence, from wad I have experienced the past week, woah~! It's like being on holiday resort for free. Lectures in an air-con room frm 8-5pm... aft that, we're FREE! FREE i tell u. Never in my NS life have I experienced such. The first 2 nights I spent playing football, 3rd night slacking at cafe SBL stuffing my stomach, 4th night workin' out them flesh at the gym, chit-chatting with wad remains of the ATM gang in the bunk talking abt girls...and sometimes DISTURBING girls...mmm. And there's still swimming to be done in the coming weeks. ahaha. I LOVE tis slack life...

But nothing lasts forever. In 2 weeks time I'll be posted to my own company, n' work starts.
N' ill be repeating this cycle at least 4 times a year, for the next 1 year +. Stranded on an island, even nights' out doesn't make much sense. N' of course, time for loved ones...LOVED ONES...is still as limited as ever. Haiz.