June 2015
Luffy trying to guess my age (painting by Zhao-Yi and Yvette)
One month prior to my birthday, I booked a chalet and invited my friends to a birthday party, something I wouldn't have done had I have my 21st birthday last year. I'm glad I did, because it was pretty fun and things didn't go wrong. But before I talk about that, I would like to recap this month in chronological order, because a variety of things happened this month.
Went back to Artillery Institute for exercise
As I've mentioned in my previous post, we posted out into our units. After that, we reunited for one week for an exercise. Although it was really troublesome and all that, there were some interesting memories, as most of my commanders would put it. For example, due to rain and the nature of the exercise, some of my detachment-mates have got mud constantly splatted on their face. It's hilarious, especially when I know it could've easily been me if I had lost a game of scissors-paper-stone.
The first time we left AI, it didn't exactly feel like a goodbye because we knew we would be returning for this. This time, it felt real and half of them would never return again. And many of us won't see one another anymore, I guess.
Went to another camp for a parade
Right after our off in lieu, we were immediately sent to another camp for a parade which, technically, had nothing to do with us... Except that there was nothing else planned for us and our RSM probably figured: "Why not?"
Did duties
No need for elaboration.
Then, returned to PLC for CAT term
Basically, went back to Pasir Lebar Camp for a week-long preparatory course to graduate as a 3rd sergeant. I guess it was quite fun, since we got to meet most of our army friends whom we had separated from. There was also quite a lot of freedom. Had three days of rehearsal for our graduation parade, and then graduated one day before my birthday celebration. I guess it was quite satisfying.
Top row: My current unit, my parents
On this day, my mum called the food caterer to confirm our orders for my birthday, and to her horror, our order didn't go through. After some negotiations, they've decided to compensate us with some changed orders. I believe they increased the quantity of food as well.
Celebrated my 21st birthday
Although my inner-panic was screaming to me that most people won't turn up and all that money and effort would go to waste, that wasn't the case. I'd been quite excited about this because I had invited many of my friends. I'd wanted to invite more, but sometimes we can't have everything. On hindsight, it wouldn't have mattered if I did, because there was so much leftovers.
In the morning, my parents went to buy ingredients for barbecue and I went to buy some stuff to decorate the place according to my theme - "reliving childhood". After we checked into the chalet, Stefanie and Avelin came early to help me with all the decorations. Zhao-Yi, Yvette, and Wai Meng arrived early as well and decided to help up.
Decorations + catered food
The rest is basically the usual stuff. My friends started turning up one after another. We played a few rounds of Cards Against Humanity, some of them barbecued, we drank, etc. Then there was the cake, which my sister got from her friend's cafe. It was time well-spent.
Group shots with everyone who came, except HH who left earlier
I like the presents too. My army friends got me PS4 games knowing I don't have a PS4, with the intention of pressurising me into getting a PS4 ;[ They had intended to really get me a PS4, but we all know that's asking for too much :'D My poly friends got a beanbag chair, because they always take my
So, that wraps up this month. It was a good month.
Labels: things that happened