no regrets

i've been talking so much about the sad and bad things about enlisting ns later than most of my friends, but come to think of it, there have been more pros than cons about enlisting late, at least for my case.

Here are eight reasons why I'm glad i am enlisting in April.

1) I got to meet all kinds of people, nice people of course. Believe it or not, it was my first part-time job at Bongout. and it really opened me a lot to the outside world, instead of just studying in the classroom for the past 17 years or so. i got to mix with ppl from all walks of life. Over the past 18 years of my life, i've only been mixing around with ppl who are in the same league as me, ie in my school/class. so it's really an eye-opener.

2) It was a great experience as a waiter at a japanese cafe, because not only did i get the opportunity to serve japanese customers, speak to them in keigo, i also discovered much about japanese cuisines, its tradition and culture. sometimes i feel ashamed about not knowing them despite having studied japanese for six years.

3) I earned some money for myself. it was the first time i actually earned money for myself. although it was quite tiring towards the end, i felt really rewarded. of course, the money will go a long way to my "studying in japan" fund. i don't want to keep relying on my parents, cuz they aren't really capable of funding me to go japan.

4) I met new friends. These friends include not only those who work with me at bongout, but ppl like iwakiri-san, yuki, sheralyn etc.

5) iwakiri-san really helped me a lot in finally deciding on what i'm going to do in future. of course, i had a long long time to think of what to do in future, while the rest are probably brain-dead in the army. in the end, i decided to choose something that i never thought i would choose. but for now, it's a right choice for me. after thinking for so long, i realized i had so many misconceptions about studying in japan and stuff. and of course, iwakiri-san gave me the motivation to continuing fighting on for the next two years, until my dreams come true.

6) I got to take part in chingay, with jonfang! it was really fun joining it again. although i might not be able to take part next year, which would be the last time, i'd savour the experience of roaming orchard road like it's my grandfather's road.

7) i learnt how to enjoy life, and slow down the pace of life. last time, it used to be rushing to school, rushing home, and before i know it, it's exam time. after exams, soon, school will start again, and the routine continues. i've seen a lot over this short period of 3 months, and i know i must learn to enjoy life, especially during this "golden age" of my life.

8) I had long hair for the first time in my life! hahaha, although my hair won't last for more than one week from now, it was a great having long hair! haha oh well, i'll kinda miss my long hair after i enlist, cuz it took me very long to grow such hair. but doubt anyone will get to see me with long hair again, at least not in the next 2 years.

yupp of course there are many more reasons why i'm glad that i enlisted in april, especially with all the experience i earned from working at bongout. yeahh.. it's one week left as a civilian! good luCkk to me and jonfang!