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About

"I started this blog for 2 purposes. 1, to chronicle my days and experiences in Malaysia's National Service for my own future references, and at the same time, 2, to provide a personal insight into the life of a National Service trainee for whoever who would care to read."

Day 6.2: $@%#ing Hate It In Here!!! Thursday, June 19, 2008 |

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I would very much like to write that i'm having a wonderful time in camp, feeling happy and all, but then i would be lying.

Well, i'm getting along quite well with my new friends here, it's fun hanging out with them despite the communication gap. And unlike quite a number of my friends who couldn't stand the kawad sessions, i kinda developed a liking towards it, though of course, i would've preferred kawad-ing in a mosquitoes-free environment. Seriously, they attack you like tiny swarm of bees, especially during the early morning 6.30 am line-up. What's worse, we're not supposed to move a muscle when we're dalam barisan, so it's breakfast buffet for them mosquitoes while we suffer through the unbearable itchiness.

I know i know, it's not good to complain. But i'm gonna do it anyway, in writing. It's just not healthy to keep everything pent up inside.

Complain No. 1, i am so not used to the hectic timetable (Which, by the way, we're not even given. I mean, we wouldn't know what's been planned for us or what we're supposed to be doing next until say, when we actually start doing it. I don't like not knowing whatever's going to come next. Is this fear of not being in control? I dunno *sigh*). So, the hectic timetable. Right. 

Truth is, i've been constipated for 3 days. Cuz everytime i feel like going, the timing wouldn't be right. Heck, i wouldn't wanna be halfway through doing my business when announcement goes off summoning us to gather in padang kawad in 10, or worse, 5 minutes. So i'll have to pick times where i'm sure i'll have at least like, 15 minutes of free time. Thing is, when i do have the time, i'd rather be writing, or reading, than squatting over the toilet staring at profanity written with marker pen all over the plastic door. Hence, the constipation problem.

Complain No. 2 (Oh, we're only at 2? I feel like i've been rambling for so long already), i feel so goddamn filthy. I've been taking showers under mental pressure, pressure to shower quickly so as to not let my friends wait for me (Yes, we shower together in separate cubicles), or getting left behind. Reducing the number of times going in the shower is not an option, cuz i sweat like hell ALL DAY LONG, even at night. It's a freaking sauna 24/7 here. Perhaps because we're situated right beside the sea? So basically i rush through each shower sessions, mandi kerbau, as the Malay simpulan bahasa goes. Damn.

One last thing. 20% of the time i couldn't get the joke they make in Malay. I feel for some of the Chinese guys who cannot understand slightly-intermediate-level-Malay. During CB classes, they haven't the slightest idea what the teachers want them to do. I noticed the boring expression on their faces, which i totally understand. I myself am doing my best to stay awake during CB classes. Feel damn sleepy even though i went to bed on time and slept like a log the instant i hit the pillow.

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Day 3.1: Feeding Mosquitoes Monday, June 16, 2008 |

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Woke up at 5.50 am even though morning call was at 5.30 am. Took a quick shower (I gave in. There's this one teacher who kept poking fun at us who doesn't shower in the morning and just yesterday, in front of all the girls, pointed me out specifically and said to me, "must shower in the morning". Humiliating, yeah.), then off to dataran kawad to feed the mosquitoes. Shanti* got dizzy and lightheaded and was sent to the medic.

We learned the basics of kawading, then a little bit of taklimat by a very pleasant teacher. By 7.30 am, we're having breakfast already. Nasi lemak this morning, quite delicious, considering we've been eating trash the past few days.

Now back in dorm with Shanti, cuz Jia Lin* and Kai Chi* are off to the medic (Jia Lin having stomach cramps). Really, they're quite a bunch of sick people. No offense, but we're only in our what, 3rd day here, and already they're visiting the medic?

*All names have been changed to protect the identity of the people involved.

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Day 2.1: First Morning in Camp Sunday, June 15, 2008 |

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Everyone, well, almost everyone showers in the morning. How do they do that? The water is so freaking cold!!! I think i'll pass for now. Just a change of clothes would do for me.

Speaking of clothes, i gotta go check and see whether the clothes i hung outside yesterday got any drier from yesterday night's moonshine.

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Day 1.3: Arrival at NS Camp Saturday, June 14, 2008 |

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Our bus arrived at Kg Baru NS Camp a little before 4pm. Went through the whole registration process in these classroom looking buildings. Basically filling in forms, getting our uniforms, boots, sport shoes, towels, kiwis, socks and stuff like that which are provided by the camp.

Wasn't exactly enjoying hauling the bags i brought from home + this enormous plastic bag holding the stuff supplied by the camp.

The trainers are quite friendly though, throughout the whole registration process... Asking for my name, asking me how i'm liking it so far, showing me where i should go and what to do next. The pessimist in me fears that this ain't gonna last. Cuz this is just the beginning. As soon as the activities start, they'd probably become all strict to discipline us T.T

Then, we had lunch (Yes, they called it lunch) at 4 something. At 5 something, we were again summoned to the canteen for tea time (bread and tea).

Took a quick shower in the toilet. Disgusting place. Looked like it hasn't been cleaned in years. The walls full of molds, the cubicles teeny-tiny... Only 3 showers were working. The Malays bathed using the kolam. I would never ever shower there. Not even when the cubicles are so tiny i have to take extra care folding my arms in awkward positions so that my towel doesn't rub against the mouldy walls.

Till now, i know 3 girls by name only. The Malay girls are kawayzy, laughing at almost anything, joking around, pulling each other's legs. Kawayzy!!!

I'm having problems communicating with them Malays. Haven't been speaking Malay since SPM years ago.

K, going back to reading my book.

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Disclaimer

*All names have been changed to protect the identity of the people involved. Usually i'd just avoid putting names and refer to them as 'friends' instead ;)

"While every care has been taken to provide my readers (if any) with most accurate information and candid accounts, please note that the author would not be bothered to update this blog following the end of her NS days, and that all accounts only reflect her views alone over the course of her NS days. If the author has presented comments that may be deemed harmful, rest assured that they are not meant to offend anyone, and she may not be held liable for sharing her opinions on this blog."

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