Boundaries

I've been a slave to the system for far too long, following made up rules by a bunch of people who're no more superior than I am. The obligation of not letting my family and friends down has kept me shackled all these years, and I didn't dare step out of my area of confinement out of fear. So I watched the world from a television at home, just dreaming about the day I can roam the endless acres of land and water that God has so meticulously shaped.

Right now I'm stuck serving the country, and then I realise.. what does serving the country really mean? Sure, in my country, it means two years of mandatory military service, but really, what can I do in these two years? Most people think that to make the most of one's army life, he has to be in the elite unit, take up elite courses and obviously be an elite soldier at the end of ones journey right? Yeah, that's what my parents taught me to do, being eager contestants in the rat race set in your typical competitive Asian community. While it is necessary to work hard to reap the fruits of your labor, what you're working hard for is another story altogether. A little background information here: I'm currently with the Commando, serving out the last two weeks of Basic Military Training (BMT).
And having come down with a chest injury, I'm currently not participating in any of their activities. Being injured has really put my perspectives in place. Before that, I really wanted to be an elite soldier at the top, placing my personal health and well being on the line for the coveted red beret.

What about now..?

I've come to realise that working hard in the army doesn't necessarily mean breaking an arm to be physically on top, or hecking it in the dense jungles trying to survive. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the tedious physical trainings, because I really want to get a toner body and be more disciplined in adopting a healthy lifestyle; but at some point, I have to accept the fact that my body isn't built to sustain the physical extremes in the Commando. Obviously, it is a shame to drop out from a prestigious unit, but when it comes down to serving the nation, I can do it in any unit, in any rank.

It's sad that people still continue to perpetuate the stereotype that unless you're a presence in your unit, you're not contributing much to your country. I walk past the hall of fame in my camp sometimes, and I see hundreds of well-taken photos lined up neatly in rows. If there wasn't a clerk to pull off such a neat job, our walls would've been empty. Society is like a machine, where different parts, big or small, have to work together to keep itself alive. No part is ever too insignificant or unimportant.

On a lighter note, I honestly stopped caring about how my peers would see me if I were to drop out of the Commando. Sure, people are telling me about how staying would aid my CV when I'm looking for a job, but honestly, as a writer, nobody gives a shit about my military career, unless I've been writing for the army's magazine or something.

Okay that was quite a mouthful.
kbye

Reunion

I really need to stop asking my browser to remember my password for me lest I forget it, geez.

So hi, it's been awhile, four walls. How are y'all doing? What's that, still white and solid as ever I see, that's nice to hear.

Jokes aside, I want to once more, reiterate my love for traveling. Just today, I watched a couple of shows about unusual travels which include trips to Afghanistan, Lebanon and a cycling adventure from Siberia to China. Oh and, these shows can be found on Channel 412 (Nat Geo Adventures) in case you're wondering, so you're welcome. (:

I like how my friends and I can feel so hyped up after a short discussion on the places we can backpack to and get lost in. Throughout the years, I never really enjoyed my family vacations, because by vacation, they mean shopping at overpriced tourist spots and then sitting down for coffee after like 10 minutes of walking because some people apparently can't take the distance, oh the horror. I want a real vacation, where I figure out where the fuck am I, while taking in the local culture and atmosphere.

With that said, I'll be posting some cool travel info over the next few weeks aaaaandd.. let me know if you're interested! ;)