Was about to take JLPT 1 at this time last year

I remembered that while the other NSFs were running the Standard Chartered Marathon, I was at the Japanese School in Clementi doing my JLPT 1. And what a difference a year makes and there had been so many changes that I couldn't have imagined what I'd be doing a year ago.

What happened this year:

Dec - Found CTC was too long and missed the boys, especially after taking the borrowed troops for missions, it felt different. Somehow, it felt like wearing someone else's shirt, it didn't feel good. 

Jan - It was an unbelievable CSB with 32 km fast-march, and river-crossing without an AI, the high number of casualties made me realize that as an OC, above my own fitness, we need to consider the status of men.There is no way to motivate someone with a target that is too high to reach, got to pace them along.

Feb - Mar - The bilateral exercise. One of the highlights in my NS days carrying the 84 over two knolls, survived numerous downpours, experienced the feeling when the strength was reduced to 1/3 before the final assault because the guys went limp after the climb, and keeping myself sane during the last mission when the ground condition wasn't meant for conventional warfare. We swore not to enter Temburong anymore, and for me, twice is more than enough.

Apr - Mas Selamat, kenna caught sleeping my that idiot. I must say that I wasn't really sleeping because my ears were alert. And that idiot didn't use the correct callsign when he radio-checked with me, so I didn't answer. But who really cares nowadays.

May - People like Wilson, Jinrui, Bruno returned to the civilian world. I welcomed them in nine months earlier and I was biding them farewell. Life is so unfair. I'm the most laojiao person around and it didn't help when even the regulars were posted out.

Jun - Time to clear leaves, went for the church family camp in Malacca, and completed the Sundown Marathon before that. Life was comfortable because I knew exactly how the unit works and I could handle the job easily.

Jul - ORD (didn't believe my turn would come) and went dating in Hong Kong. It was comparable to my Taiwan trip when I went without jotting down anyone's phone no. and without booking a hotel. Hong Kong was simpler because I could stay at my aunt's place but complicated emotionally, it's still complicated now, but my decision to go at 2 weeks' notice was probably the best I've made for some time.

Aug - Start working proper and was overwhelmed by the structure and the bosses' expectation. Guess I still haven't recovered.

Sep - Workload was fine, just didn't get much guidance since my Boss was leaving.

Oct - A new Boss, and new experience, and things started to pile up for the traditionally quiet November.

Nov - The busiest time I had since I entered the office. And got to know that I need to find a job elsewhere. It was a small struggle and I ended up making an irrational choice based on my gut feeling. I stand to lose out a lot more by this decision but I know I wouldn't regret and God can always turn things around.