I have been thinking more and more recently, about why my unit always does crazy stuff. They plan unarmed combat for us for four weeks, and during this time, we need to make two parachute jumps with combat equipment. On Friday, I did my second combat equipment jump and fifth parachute jump overall with the SAF. Several of my friends did not make the jump and remained in camp, citing various physical discomfort. Eventually, a few were taken to Changi General Hospital for X-rays to check for any bone fractures.

The previous day, Thursday, we had contact sparring during UC. Though the PTI said it was supposed to be light contact, it was anything but. Full blooded bouts took place, people had the wind kicked out of them, punches flew wild and free, and I took one myself full in the face. Thankfully my sparring partner wore gloves if not he would have broken my nose.

Having high risk activities back-to-back seems crazy to me. My ankle is hurting, and it is my old injury from my parachute jump in January. The jump on Friday was freaky, the wind was so strong the moment I jumped out the aircraft I was in a Superman position, body parallel to the ground. By the time I managed to gain control of my canopy, I have already fallen some 500 feet. With the ground rushing up towards me like really really fast, I panicked and fumbled with releasing my equipment.

I saw the ground coming up and I prepared for a really hard landing... Upon impact I pushed turned and rolled over and surprisingly it was a very soft landing - I landed in a pool of mud. Great. And to make a good landing great, my canopy did not collapse and caught wind. Just when I stood up I was pulled forward by the wind and got dragged about 10 metres on muddy ground. Arrgh.

But it was a good jump, a safe one so thank God for that. It's gonna be a busy few weeks, I just wish there wasnt any guard duty. What now with only five third sergeants in my company, and only three deployable as Guard Com, with the others being promoted to second sergeant, I am sure there will be many more weekends burned.

I hate guard duty!!!

When my next pay comes in this week, I am gonna do some serious shopping. First on the list is a new pair of shoes. Somehow I always wear shoes until they have holes in them. That will really top the priority list. And I'm still considering whether an iPod will be a good investment. And clothes! I've been dragged into countless Zara and Topshop outlets to become a fan of their merchandise. Pull & Bear too. :)

Now I know why girls simply love shopping. It really makes your heart smile.




The smiles would be brighter and wider on 6 May next year :)