Review of 2024 (that I forced myself to do)

HAHA it was only in February 2025 that it dawned on me that I had not started reflecting on the previous year, something that I had diligently done for the last what, 20 years or something? Dragging myself to maintain this regime now, I mean how can I not, it was 2024 the year I TURN 40!?

First things first: After action review of Goals for 2024!

- GAIN 2KG

DID NOT ACHIEVE. Well it's not a failure nor sth to feel disappointed over haha. I have my good genes to thank.

- DO SOMETHING OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE

I DID NOT REALISE I HAD SET THIS GOAL UNTIL NOW, SIGH.

- CELEBRATE 10 YEAR WEDDING ANNIVERSARY (by celebrate I mean like spend the day special and memorable)

An unforgettable 5 days of me-and-you-only in Taiwan we did! =D

- CELEBRATE MY TURNING 40 WTFFFFFFFF

NOTHING TO SHOUT ABOUT but I am adequately contented of my family, my health, my job security and my life on the whole.

What did I accomplish in 2024?

- Awarded Phase 2 tender, the final piece of the puzzle and the biggest. Worked many late nights to expedite seeking variation in budget from IAA through MCM, AM and MOT. 

- Completed Phase 1A, like FINALLY. A huge rock that has been hanging from my chest since Aug 2021, was finally, finally let go. The beauty was that this was achieved before Phase 2 commencement (by god's grace), was the best testament to the reason why we barged and pulled off the contract novation in Nov 2023. A major accomplishment which I led was the cut-and-joint connection from existing to new domestic and fire tank and pumps! I think there wasn't a better person in the team to do it, with my prior experience and network in M&E and the maintenance contractor. Owing to the works that were intentionally scheduled after office hours to avoid disruption to ops, I burnt weekends and late nights to supervise and update the progress of works, motivate the workers (bought them snacks and drinks cos no F&B establishments nearby) and also helped resolved when the planned works bizarrely halted water supply to the canteen! When the as-built plans were only as good as half a clue, we had to innovate another connection joint to temporarily resolve the problem whilst there was still light. Imagine the horror, when after hours of work and sweat, I turned on the tap in the canteen and out poured MILK TEA!!! 😱 HAD I NOT CHECKED...!??!?! It took us 40 mins with all the water points running before the water finally flushed clear... on the contrary, thankfully, the sprinkler and hydrant systems were completed without much fanfare. 

- A first overseas by-flight holiday with my family! Man, so many beautiful and wonderful memories!!!

- Marked my pre-MR by reporting for what was only my 4th high-key ICT at Kranji camp in July. Pleasantly shocked to learn that 4th HK was a milestone which rewarded me with some grand in Cpf and $200 in LifeSG credits, I recount? Not that bad! The 2 week programme comprised some lecture training, weapons refresher, hands-on tentage practical and a 2d1n outfield exercise! I participated actively in none other than the last one and it was only because (I had no choice) it would be a memorable way to remember it by. The weather in July was HOT AND DRY man. Being outfield in that green uniform and donning a SBO and rifle PLUS camo creambon face made it extremely unbearable! I was given traffic marshall duty so I had to be at the grounds 2 hours ahead of everyone WTH. Finally nightfall came and boy, how much I enjoyed using the wet soapy cloth thingy that SAF invented only recently to wipe down before changing into slacks. Sleeping under the starry night was a very unique experience by itself, save for the lame stand Two drill that nobody could relate to. The next day, we survived a 2hour bumpy ride-cum-wait on the back of a 5-tonner back to camp, unloaded, returned stores, washed up. Imagine how infuriated I was when I learnt some peers had an easier trg prog at another camp.

This ICT, I also cleared my annual IPPT, ate assam stingray from that canteen, splurged my eMart credits on things I may use once and throw away, spent hours sweating in the bunk. On the last of the 14 day, exiting the camp in Jarrod's car, I had to hold back myself from winding down the window and waving my fist, declaring "ROD LOH!!!" to the hundreds of others dragging their barang along. I took a final look at Kranji camp and smiled as we drove into the sunset. See you never again. By December, I had disposed all of my army issued kits into the bin at Safra, happily joyfully and gracefully.

- A couple more of short trips to Desaru in June, Legoland in Dec... 

- Work work work. 

- Toyed with the idea of doing a 10km run for the 2nd consecutive year, but decided not to spend money on torture. Right??

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GOALS for 2025!

It's already 1st March LOL. Who are u kidding you mean you want to set and eventually find out that you failed to accomplish them? 👻

See you next year. 👐

Freed is not for free

 

AKAN DATANG! $167,999 @_@ 😰

*fingers crossed for COE to drop... IF NOT THIS YEAR, NOT IN THE NEXT 3 YEARS.

Sisters 💞

Name your feeling?

Meimei was facing issues dealing with emotions (aka throwing tantrums) so Yx drew and stuck this note on the door for her sister's reference ☺️

Steamboat with em finally

I enjoy a meal of steamboat.

There was a time, a few years ago, when as much as I loved my kids, I yearned for their independence so that I may enjoy a casual meal of steamboat with them. It was always going to be a logistical headache having it with 2 toddlers who can't eat much / can't sit still / can't wait / can't play by themselves (select any). 

Yesterday, Wye was scrolling the online menu in search of her favourite mushrooms. I think the time has come. 😄