Avalon

Field camp

Saturday, February 11, 2006

Field camp passed by in a swirl of mud, rain and sand. 7 days we were out field, 6 days we ate combat rations that is something like edible paste (they come in packs and you just squeeze it out like toothpaste and you can taste chicken pieces, shrimp and crab sticks), 5 days it rained cats and dogs while we were sleeping in a basha that is encased in mud, while we were slogging like bangladeshi workers (pardon the use of the nationality, no offence really) as we dug our trenches and while we were doing practically everything. Tekan (punishment) set in faster than expected. Still feel the sore in my muscles, but strangely another feeling of accomplishement. Signs of indulgence in sadistic pleasure. Haha. No complaints really, but tough luck on our part.

The only lesson I brought back is: chance. Chances are really given to you. No matter how much you beg or bargain, they might not come to you. Some people will go as far to say they earned that right to a chance through sheer hardwork and diligence and a substantial amount of effort but lets face it: this saying plays on the assumption on your own beliefs, not everyones. If chance in the civilian world is rare, it is unheard of in the army. One second slow, face the consequences. One thing done wrong, theres no such thing as righting a wrong without once again, facing the consequences. No chance. Probably an opportunity only.

There had been much cursing and swearing during the process, the targets ranging from the bad weather to the commanders to the frequent rushes to get things done on time. But I learnt that chance is a luxury. Since chance is something so unaffordable, I will just stick to the old way of letting it drop on me. At least for now, food can keep my morale high. A chance to eat and while away time is a well-valued chance already. Sheesh my life is seriously getting simpler by the day. Is there a chance I am degenerating...

Envoy of the Stars @ 1:23 PM
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