Year 2004: In retrospect

I started the year working at Teletech. Customer service, infamous for demanding customers and stressful performance indicators, lived up to its reputation. Assuming an average of 60 callers a day, this means that I've almost talked to more than 1800 customers during my time there! I've never ever called so many international calls or interacted with so many foreign people of all walks of life before. Truly demanding! But thankfully, the stars had it upon me that ever helpful colleagues were always on hand to save me! Not forgetting my batch of friends there too! Fresh in my mind was the first day i reported for training. Ta-da, the moment i entered the room, all i saw was ladies and Unle Ronnie! However, familiar sights of Victorians helped settle me down initially. And i'll never forget that Ellena was the first one to help me then, 'Erm we're at this page now......' Phew........=P

Then came release of 'A' Levels' results... Whoosh! Luckily, I did a decent job! Ha real thanks to all my tutors, family and friends! Especially Mrs Toh, who showed badly needed care and concern during the crucial run-up to the examinations; Mrs Ting, who eventually gave me some breathing space; Mr Tay, who patiently conducted Physics remedials for me; Mr Foo and Mr Lam, who always showed belief in me. Very sorry actually to Mrs Ting, because she actually showed favoritism towards me, and I never knew how to handle her high expectations in return."Oh please talk to me," she pleaded, but i didn't dare or know what to say, not that i didn't want to....Mrs Ting recognised my strength in writing, and i'm sincerely thankful for that, because it's been a long time since someone has done that. I feel really bad when Mrs Toh told me that Mrs Ting actually praised me during their tutors' meeting.... But i scored A2 for GP, so i hope she will not feel too bad!!

Army life started on 300304. Tekong was not worth mentioning for me, since i didn't really like what i experienced there. Memorable and once in a lifetime experience, but truly not something i'd like to think of frequently. Special mention to Garry, who successfully helped me overturn one weekend confinement for me. Whoa close shave man.... Field camp was spooky, things getting lost suddenly and then appearing in some funny place...It was really traumatising. =(

Come June I was posted to MRF. 11 Wks combat medic course plus Mopp-C. Breathing, body temperature, skin condition, mental strength, physical condition, all came under severe stress. Pushing the limits and with as much safety precautions as possible. I never appreciated the abundance of cool air around me. Now i do.

Fast forward to December 2004. Conversion course completed. 1.5 week of leave given. Finally a time to relax. Met up with friends. Reminded of the fragility of life and the importance of family and friends. Repositioned oneself for the New Year. Hope God will bless me and my family, and may better things come in future >>