The year 2007 was ushered in with me doing guard duty on the very first day of the year. There was a Ship Dinner, a Forward Mess Chalet, and even a high-turnout squad gathering in January. But the highlight of the month would have to be the S.H.E concert on the 27th Jan, which got me into countdown mode since the start of the month.

February

Morale was low at work, due to long sailings and duties that fell on days when there were gatherings. I missed quite a few CNY gatherings. This blog welcomed the 10,000th visitor that month. Then, the first day of CNY was memorably eventful, as for the first time in 20 years, I couldn't visit Malaysia due to an expired passport, and had to spend CNY alone. But the chalet with all my Malaysian relatives 2 days later more than made up for it.

March

The month was long, and we had alot of sailings and I got increasingly disgusted at my chief. I missed out on Stefanie Sun's autograph due to Tomb-Sweeping with relatives. And I remembered feeling strongly against the announced dramatic hike over ministerial pays, which was originally already the highest in the world.

April

Close to half this month was sailed away. But still, my first initial thoughts of running the marathon blossomed this month. And together with my BMT friends during a gathering this month, we decided to go Japan, after choosing between Japan and Korea.

May

Marathon training started, and it took place for most Sundays thenafter. During the Navy Open House, I brought my family to visit my workplace, and we also went for a short spin in the sea. During Vesak Day, I volunteered with Wenjian at Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery, and we tried to raise awareness on recycling. Elvina and Pamela were fellow volunteers, and it was then that I realised how active the latter was in the temple.

June

There was DHSNPCC 45th anniversary, but sadly, it was more disappointment than nostalgia. It was a waterspout month, and I even saw 4 at the same time! I had an exotic cycling experience at Ubin with squadmates, and I visited areas that I wouldn't have during npcc camps. 07/04 had a 'high!' gathering at Mind's Cafe, and I remembered laughing my heart out.

July

My birthday fell on a sailing day--what a nice way to hit 20! On 19 July, my driving license was 1 year old. I also attended the 4B chalet and another Primary School Gathering. Plannings for Japan trip went further with bookings of flight and hotel. The month ended with yet another SHE concert, but this one was a one-hour free concert, which I enjoyed totally.

August

Plans for the Mt Kinabalu Trip was brought up during an 07/04 dinner. I finished reading the best book I've read this year, The Kite Runner, and I'm glad it's showing next year soon. I had the first taste of long-distance running, by completing the Army Half Marathon (21km) at the end of the month.

September

Had a ship dinner at Holiday Inn, and the seafood was great. Quake tremors shook the country and I felt it was the worst ever. I got infected with Herpes Zoster and I took my first ever MC in NS. I sent my cousin for enlistment, and Tekong brought back such nice memories of BMT. Ship's Forward Mess had a chalet and it was enjoyable. My first KTV pub experience was spent with some of the ship crew, but I dared not sing.

October

I only worked for 3 working days this month, thanks to weeks of MC + leave. Wisdom teeth surgery accounted for 2 weeks of easily-earned MCs, and I didn't get any pain/swellings. I decided to be part of the Gaiamania project, which is going to be a concert next year, to raise environmental awareness. I got a new phone, and started getting hooked on Facebook.

November

Loads of ORD celebration took place and of course, the Tokyo Trip with BMT friends went on smoothly. I started working with Anergy too.

December

The Spades Gang stayed over at Geraldine's hall at NTU. On 2nd Dec, I completed my first Marathon, which was really fun. The Sabah Trip with 07/04 guys was a blast--we climbed a 4095m-high mountain and did white-water rafting. My ship held her last-ever dinner and everyone parted ways. I attended 2 christmas parties-- one with Anergy colleagues, the other was potluck with OCIP peeps at Hak's house. I found a job at STB. The year ended with a memorable Fish Leong Concert on 29th Dec.

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For the record, in 2007, I watched 17 movies but read just 6 books, including 3 Harry Potters, The Kite Runner, Freakonomics, and My Sister's Keeper.