Survival Skills 101

Wow, I must be very bored to actually come up with 2 blog posts a day. No wait, actually the first one doesn't count. Anyway, this post is about how to survive in National Service (NS).

No, I won't go over the fancy details about the history and what nots, but I will tell you (especially those that might get selected and might go) how to survive there.

1. Don't forget to breathe.
Yes. Very important rule. If you don't breathe, you won't survive. Got it? Good. If you must know, this is a joke. Just to lighten up the atmosphere =D

2. (Or rather 1, but who's counting? You are? Dang it!) Bring nail clipper
Very important. You don't want to have to nibble on your finger nails just to keep them short. A rather disgusting thing which might become an unsightly habit. A small but functional nail clipper would do. Always have it with you.

3. Use a purse.
Discard your Gucci wallet for a Lucci purse. Yes, a purse. The one with just one compartment. Make sure it's big enough for cards eg: IC, credit cards. That way, you always have cash with you, coins to make phone calls and you can keep your nail clipper inside! Genius, no?

4. Bring a small container.
Well, not too small. Just big enough to cook noodles in. Like Maggi, Mee Sedap, etc.. This would pretty much be your daily supper. But please, don't consume too much. You'll end up gaining weight. No wait, just fat. *shudders*

5. Chopsticks.
Yeah, they kinda confiscate metal spoons and forks. And unless you prefer using a plastic spoon that might leech out dangerous chemicals when in contact with hot water, use chopsticks. The little miracles, they are.

6. How to shine your boots.
I swear, we had a hard time learning how to do this. Asking the guys doesn't help much. Just be prepared to sacrifice a sock.

i. Put on the Kiwi thingy onto the boot with your finger (Make sure your nails are short before you do this). Why finger? That way you can feel how thick the paste should be. Not too thick and not too thin. Just as long as all surface of the boot (minus the cloth part) is covered with an even amount of paste.

ii. Leave to dry. Don't have to put it under the sun or anything. Just let it dry. Once it dries, it won't stain your finger when you touch it. I said touch, not rub. So just gently tap your finger onto the paste-covered boot to check.

iii. Have some water ready. Moist the sock a little and rub the sock onto the boot in circular motion. Don't bother rubbing it gently but as hard as you can. Use a different part of the sock from time to time. You'll see the boot starting to shine.

iv. If all else fails, call your teacher and she'll teach you.

7. How to do your bed.
They'll teach you the proper layout for your bed but to avoid a 'tsunami', prepare at least 6 safety pins. Averaged sized. After making your bed, pin the bedsheet and the bed together using the safety pins. That way, the bedsheet won't run away when you sleep, it will save time to do your bed in the morning and it'll avoid your bed getting a 'tsunami' if done properly. It would help if you iron your bedsheet to get rid of wrinkles to give the illusion of the bedsheet being taut.

8. Use contact lenses.
I'm not saying this is a must, but it will help those who use glasses. Especially in times like rafting, kayaking and sports like the obstacle course. At least your glasses are safe and you don't have to run around like a blind donkey.

9. Bring an alarm clock.
Since your phones will be surrendered back to the teachers on Sunday, you'll need alarm clocks to wake you up. Unless you're very lucky to have a friend you is an alarm clock, then bring your own. Chances are by the end of the day, you'll have to wake them up yourself (speaking from experience).

10. Sunblock.
Sunblock offers little or no protection when it comes to sunburn. Unless you have something along the lines of SPF 70 and above, be prepared to turn 2 shades (if you're lucky) darker on your face. However, lather sunblock generously to avoid sun damage to your skin. And no, sun damage is not getting darker. It's wrinkles in your mid-twenties.

11. Go with an open mind.
It'll save you lots of time. You may end up in the losing company but heck, that'll give you more chance to hate the winning team because if you're in the winning team, then everyone will hate you.

12. Bring something to entertain yourself.
Why? Because you'll be bored after dinner. I would suggest a Rubiks cube, books, Sudoku puzzle, crossword puzzle, word search or other things you may find entertaining. If you do own an MP3/MP4 player, bring it by all means. Use it wisely (not when someone's talking in front) and don't forget the charger.

13. Clothes.
DOn't bother packing much. You'll be using the clothes they give 90% of the time. Just bring your jammies and maybe a black shirt. It's the most universal colour that everyone would have in their suitcases and in case your team wants to do a choir or dance, you'll have identical coloured shirts.

I don't think I have any more to add. So I shall stop here. At survival trick number 13. Hmmm.. 13, eyh?

Signing out,
i-taunt-13

Ps: This guide is 100% useful if you're going to Kem Puncak Permai, Bau but only 85% useful if you're going to other camps.