The New ORDer

Today's a real important day. At least that's what I'd felt over the past 2 years, whenever I had to do something I didn't particularly like. Which, as you probably can guess, was often: I've lost count of the number of times I've stopped, taken a deep breath, and told myself, 'Forget it, cool down, one day it'll all be over.'

Well, that day has arrived.

Technically, I still need to get a few signatures on the clearance form before my IC is restored to me, but that's a formality. Should be able to get it sorted out in the next couple of days, unless Mr Murphy decides to pay me a visit. In the greater, non-technical sense, I'm already free.

Usually, I'd write a few paragraphs detailing my experience of NS, and the conclusions I draw from it. However, I've pretty much done that in an earlier post, so I'll spare you the agony. Suffice to say that I've learnt some things that have been useful, but also picked up some that may yet prove harmful. I'm still wondering whether the benefits of the former are outweighed by the deleterious effects of the latter. Probably will find out when I begin my working life.

(Hear that nasty spluttering noise? That's my rusted hulk of a brain starting up after months of disuse)

I imagined I would feel jubilation, or at least relief, at having the NSF label scourged from the traumatized depths of my being. I couldn't have been more wrong. Today felt absolutely startlingly normal. Boring, even. I guess I've been away from camp for so long that the limitations of life in uniform no longer cast their evil shadows over my existence. Either that, or it just hasn't sunk in yet. After all, I react slowly to changing events (you should see me drive).

That's not to say I haven't given some thought to life after NS. Sartorially, I'm pretty much equipped for the office, save a pair of shoes to replace the worn and creased pair that's accompanied me for the last 6 years. I'm trying to complete as much of my driving as possible, before the workload piles up. And I'm going to scale kinabalu next week, just for a quick getaway to (hopefully) clear my mind of all the detritus that's accumulated over the past months.

The end of NS also means that it's time for me to overhaul my blog. I don't know yet if I'm going to shut it down, or refurbish it on this site, or move it to a different website altogether. Like the US with Iran, I'm keeping all options open. Unlike the US with Iran, I should be making a decision soon. Just check back in a few days' time to find out.

And now, in the time-honoured tradition of former NSFs, I shall proudly announce to the listening world our creed, the words that grant me entry to the hallowed ranks of my brethren:

ORD LOH!!