Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Went down to buy this shoe today after much consideration. I am materialistic and sometimes when I see something I like I insist on getting it. Guess I will need to get a decent paying job for me to maintain a similar lifestyle in future. However, for now, that does not seem possible. For I just got a double O grade for both physics and mathematics. And it was thoroughly disappointing. Considering the fact that I did try pretty hard to practise my mathematics. Getting an O absolutely disgusted me. I wonder, if my term in NPCC might just be extended.
Because I might just have to repeat year one.
Reminiscence the past, cherish the present, look forward to the future with hope.
6:43 pm
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Sunday, March 26, 2006
I was present at the Campcraft Competition Finals 2006 to support our Boys team. And as much as the occassion was a great one, it was pretty much destroyed by our own cadets. Nevertheless, it was still a great feeling knowing that we have managed to continue our proud tradition of competing in the finals, rather than just being there to take a look. Of course, our thick-skinned friends from a particular unit decided that preparing for the next competition was more important than face value, as such were down in full force trying to gain a few pointers from other teams, yet not realising their greatest downfall might probably have been their arrogance, over and above their campcraft skills.
Being close to where the teams were seated for the prize presentation, the atmosphere was magnificent. The sense of hope. The tears flowed freely. For those who were utterly disappointed. For those who won. Not wanting to hear their school's name till the end. In NPCC, no other event comes close to the kind of passion people put into Campcraft Competition. It is the competition everyone wants to win. The gold trophy every unit wishes to possess. This year, that prize went to Tanjong Katong Secondary School and Nanyang Girls High School. Congratulations to them, for I certainly felt they deserved it. What impressed me most was not just their amazing campcraft skills. But rather, the kind of school-spirit both possessed. Their supporters singing and cheering themselves hoarse for the team. The kind of pride and confidence they had in their teams. That is what I want to see in my unit. They have set the benchmark for us to emulate. We need to work hard, to strive more determinedly to get there. Rather than complaining and whining about not being victorious, clean forgeting what being gracious in defeat is all about. With that, I suppose this journey that is Campcraft Competition has been brought to a close. The valuable lessons, I shall hold close to my heart, and hope that in 2 years time, I will be able to be present at the finals once again- to cheer my school on with all my heart.
Moving on, I get totally annoyed when people put their MSN Messenger identification or personal messages as something along the following line. "Anyone wants to be a ci please let me know" Because to me, that is total and complete disrespect of the Cadet Inspector rank. Holding that rank has seen so many of us put in great amounts of effort and degrees of determination. To hope to make a difference in one's life. Yet, here are people 'selling' this rank around as though anyone was suitable to don it. I may not know for other units. But, I am extremely sure, that in Zhonghua NPCC Unit, cadets do not choose to serve us. We choose who we wish to bring back as instructors. And for that same reason, I would stop saying that I wish to be an officer of the Singapore Armed Forces. Because I know nuts about what responsibilities come with that rank.
On a sidenote, it was nice to start receiving birthday gifts 2 weeks before. First one came from a cadet, which I must say was a surprise. But, was immediately linked to being in a relationship with her. Terrible that even instructors and teachers joined in the teasing. Second one came in the form of an angbao from my paternal relatives.
Reminiscence the past, cherish the present, look forward to the future with hope.
8:11 pm
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Friday, March 24, 2006
Before I begin, I though it would be useful for me to explain what epitome is. Epitome is a thing or person that shows, to a very great degree, a quality or set of qualities.
And if you still require any more prompting, it is the Zhonghua NPCC Unit Campcraft Team 2006 I am talking about. In the past five months, I have been blessed to be able to spend quite a bit of time with the teams. And the way they have all developed and grown is utterly amazing. Thus the reason why I believe that they deserve special mention. Although I may have risen to the ranks of an instructor, I have learnt so many invaluable lessons in life from them. Twenty years down my life, I may no longer remember their names, but I am certain that I will remember what these teams acheived. They may not be the best in campcraft, but I am sure they are the golden cadets which our unit have always strived to develop.
They have gone through so much. From the initial excitement of joining the team, to the slow decrease in morale and motivation. They may have at times struggled to cope with learning to compromise and accomodate each other. They have disappointed. And there were the times when the instructors really questioned their commitment to the cause.
But 5 months later. All that have been dispelled. They have shown exactly what a team should be. They learnt not just how to pitch a shelter, tie a gadget or erect a flagstaff. I believe they have learnt so many other lifeskills. About determination. Perseverance. Giving their best. About working as a team. And possibly most importantly, learning how to interact and care for each other. They may have gone through setbacks, but I believe they will emerge stronger and more mature than ever. It is just the confidence I have in every member of the team. They have definitely surpassed my expectations, and I respect them for that.
One day, when I have totally lost touch with NPCC, I hope i remember and apply the important lessons the teams have taught me.
Tomorrow, I will wear the shirt of the team with pride. Not just to support the guys team in the final, but also in appreciation of what the girls team has given to the unit.
Reminiscence the past, cherish the present, look forward to the future with hope.
9:03 pm
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Wednesday, March 22, 2006
During the game. If you wish to know which is me, I am the most retarded looking one in red.
That's me on the ball.
Post-match Team shot.
Reminiscence the past, cherish the present, look forward to the future with hope.
8:58 pm
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Monday, March 20, 2006
Reminiscence the past, cherish the present, look forward to the future with hope.
10:15 pm
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Friday, March 17, 2006
Annual Camp 2006 ended earlier today, was a little disappointed that the camp did not exactly go the way I had wanted it to be. Not so much about the planning, but the sheer volume of punishments we had to hand out. But where the cadets deserve it, we will not withhold. Other than that, it was a pretty good camp. But, i suppose it was spoilt right from the start with one eye on the block tests next week.
Camp ended today with the farewell performances for one of our departing Teacher Officer. It was sad to see her go, with just so much contribution and more towards the unit. For imparting valuable lessons in life, even to many of the Instructors. And it was wonderful what the cadets prepared for her. She certainly made an impact in all of our lives and will always be remembered and cherished as a part of our unit. Would really want to wish her all the best in her future endeavours.
In probably a month's time, it will be my turn. I will definitely be sad to leave. Because, like what she said, "This is a unit where everyone, from the Teacher Officers, to the Instructors, NCOs and the cadets, are willing to give of their best for a common cause. "
Reminiscence the past, cherish the present, look forward to the future with hope.
9:39 pm
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Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Life is pretty bad for my family right now. Its not difficult to figure why.
Dad is just so totally overstressed at work now. He is being heaped with so much work just because he is possibly the most responsible employee. Moreover, he is a perfectionist. He expects the best in everything he does. And that only adds greatly to the kind of stress he is facing.
Mum is suffering from a deterioration in her health. She coughed so damn bad last night. She's had fever for five days. She may have to go for surgery for another problem. She's worried sick for her health. She doesn't have my dad to confide in, cause she knows he is stressed enough.
Sis is sick again for probably the third time this year. Possibly weakened immune system leading to fevers and sore throats.
I got injured twice in 2 weeks. Studies are suffering.
Everything sucks yeah. But I believe we got the mettle to pull through this miniature crisis each of us are facing. We are so much stronger. But most of all, I pray Lord that You help my family. I want to live my life to the fullest, and never regret any moment. Never regret not treating my loved ones in a manner befitting of my position.
I love you. Dad. Mom. Kor. Sis.
Reminiscence the past, cherish the present, look forward to the future with hope.
7:34 pm
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Monday, March 13, 2006
2 of my classmates and I signed up for the Nanyang Junior College Joga Bonito competition which was held today. And it was a day to remember and to cherish. It was a far cry from the last Nike football tournament I had joined 4 years back.
My team had a pretty great record. We played 12 games, lost 2, drew 3 and won 7 games. Alas, it was not to be, and we did not hit the top 2 playoff positions. Nevertheless, if you had seen the tiny court and rules we had to abide by, you would understand why those 7 wins meant so much to me. I have 2 excellent teammates who really took the game to the opposition, had it not been some woeful finishing from me, we would have been in with a shout for the top 2 positions. But, it was great just being able to play competitively and seeing everyone trying to give of their personal best. Heart. Honor. Joy. Skill. Team. The essence of Joga Bonito. But the best part of the day was at 9.
This Physical Education teacher, who had organised this event, approached us asking whether we wanted to play against the Brazillian futsal team. We took it with open arms. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity playing against the world-renowned Brazillian futsal team. And I would never have missed this chance for the world. They arrived prompty at 9, and trudged down in their beautiful white and gold jerseys. If their warmup was insipring, the way they played was simply elegant and magnificent. It was beautiful. Football at its absolute best. No negative tactics. No hurry to win. Just cool, calm and collected control of the ball. The feints, the tricks, the flicks, the reading of the game. If you enjoyed watching Ronaldinho on television, we witnessed so much more in person.
Our match went alright. We got ole-ed. Got flicked over. Got tricked. And conceded a goal. It was amazing stuff they were doing. But. We managed to get into the game, and had our fair share of chances. We scored one, and left with the proud record of the only team not losing to the Brazillians. Scoreline was level, but we know they are miles ahead in everything related to football. If only, one day I could play half as well as them, it would please me so.
I'll post our picture up with them once I get it. =)
we believe that diving is for the swimming pool. and arguing for politicians.
we see offside traps as a sad attempt to cover for a lack of speed.
we play football with an accent. the accent of the beautiful game.
Reminiscence the past, cherish the present, look forward to the future with hope.
1:07 pm
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Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Was having a simple leisure kickabout with my classmate this morning, just trying some skills which may come in handy for the Joga 3 tournament next monday. And we decided on having a 1 on 1 contest. Scoring was done by knocking a bottle down. And everything seemed to be going on fine, till I tried to tackle my friend. What resulted was myself in a sorry heap, screaming in pain. Till now, I have no idea why it justs hurts so much. It was absolutely crazy. The pain was so excruciating, that I was scolding fuck under my breath everytime the pain came up. I really don't know what's wrong. It seems impossible that it is a fracture or anything that serious, but it just totally exceeded the threshold of pain I could bear with. Its been sometime, rested my knee for a solid 4 hours, but the pain seems to be there still.
I just want to be normal. Is that so difficult. I hurt my ankle last week and had to go to school in a bandage. Limping around. One week on, I suffer not just another injury, but a seemingly much more horrendous one. It hurts. Believe me. I just want to be able to play soccer. Is that wish too difficult to grant. The Joga 3 tournament is on monday. I want to be able to play. Its a once in a lifetime opportunity. Please, I need to recover.
Reminiscence the past, cherish the present, look forward to the future with hope.
6:48 pm
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Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Was having physics practical session today, and our teacher was giving the class a simple pep talk once he was done with the lesson. He was, apparently very disappointed with people like me who fail to show any effort in trying to better understand physics. And being the caring teacher he is, he wants to help us, but sometimes we do not even want to help ourselves. And he said something that struck me, and made me think hard. He said that if at this point of time, we believe that our subject combination is not what we want, we should turn back now. And drop back to year 1. And for a solid 5 minutes after that, I really gave it great thought. That with the situation I am in now, maybe I really should. That despite sacrificing one more year of time, I might just be able to do well. But alas, the thought of 'retaining' still remains as a social stigma, and I doubt I will be able to handle the consequences of being associated with it. But I really have no idea, what I am learning in physics. I just want to give up, but I cannot. Simply cannot.
I think I just lost you.
Reminiscence the past, cherish the present, look forward to the future with hope.
7:59 pm
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Sunday, March 05, 2006
Reminiscence the past, cherish the present, look forward to the future with hope.
8:53 pm
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Thursday, March 02, 2006
Witnessing the release of the Advanced Level result in school yesterday was a pretty shocking experience. Because unlike the Ordinary Level, when people pretty much can predict what results they would get, I think the same cannot be said for A Levels. In my opinion, the general results did not seem average. The percentage of AB grades for subjects, I thought was quite appalling. Advanced Level, it seems, catches many people off guard. Some of us have no idea how difficult it is. Reading the success stories of people with 4A's and 2 S paper distinctions may have allowed us to sub conciously think that it is going to be as easy as Ordinary Levels. And some just quote the getting of 3A's with such ease, totally disrespecting and disregarding the kind of effort which is required to attain the abovementioned results. In a year's time, it will be mine turn. To take with nervous hands, my results slip. I don't want to cry. I don't want to be disappointed. But sometimes, maybe the desire to get good results fall below the sheer laziness and lack of motivation.
Anyway, I got a D7 for my Chinese at AO Level. Maybe a little disappointing, but what matters more to me is that I have got a subject out of my way, and I never will have to study this dreadful language again. =)
The thought of failing just scares me. It is time to wake up.
Reminiscence the past, cherish the present, look forward to the future with hope.
9:36 pm
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