Saturday, July 17, 2004

today

ELF stands for Experiental Learning Facilitators.
 
Basic commands from belaying school are demonstrated below:
(Climber is denoted by 'C', Belayer is denoted by 'B')
 
C: Am I on belay?
B: Yes/No.
 
B: Belay On.
C: That's me. (Too tight?)
 
C: Ready to climb?
B: Climb On.
 
Go try out a CCA.
Got to know a new friend today.

Sunday, July 11, 2004

Streetwise Run 2004 (Youth Day)

Last week I participated in the 2004 Streetwise Run.

I was silly enough to have participated alone. It cost me $10 and one valuable afternoon of revision.

I was all alone... No friends.

But, hmm... I saw a girl in a VJC P.E. T-Shirt, alone, doing stretching exercises faithfully. With the intention of making friends, I stayed near her. At the starting line, just before the Community Run started at 4.15 pm, I mustered just enough courage to say, "hi".

I felt stupid, but I got a reply. That was all I got.

After the initial sprint, the sun's rays piercing my skin after cool rainy weather, I felt faint and exhausted. I jogged backwards to see the distance between me and the next runner. I was also psychologically defeated - "Community run... No prizes! No competition! Why try so hard?" Instead, I could pace myself with that girl behind me... I started to take rests - e v e r y - now - and - then. Many younger runners overtook me, but I thought: "what's the point?" =)

At the midpoint, I remember an arm stretching out to hand me a rubber band tag (a piece of paper stapled onto it) to indicate 5km run.

I was walking 400 metres before the finishing line, when I heard a bystander call out, "slacker!" Hahaha... I was so happy he recognised me. I smiled and raised my hands in acknowledgement! I ran from there. I felt so bad about overtaking two young boys with ease, at the finishing line.

When I caught my breath, I found the drinks station (canned H-TWO O) and handed one to the glowing VJC girl. I tried to act-cool for half-an-hour, walking around, but I must have looked pretty dumb - haha. A little boy asked me for directions to get the drinks.

That girl found her friends - schoolmates (a group of them). I didn't get to know her name. I blew my chance.

Geesh. What a waste.

Sunday, July 04, 2004

I've Got a Sister!!

no lah, not really... but as in god-sis! I'm so happy and proud of her... ^_^

Haha... I'm not saying who she is. (psst.. she's SHANYU-MEI)

How do I feel? Tommy in the Rugrats: "YOU'VE GOT SOME RESPONSIBILITY NOW..."

"sponsitility?" o.O

ok i know i'm lame...

Saturday, June 26, 2004

Running in the Neighbourhood

I feel nostalgic everytime I run by my neighbourhood in Kallang. So much has changed...

I took on a new route, 
on a friday, at dusk. 
It ran beside the main road. 
 
I chased after bicycles
with Indian workmen sitting atop.
I ran freely for miles.  (good poem? X_X)

When I felt tired, I tried to secure a lift from my working father, as he rang up my handphone. The attempt proved unsuccessful. Hence, I wondered/wandered about getting home before dark.

I found the river, or the river (it seemed to be this way around) found me. I wandered beneath the shadow of the darkening trees. (Uh.. okay.. I'm in a sort of park, treading this winding footpath, the occasional bicycle...) I came to an ulu-ulu place, which (my deepest fear) may harbour active homosexuals. I took a look around at the end of the path. I heard a muted gasp come from within...

I could see under the lamp, middle-aged men fishing, relaxing on the chair. One or two were half-naked. No, I'm not interested in these things. This was no gay group, but I felt lucky I wasn't a woman! Getting through that area still proved a test of courage. I walked on nonchalantly, and there was no turning back.

I went under the bridge, and met the troll. (That would sidetrack a little, but nothing happened.) On the other end of the bridge were more fishermen. Under the bridge, I felt cornered - intimidated by the burly men. I thought I should make a run for it. I wondered if they might club me from behind. They looked like a gang. Any minute now, I could be captured; kidnapped. However, none of them happened - or had the guts - to block my exit.

(I would like to mention again that in Singapore, kidnapping is a crime that fetches a maximum penalty of...) O.O

Maybe I am far over the cynicism side. But it's better to be safe than sorry...

On the other end, I came out, slightly worried. I turned and saw a sign: "Kallang Sea Sports Club". I realised that I've just gone under the wrecked Nicoll Highway (Merdeka Bridge).There was an eerieness about the place. There were no cars above me. I climbed up the staircase...

I could use the Merdeka Bridge to get home. I often ran across the bridge in Secondary 2, training for my only major sports event (long-distances). The Nicoll Highway was sealed off after that point. I met 2 more fishermen chilling in the night, on the middle of the bridge. I resisted the impulse to say hi.

Sunday, June 20, 2004

Update

It's over! I feel a sense of loss sink in.

This performance was not good enough - for many... (choir members esp ^_^"' )

BUT I TRIED MY BEST...

If someone calls you before the performance asking for directions you'd be stressed. I felt very stressed that evening. Sure, and you had to be the first to walk upstage! I didn't find time to scan the audience and search for familiar faces - your parents (and relatives) are sitting in the front row, watching you intently. I remembered that I'm only a bass - so I should tone down. I should remember to smile more often...

I didn't listen to the rest of the choir... I didn't really blend in or anything. I couldn't relax. My feet hurt, wearing the strange black shoes.

But I did not zao sia in any of the songs. ^_^

Thanks for all valuable feedback:

I would really hate to disappoint you next time!

Monday, June 07, 2004

TPSU Orientation

"RECTORS WILL WIN THE WAR, RECTORS WILL WIN THE WAR!"

"Oui - oui!"
"Sup - sup - oui!"
In french, 'oui' means yes. o.O

You know, I really love the GLs. It's their movitating spirit. It's really inspiring. They shout till their throats go hoarse.

I feel lucky to have met such great people.

Hoobastank - The Reason is yet another cool song I want to highlight. It goes: "I'm not a perfect person..." blahblah.

RECTORS STEADY BOH?!
STEADY PONG BEE BEE ARH!! =)