The Lucky One

it has been some time since i last read a book. decided to get myself a novel after a session of badminton on thursday. bought 'The Lucky One' by Nicholas Sparks, which is now a movie being screened in the cinemas. i had read 2 or 3 other books by him previously and found that his books are enjoyable and easy to read.

spent my awesome friday and saturday relaxing on the sofa, indulging in the good book while listening to nice songs being played on the radio. this seems to have some therapeutic effects, countering the frustrations/anxieties we face in busy and fast-paced lifestyle that we are leading. now that i have finished reading it, i guess i'd need to hunt for more books to keep me companied for the looong holiday!

Outward Bound Singapore

5 days of fun and laughter on the small island of pulau ubin. similar to any other camps, we did outdoor activities such as the high elements, kayaking, trekking, field cooking and many others. however, the only difference was that we played two different roles throughout the course, not only as a participant but also as a teacher. Different theories were taught and I gained a lot during these 5 days, especially technical matters such as doing RAMs or expedition planning. More specifically, i know more about outdoor education and its importance in developing the character and potential of an individual. noting down several new insights gained throughout the camp, i hope i can still remember them by the time i am out in the school teaching PE or engaging in outdoor education. on the last day of the camp, there was an activity where all of us will proceed from station to station reflecting on what we had done and gained from the past 4 days. one particular station requires us to think about values that are important to you in your personal and work life. this was something refreshing for me, reminding myself about the values which i believe will guide me to be a better person, a better teacher in the near future.

i like:

1) the way we always have reflections after each activities and everyone gets a chance to share what's on their mind, linking it to our daily life or even applying it to our working life when we are in schools.
2) the fact that our instructors (Gek Fong and Iskandar) are always well-prepared, engaging (putting in effort to make boring lectures into interesting ones) and confident in facilitating the activities conducted.
3) everyone in my watch (Dhana Balan). thank you for helping each other out and making this experience a memorable one.
4) OBS

watch: Dhana Balan

outdoor cooking competition

a letter and a gift from 'YY fan club' :D

Here's a quote i came across from the book 'Manual of the Warrior of Light' by Paulo Coelho during the camp:

A warrior of light shares his world
A warrior of light shares his world with the people he loves.

He tries to encourage them to do the things they would like to do but for which they lack the courage; at such times, the Enemy appears holding two wooden signs in his hand.

On one sign is written: 'Think about yourself. Keep all the blessings for yourself, otherwise you'll end up losing everything.'

On the other sign, he reads: 'Who do you think you are, helping other people? Can't you see your own faults?'

A warrior knows that he has faults. But he knows too that he cannot do his growing alone and thus distance himself from his companions.

Therefore, he throws the two signs to the floor, even if he thinks they may contain a grain of truth. The signs crumble into dust, and the warrior continues to encourage those nearest him. 

22nd

i know this is a bit late, but still i want to thank those who celebrated my 22nd birthday back in the month of march and april. thank you for the wishes, thank you for the birthday celebrations, thank you for the birthday gifts and thank you for all the things that you guys have done for me. :D

Music Of The Night - Sarah Brightman

Night time sharpens, heightens each sensation
Darkness stirs and wakes imagination
Silently the senses abandon their defenses

Slowly, gently night unfurls its splendor
Grasp it, sense it tremulous and tender
Turn your face away from the garish light of day
Turn your thoughts away from cold, unfeeling light
And listen to the music of the night

Close your eyes and surrender to your darkest dreams
Purge your thoughts of the life you knew before
Close your eyes, let your spirit start to soar
And you'll live as you've never lived before

Softly, deftly music shall caress you
Hear it, feel it secretly possess you
Open up your mind, let your fantasies unwind
In this darkness that you know you cannot fight
The darkness of the music of the night

Let your mind start a journey through a strange new world
Leave all thoughts of the life you knew before
Let your soul take you where you long to be
Only then can you belong to me

Floating, falling sweet intoxication
Touch me, trust me, savor each sensation
Let the dream begin, let your darker side give in
To the power of the music that I write
The power of the music of the night

You alone can make my song take flight
Help me make the music of the night

i love running

running events during the holiday. new route, new experience.

Tiong Bahru Salomon Urban Trail Run 2012 (14km)

Date: 20th May 2012
Race Start Time: 7.30am
Venue: ZhangDe Primary School
Address: 51 Jalan Membina Singapore 169485
Distance: Competitive 14km

*an approximately 2.5km of the former KTM Railway track starting at Alexandra Village will be part of the trial challenge

Jurong Lake Run 2012 (10km)

Date: 8 July 2012 (Sunday)
Time: 0730H (First Flag Off for 10km)
Venue: Jurong Lake Park | Chinese Garden | Japanese Garden

The Republican Run 2012 (10km)

Date: 7th July 2012, Saturday
Venue: Republic Polytechnic (Near to Woodlands MRT)
Reporting Time: 5.00pm
Route: click here

Pocari Sweat Run (10km)

Date: 15 July 2012 (Sunday), 7am
Venue: Gardens by the Bay
Closing Date: 30 June 2012

2012 Run Against Cancer (10km/15km)

Date: Sunday, 22 July 2012
Venue: Angsana Green, East Coast Park
Time: 7am - 10am

Waterway Passion Active Run 2012 (10km)

Sunday (10 June 2012)
07:00 - 13:00
Open Field next to Punggol MRT Station

Banana Relay 2012 (team of 3 - 6km each)

Date: 18 June 2011
Time: 7am to 12pm
Venue: Kallang Riverside Park
Cost: $20 per person (inclusive of Water, Sports Drink, Finisher Souvenir, Food Reception, Lucky Draw)

* Each team will have 3 members, formed based on a lucky draw format. There will not be any self-arranged teams. This arrangement is part of Banana Relay's aim of promoting friendship & bonding with others whom we may not know.

Mizuno Mount Faber Run 2012 (10km)

17 Jun 2012 (Sunday)
7.30am

*registration not open yet.

monTEH

picnic with my anderson badminton team mates at marina barrage on sat. there was too much food. sandwiches, fried rice, curry puffs, fruits and many others. and also not forgetting the 90 fishballs that the 6, 7 of us managed to finish. i ate about 30. 那些年，我们吃了90粒鱼丸... hahaha. really glad to have this group of close friends in my life and thank you for the early birthday celebration as well. looking forward to our next gathering! :D

a friend posted this on my fb wall today.

Dear YY,

Can tel mi why i cannot find old town de teh anot? I went shop and save, prime and ntuc. cannot find siol. Where u buy from?

not long after replying his post, another friend posted this:

it's a monTEH indeed. hahaha.

getting back up whenever you fall

‎"Everyone gets scared, and everyone falls. The key is to get right back up and try again." - Shannon Miller

The Invisible Workforce Behind This City

This video reminds me of a post i wrote previously.

Working Hard (posted on Wednesday, 28 September 2011)

9:33pm

i went for a run. saw these 3 bangladeshi workers painting the bus-stop.

10:27pm

i was on my way home from the run. the 3 bangladeshi workers still working hard painting the bus-stop. some thoughts went through my mind. often, we like to make fun of these bangladeshi workers because they are employed to do jobs which probably not many singaporeans would want to. they sometimes work in the wee hours when everyone is sleeping soundly as well. let's imagine that these bangladeshi workers arent around for a week, how would our lives be? honestly, we ought to thank them and recognise their effort in contributing to our society.

the extra square

this's why maths is interesting.

http://www.smart-kit.com/s283/the-missing-square-where-does-it-come-from/

原来闲着也是种压力

I Won't Give Up - Jason Mraz

I had to learn what I've got
and what I'm not
and who I am

it's time for recess when the bell rings

7 weeks into semester 2 and everything's going well so far, especially the two mathematics modules. it's finally recess week. a one week break to catch up with/revise what have been taught previously.

1. revise physiology
2. start writing my research paper
3. finish my badminton journal
4. start doing my individual assignment (AED107)
5. revise maths module
6. book a chalet for my pe class
7. watch a movie
8. hunt for a pair of casual shoes

that's all for now.

"when a guy takes time to dress up and look good for a date, it shows that he's putting in effort"

a sweet little surprise that made my day

thank youuu! :D

U K U L E L E

year of DRAGON

Happy Chinese New Year to all! i this is a bit late, but still, wishing everyone joy, happiness, love, wealth and good health in the new year. Huat ahhh! :D

new year, new semester

one and a half week into the new semester. new modules, new lecturers and tutors, new classmates and friends. everything is going well so far. completed most of the things i have set to do during the dec holiday.

1. 'you are the apple of my eye' with my pess classmates
2. pess class outing at sentosa + bowling session
3. first aid course
4. service learning project
5. read 'The Slap' [left with one last chapter]
6. first prawning session at bishan
7. visit fish farm with cousins
8. standard chartered marathon
9. IPPT
10. swim and run regularly
11. play badminton
12. organise a gathering for anderson badminton team (gift exchange) [replaced by a bowling session and reunion dinner on 21jan]
13. meet up with fellow primary school classmates
14. look through algebra textbook [not even a page. hahaha]
15. visit kids and staff at carecorner
16. meet up with my army friends
17. buy a nice double-deck bed frame
18. use the $30 denizen voucher i won [lost the voucher. couldnt find it. ):]
19. meet up with my section (my 1st batch of recruits) [met up with another section instead. gathering with my section postponed to a later date]
20. go sing song at teoheng (sembawang shopping centre)
21. attend inter-hall games and inter-school games
22. sitex 2011
23. watch some of the movies which i missed previously (eg. johnny english reborn)

looking forward to the weekend. it's chinese new year! lot of fun and laughter, good food, holiday soecial movies on channel 8, 5 and U and of course, angbaos! hahaha. cant wait for the year of dragon to arrive. yeahhh.

two zero one one

it's the last day of 2011. looking back at the past 1 year, there was a transition of the different phases in life, from completing the 22 months of national service to starting my tertiary education. a soldier back to a student again. I'm glad that i was able to make it through to the local uni. there're also several groups of people and friends whom i met throughout the year. staff & kids from the carecorner ssc, pess orientation group mates, GESL group mates, pess classmates and many others. without them, i doubt that my 2011 will be as fun and exciting as what i have experienced so far. at the same time, not forgetting about the old friends who have been there all along, we have known each other for another year and definitely there're many more years ahead for our friendship to continue to blossom.

2011 has been an awesome year and i'm content with what i have during this period, be it little or be it much. thank you to everyone who have been part of my life in 2011 and we shall have a great 2012 ahead together! :D

the funniest video in 2011 which never fails to make me laugh

And I won’t let go, if you wait for me

Whenever - Black Eyed Peas

Love, through the tree, past the sky
Beyond the northern lights
You will see my delight
Reflecting in your eyes

And I won't let go, if you wait for me
whenever, whatever
And then you, select the destination
whenever, whatever
I'll go
whenever, wherever
I'll go

I want, I want, I wanna love forever, love forever, baby
Whenever, wherever, you wanna go one day
To do whatever, do whatever, baby
Whenever, wherever, forever together

I fell asleep, don't know why you let me come alive
You and me, we collide, ignite the starry fire
And you warm me up and you wait for it
whenever, whatever
And you wake me up and you wait for it
whenever, whatever
I wanna go
whenever, wherever
I wanna go

I want, I want, I wanna love forever, love forever, baby
Wherever, wherever you wanna go one day
Do whatever, do whatever, baby
Wherever, wherever, forever together
Whenever, whatever, whatever, whatever
Whatever, whatever, whatever, whatever

I love you forever and ever and always I love you
Whenever you need me, I'll be there right by you
Whenever you call me, I'm there when you call
Whenever you're falling, I'm there when you fall

Wherever you're going, I'll be right there showing
Our love's always growing and growing and growing
I know that you know it, there's no need for guessing
When I am requested I'm there with no questions

As I'll go, wherever, whenever
If ever you need me I'll be here forever

The turtle moves slowly and is happy with his pace of life

we are rushing through life, arent we? i was observing how everyone walks the other day at dhoby ghaut mrt station and noticed that most of the people were walking rather fast as though they were rushing to somewhere. i believe at times, we have to slow down our pace of life and appreciate what's around us. the things we have and the people who are always there for us when we need help. the busy and hectic life we are leading now often numb our senses, making us oblivious to things happening around us. sometimes, we just got to know how to feel, not only about ourselves, but also to feel for others as well.

How many other things are we missing as we rush through life?

You Are The Apple Of My Eye

好想告诉你，你永远是我心中的沈佳宜

那些年 - 胡夏

又回到最初的起点

记忆中你青涩的脸

我们终于来到了这一天

桌垫下的老照片

无数回忆连结

今天男孩要赴女孩最后的约

又回到最初的起点

呆呆地站在镜子前

笨拙系上红色领带的结

将头发梳成大人模样

穿上一身帅气西装

等会儿见你一定比想像美

好想再回到那些年的时光

回到教室座位前后　故意讨你温柔的骂

黑板上排列组合　你舍得解开吗

谁与谁坐他又爱着她

那些年错过的大雨

那些年错过的爱情

好想拥抱你　拥抱错过的勇气

曾经想征服全世界

到最后回首才发现

这世界滴滴点点全部都是你

那些年错过的大雨

那些年错过的爱情

好想告诉你　告诉你我没有忘记

那天晚上满天星星

平行时空下的约定

再一次相遇我会紧紧抱着你

紧紧抱着你

又回到最初的起点

呆呆地站在镜子前

笨拙系上红色领带的结

将头发梳成大人模样

穿上一身帅气西装

等会儿见你一定比想像美

好想再回到那些年的时光

回到教室座位前后　故意讨你温柔的骂

黑板上排列组合　你舍得解开吗

谁与谁坐他又爱着她

那些年错过的大雨

那些年错过的爱情

好想拥抱你　拥抱错过的勇气

曾经想征服全世界

到最后回首才发现

这世界滴滴点点全部都是你

那些年错过的大雨

那些年错过的爱情

好想告诉你　告诉你我没有忘记

那天晚上满天星星

平行时空下的约定

再一次相遇我会紧紧抱着你

紧紧抱着你

那些年错过的大雨

那些年错过的爱情

好想拥抱你　拥抱错过的勇气

曾经想征服全世界

到最后回首才发现

这世界滴滴点点全部都是你

那些年错过的大雨

那些年错过的爱情

好想告诉你　告诉你我没有忘记

那天晚上满天星星

平行时空下的约定

再一次相遇我会紧紧抱着你

紧紧抱着你