It's final - I get to keep all my service areas for 2009! :))
Thank you God for providing, but help me keep working hard for You. Looking forward to another sem of juggling studies and service! yay:)
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Why does every moment have to be so hard?
Firstly, I want to say thank you for actually taking the time to come here and read about my sad and sorry life (made all the more apparent by events of this past week), because it really means a lot to me. It is not my intention to lament about how life is a bitch, so please understand that I'm just in the middle of a very painful emotional swing at this point in time.
The exams took place this week, and needless to say, I was placing quite some hope on them. To say it simply, I've never been massacred so badly since ACS(I) days, and I'm very disappointed in myself. (only geog was reasonably do-able for me, and even then I can't be sure...) As I reflect upon reading week and the exam week itself, I realise that I could have done more in some ways, and I could have been more dilligent during the term time. It was not a very fun time for me, because everything was study, study, study, and yet I've fallen short of my own expectations because I took short-cuts along the way (and did some things that I was never meant to.)
Now that exams are over, I realise that I've messed up something big time (church stuff), and I've only a few hours to repair the damage before the meeting when I've to provide an update. The reason for such was that exams took up so much of my time during the week that I actually forgot about it, and was reminded about it suddenly around last evening (not a very nice end to an already horrible day). The fault is mine alone and I don't deny that.
However, I'm starting to think about my commitments (you know what mine are, and unlike you people, mine do not include wakeboarding, CSC or PRU). I've realised that I may have taken on more than I can handle, and it's not going to be doing others a favour if it continues this way. Service is a great priviledge, and I don't deny that for a moment, but I am a strong believer in the need to be faithful as a student during this season of life. Therefore, I've made a potentially painful decision that if I do not maintain a CAP 4.0 for Sem 1 (that is required to stay in my course at the end of first year), I'm going to cut my commitments drastically, because I've failed to show that I can handle them, and I therefore do not deserve them. I do not know what the results will be (only God knows), but I leave it all up to Him, and am prepared to accept the consequences of my own actions (or lack of them).
Last but not least, certain issues are bothering me as they have done since the middle of the year (my OG mates, Daniel, Aayush and Garima will know what I'm talking about). It is hard to concentrate on what I need to do when these cause me to become emo at the most inconvenient of times. I still trust, hope and wait.
I don't know when I'll recover from this (if I actually do, hopefully before Youth Camp), but I'm grateful for those of you who have tried to brighten up my life and showed concern for me. Incidently, it was quite recently that I started using the beautifully decorated birthday card from my wonderful OG mates as my laptop wallpaper, because I needed a constant reminder that I had friends like you, and as I read your encouraging messages, I really thank God for all of you and how you've been a blessing to me:)
The necessity of a near deadline calls me, but I simply wish for rest. and your company...
The exams took place this week, and needless to say, I was placing quite some hope on them. To say it simply, I've never been massacred so badly since ACS(I) days, and I'm very disappointed in myself. (only geog was reasonably do-able for me, and even then I can't be sure...) As I reflect upon reading week and the exam week itself, I realise that I could have done more in some ways, and I could have been more dilligent during the term time. It was not a very fun time for me, because everything was study, study, study, and yet I've fallen short of my own expectations because I took short-cuts along the way (and did some things that I was never meant to.)
Now that exams are over, I realise that I've messed up something big time (church stuff), and I've only a few hours to repair the damage before the meeting when I've to provide an update. The reason for such was that exams took up so much of my time during the week that I actually forgot about it, and was reminded about it suddenly around last evening (not a very nice end to an already horrible day). The fault is mine alone and I don't deny that.
However, I'm starting to think about my commitments (you know what mine are, and unlike you people, mine do not include wakeboarding, CSC or PRU). I've realised that I may have taken on more than I can handle, and it's not going to be doing others a favour if it continues this way. Service is a great priviledge, and I don't deny that for a moment, but I am a strong believer in the need to be faithful as a student during this season of life. Therefore, I've made a potentially painful decision that if I do not maintain a CAP 4.0 for Sem 1 (that is required to stay in my course at the end of first year), I'm going to cut my commitments drastically, because I've failed to show that I can handle them, and I therefore do not deserve them. I do not know what the results will be (only God knows), but I leave it all up to Him, and am prepared to accept the consequences of my own actions (or lack of them).
Last but not least, certain issues are bothering me as they have done since the middle of the year (my OG mates, Daniel, Aayush and Garima will know what I'm talking about). It is hard to concentrate on what I need to do when these cause me to become emo at the most inconvenient of times. I still trust, hope and wait.
I don't know when I'll recover from this (if I actually do, hopefully before Youth Camp), but I'm grateful for those of you who have tried to brighten up my life and showed concern for me. Incidently, it was quite recently that I started using the beautifully decorated birthday card from my wonderful OG mates as my laptop wallpaper, because I needed a constant reminder that I had friends like you, and as I read your encouraging messages, I really thank God for all of you and how you've been a blessing to me:)
The necessity of a near deadline calls me, but I simply wish for rest. and your company...
Friday, August 15, 2008
New Beginnings
First & foremost, let me say this: O-Week 2008 was awesome to the end's degree!!! =))) I really love all my OG mates. The "fresher" freshies (my new friends!) really brought the OG culture to a whole new level, and they're really nice people, too. Even though I had to miss certain sections of O-week due to other commitments, I really appreciate how you guys helped me assimilate back into the group and join in the fun when I returned even though I had missed like more than half the day (especially thanks to Amer for helping me find my way on sat when I returned after BB, and was running around campus like a headless chicken in the mid-day sun:p) As the song goes, "the love of Rasino will never end", so hope that we'll be friends 4ever! :D
P.S. yumcha yesterday was gre8t! enjoyed seeing all of you again ~
...lots of money$, Rasino, Let's Go!!!
At the end of special sem, I can only look back and (c'mon what am I talking about? it's 3 months made to sound like 3 years..) see lessons learnt that can help me as I start uni proper. Firstly, it's not about working hard but working smart, as the best effort channeled in the wrong direction will get nowhere (EG1413, 2008). Secondly, never trust that the lecturer will set the exam based on what he teaches, as he may expect you to consult reference though he mentions none (GEK2505, 2008). I can only thank God that I didn't do as badly for the latter as I thought I would. Thirdly, never assume that I alone am right especially in a group setting (EG1413, 2008), as assignment 2 speaks for itself. Forthly and finally, great friends in tutorials make life bearable (EG1413, 2008), as the laughter is a great way to dissolve the stress. Look forward to making many more:)
The first week of NUS life (after o-week) has been, well, interesting, and I'm still getting used to things that will be a constant feature of my time here, such as the shuttle-runs between LT11 and LT7A under the afternoon sun. Btw, please jio me for lectures if you can, ya? cos I spent 2 of them alone..*sob*
Btw, a big thank you to all (especially at church) who showed concern for me and my family during the recent bereavement a couple of weeks ago. Really thank God for you guys:)
I may not make it through the night, I won't go home without you..
P.S. yumcha yesterday was gre8t! enjoyed seeing all of you again ~
...lots of money$, Rasino, Let's Go!!!
At the end of special sem, I can only look back and (c'mon what am I talking about? it's 3 months made to sound like 3 years..) see lessons learnt that can help me as I start uni proper. Firstly, it's not about working hard but working smart, as the best effort channeled in the wrong direction will get nowhere (EG1413, 2008). Secondly, never trust that the lecturer will set the exam based on what he teaches, as he may expect you to consult reference though he mentions none (GEK2505, 2008). I can only thank God that I didn't do as badly for the latter as I thought I would. Thirdly, never assume that I alone am right especially in a group setting (EG1413, 2008), as assignment 2 speaks for itself. Forthly and finally, great friends in tutorials make life bearable (EG1413, 2008), as the laughter is a great way to dissolve the stress. Look forward to making many more:)
The first week of NUS life (after o-week) has been, well, interesting, and I'm still getting used to things that will be a constant feature of my time here, such as the shuttle-runs between LT11 and LT7A under the afternoon sun. Btw, please jio me for lectures if you can, ya? cos I spent 2 of them alone..*sob*
Btw, a big thank you to all (especially at church) who showed concern for me and my family during the recent bereavement a couple of weeks ago. Really thank God for you guys:)
I may not make it through the night, I won't go home without you..
Monday, June 30, 2008
The Falling Leaves...
I was walking by AS4 after class today, just for memories' sake. It took me awhile but I finally figured out where the 6th floor was. When I walked down the same corridor that we had been forced to back into that night in Arts Camp, and I saw the shape of the corridor and what was really there, I really felt like a total idiot for being so freaked out that night.
The corridor had a T-junction in the middle and an L-junction at the end, which is why we didn't see any red lights when we looked straight down the corridor. The toilet where we met the ghost (incidently, it was a female toilet) looked perfectly normal, but I couldn't go in for obvious reasons.
Ohwells, but the important part was that I learnt something about myself that night. (quoting from Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince) we fear darkness because we fear the unknown. I was so freaked out simply because I could not see, and I had let my imagination run wild. It may also be an accurate reflection on how I have been responding to my problems in life.
This reminded me of part of a poem that was printed on my school diary in primary school:
And He replied: "Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be better to you than a light and safer than a known way."
The corridor had a T-junction in the middle and an L-junction at the end, which is why we didn't see any red lights when we looked straight down the corridor. The toilet where we met the ghost (incidently, it was a female toilet) looked perfectly normal, but I couldn't go in for obvious reasons.
Ohwells, but the important part was that I learnt something about myself that night. (quoting from Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince) we fear darkness because we fear the unknown. I was so freaked out simply because I could not see, and I had let my imagination run wild. It may also be an accurate reflection on how I have been responding to my problems in life.
This reminded me of part of a poem that was printed on my school diary in primary school:
And He replied: "Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be better to you than a light and safer than a known way."
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Too FASS for You
Arts Camp '08 was awesome from beginning til end, and the only thing was that it ended too soon :( I still can't get the camp mood out of my mind, along with the nostalgia of remembering the wonderful people that I spent so many fun times with.
As I walked by NUS today on the way back from BB @ ACS(I), I saw the soccer fields and it brought back so many memories about the final war games that we had (the last official program excluding clubbing). I couldn't help but think about Julie's final talk with R-house before the air/sea strikes, where she made us all touch our hearts and asked what we felt, and although I knew what the expected answer was, I felt this really strong sense of warmth and friendship towards the people that I saw around me, especially my OG mates. It then came to me very strongly that I had enjoyed the camp because I had enjoyed the friends so much more than the activities themselves, and I really treasure that moment.
I was headed to KRGH to meet with my Mum & Dad, and the route I took there brought me through the central forum and the park, which brought back even more memories for me (the countless cheering sessions, mambo, mass dance, night games, walking back to SH with the group, the list goes on...) I know that I enjoyed you guys because I began to miss you all like crazy from the moment I arrived home.
On the last day (when I finally decided that I would pon class that morning, because I would not want to miss the last day of camp for anything in the world), I enjoyed it the most, because it was a culmination of everything that we had gone through (shouting ourselves dry despite not knowing each other well initially, running from place to place, playing all sorts of crazy games, talking, joking, being freaked out by ghosts in the 6th floor toilet, doing random stuff, splashing in the sea, late night suppers, mambo/mass/club dancing, getting wasted, and most of all to have done it all together as friends). As different people shared about the camp (and some got real emo), it really showed how much we treasure each other even though we've only known each other for like 5 days. I admit I almost lost it when they made us sing "if we hold on", and I have been feeling rather emo since last night after ben&jerrys.
I somehow felt different today due to all the emo-ness (not just because my throat is still killing me). When I was talking to my BB boys today after parade, I was trying as hard as possible to keep a natural tone and I had to actually tell myself "stop it, jon. control yourself. not here!" I can only forward to seeing you guys again soon!
As Arts Camp ends, come whatever,
We will still be friends forever
As I walked by NUS today on the way back from BB @ ACS(I), I saw the soccer fields and it brought back so many memories about the final war games that we had (the last official program excluding clubbing). I couldn't help but think about Julie's final talk with R-house before the air/sea strikes, where she made us all touch our hearts and asked what we felt, and although I knew what the expected answer was, I felt this really strong sense of warmth and friendship towards the people that I saw around me, especially my OG mates. It then came to me very strongly that I had enjoyed the camp because I had enjoyed the friends so much more than the activities themselves, and I really treasure that moment.
I was headed to KRGH to meet with my Mum & Dad, and the route I took there brought me through the central forum and the park, which brought back even more memories for me (the countless cheering sessions, mambo, mass dance, night games, walking back to SH with the group, the list goes on...) I know that I enjoyed you guys because I began to miss you all like crazy from the moment I arrived home.
On the last day (when I finally decided that I would pon class that morning, because I would not want to miss the last day of camp for anything in the world), I enjoyed it the most, because it was a culmination of everything that we had gone through (shouting ourselves dry despite not knowing each other well initially, running from place to place, playing all sorts of crazy games, talking, joking, being freaked out by ghosts in the 6th floor toilet, doing random stuff, splashing in the sea, late night suppers, mambo/mass/club dancing, getting wasted, and most of all to have done it all together as friends). As different people shared about the camp (and some got real emo), it really showed how much we treasure each other even though we've only known each other for like 5 days. I admit I almost lost it when they made us sing "if we hold on", and I have been feeling rather emo since last night after ben&jerrys.
I somehow felt different today due to all the emo-ness (not just because my throat is still killing me). When I was talking to my BB boys today after parade, I was trying as hard as possible to keep a natural tone and I had to actually tell myself "stop it, jon. control yourself. not here!" I can only forward to seeing you guys again soon!
As Arts Camp ends, come whatever,
We will still be friends forever
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
give me one moment in time..
Had chances to meet up with people lately (fun!), and it is then that I realise how much I missed them. Of late, certain issues have been haunting me and I wish that they would all just go away and leave me alone :(
On friday, i met up with Oliver, Charles, Nic Chen and the BB Y3s for Kung Fu Panda @ GV Vivo. (omg, it was so good I would watch it again if I had the chance. anyone wants?;) It was sort of a post LTC celebration, and it was great to see them again. Lunched at food republic (the food there is heavily overpriced), then they still had the room for McDonalds (arrghhh!) so we headed in that direction where i managed to abstain (thankfully!), and play around with Yuguraj (glad he's not going away yet). Then I made my biggest mistake of taking 61 from Vivo, which is a horrible way to go home from there. In the end, I just got off and cabbed home.
I was supposed to meet Jason and Nic Tan for lunch at City Hall on sunday, but I got the date wrong and went there on saturday (a full 24 hours early), so train-ed back to NUS and worked on random stuff in the library until it was time for YAF. The next day, rushed to city hall immediately after church, but I was still late in meeting them, so I asked them to go to the place first (which was at Grand Plaza Parkroyal, great food but overpriced). It was great catching up with them, and hearing how things are back in Army (and with all the changes that have taken place, I can only thank God that I'm out xD) We went to tcc @ funan after that where we ended up until ~5pm. (btw, don't ever order the ice blended seseme crap, cos it tastes horrible)
Lunched with Oliver and Joel yesterday at FIsh & Co Park Mall, where we talked about a lot of stuff, especially our ministry in BB (i call it soul care). That reminds me, BB Cares is coming up again soon, and there is much to be done at all levels. (btw, that place is a great for meeting people in the afternoon cos it's not crowded, and the glass walls allow you to watch the world go by.)
Had youth sunday prac on monday and tuesday (which was arranged rather last-minute cos of everyone's schedule), and the final one's going to be on saturday, so pray that all goes well and we learn to work better together.
Ok, I need to finish up my first uni assignment (first impressions!), lest I end up submitting crap tomorrow.
On friday, i met up with Oliver, Charles, Nic Chen and the BB Y3s for Kung Fu Panda @ GV Vivo. (omg, it was so good I would watch it again if I had the chance. anyone wants?;) It was sort of a post LTC celebration, and it was great to see them again. Lunched at food republic (the food there is heavily overpriced), then they still had the room for McDonalds (arrghhh!
I was supposed to meet Jason and Nic Tan for lunch at City Hall on sunday, but I got the date wrong and went there on saturday (a full 24 hours early), so train-ed back to NUS and worked on random stuff in the library until it was time for YAF. The next day, rushed to city hall immediately after church, but I was still late in meeting them, so I asked them to go to the place first (which was at Grand Plaza Parkroyal, great food but overpriced). It was great catching up with them, and hearing how things are back in Army (and with all the changes that have taken place, I can only thank God that I'm out xD) We went to tcc @ funan after that where we ended up until ~5pm. (btw, don't ever order the ice blended seseme crap, cos it tastes horrible)
Lunched with Oliver and Joel yesterday at FIsh & Co Park Mall, where we talked about a lot of stuff, especially our ministry in BB (i call it soul care). That reminds me, BB Cares is coming up again soon, and there is much to be done at all levels. (btw, that place is a great for meeting people in the afternoon cos it's not crowded, and the glass walls allow you to watch the world go by.)
Had youth sunday prac on monday and tuesday (which was arranged rather last-minute cos of everyone's schedule), and the final one's going to be on saturday, so pray that all goes well and we learn to work better together.
Ok, I need to finish up my first uni assignment (first impressions!), lest I end up submitting crap tomorrow.
Monday, May 26, 2008
My Estacy
This place is so dead, that I half want to dump this and start again at a new site. Guess I've been too busy with everything (i.e. family, friends, BB, church, myself, slack time) that I never made time to post anything. That's why I'm quite surprised that you still know that this place exists (yes, YOU!)
Ok, now let me attempt to give an update of some of the more interesting things that are happening in my life.
Thursday, 220508
Today was Dad's birthday:) yay! He's reaching the big 60 in the same year that I'm reaching 21 (but I still consider myself a teen, and will always be one). But he still had to work today..bleah.. Anyway, we celebrated with him at Mandarin Oriental's melt cafe in the evening, which really had the biggest collection of food that I had seen in years (ok, maybe not, but it was huuuuge anyway) Wishing him many more years of God's goodness, and looking forward to celebrating his 90th! by which time, I'll have to come to terms with the fact that I'm no longer a teen D:
Friday, 230508
One of the more fun days that I've had in a while (and I need many more). Went swimming in the morning, but I got rather lazy after around 30 laps, so I went to slack in the indoor jacuzzi (which is super fun when the place is empty. you can actually float around in it, and simply stare at the ceiling) I headed to nus after that where I failed to get any work done at the library...bleah again. Then, I had to rush to queensway sc to get some coloured maps photocopied for the ubin trip the next day. To cut a long story short, the quality and price and waiting time were all way above my expectations, but I got what I needed in the end which was just fine.
I went back to school (btw, if I ever mention school, I'm always referring to ACS(I)) on 197 cos I didn't want to wait for 33, but the back gate facing AYE was locked, and some smart fella had blocked up the drain access behind the gate, so I had no choice but to walk all around the school to the front gate. (btw, it sucks when it's in the middle of the day and the heat is killing). It turned out that today was PTM, and only the Y6s had school. Finally settled in the BB room, and did what I needed to before settling down to study (which I did manage to do! yay!)
After people started leaving and the room became almost empty again, I decided to make a move to. Only after leaving then I realised my next activity was at church in the evening. ohwells, I went to church anyway and gate-crashed celine's worship rehearsal. Before I knew it, evening came around and it was time for bowling! Dinner at the food centre (actually I just watched others eat, cos I wasn't that hungry), then over to the rec centre nearby. All the bowling lanes were like completely taken up, so we went to play pool instead. Pool is a super addictive game, and I didn't want to stop even when bowling was available. btw, liyan, miin and hansheng were gre8t company!
I sort of felt a sense of dread thinking about waking up early for ubin the next day..(shhh..)
Saturday, 240508
Waking up today was surprisingly easy. Although dragging myself out of the house proved a little more challenging. Had admin briefing first thing in the morning, then the Y1s marked their attendance with COS/DY COS for the first time (but their turnout today was like..bleah) I don't remember much about the trip there, cos I was worrying a little about how it would turnout, given that we were behind time. The boat ride was what had me fully awake, cos the sea air was awesomeness. Anyway, we walked and walked...(to cut a long story short) and it passed faster than I expected. The return journey to school was longer cos the pie was jammed. I hung around in school for awhile before going to the club to wash up and meet parents. The next day was sunday, and I was supposed to do pa for service (i think i need a break from that soon!)
Ok, that's as much as I can manage for now.
Study jchan!!! study!!!!
Ok, now let me attempt to give an update of some of the more interesting things that are happening in my life.
Thursday, 220508
Today was Dad's birthday:) yay! He's reaching the big 60 in the same year that I'm reaching 21 (but I still consider myself a teen, and will always be one). But he still had to work today..bleah.. Anyway, we celebrated with him at Mandarin Oriental's melt cafe in the evening, which really had the biggest collection of food that I had seen in years (ok, maybe not, but it was huuuuge anyway) Wishing him many more years of God's goodness, and looking forward to celebrating his 90th! by which time, I'll have to come to terms with the fact that I'm no longer a teen D:
Friday, 230508
One of the more fun days that I've had in a while (and I need many more). Went swimming in the morning, but I got rather lazy after around 30 laps, so I went to slack in the indoor jacuzzi (which is super fun when the place is empty. you can actually float around in it, and simply stare at the ceiling) I headed to nus after that where I failed to get any work done at the library...bleah again. Then, I had to rush to queensway sc to get some coloured maps photocopied for the ubin trip the next day. To cut a long story short, the quality and price and waiting time were all way above my expectations, but I got what I needed in the end which was just fine.
I went back to school (btw, if I ever mention school, I'm always referring to ACS(I)) on 197 cos I didn't want to wait for 33, but the back gate facing AYE was locked, and some smart fella had blocked up the drain access behind the gate, so I had no choice but to walk all around the school to the front gate. (btw, it sucks when it's in the middle of the day and the heat is killing). It turned out that today was PTM, and only the Y6s had school. Finally settled in the BB room, and did what I needed to before settling down to study (which I did manage to do! yay!)
After people started leaving and the room became almost empty again, I decided to make a move to. Only after leaving then I realised my next activity was at church in the evening. ohwells, I went to church anyway and gate-crashed celine's worship rehearsal. Before I knew it, evening came around and it was time for bowling! Dinner at the food centre (actually I just watched others eat, cos I wasn't that hungry), then over to the rec centre nearby. All the bowling lanes were like completely taken up, so we went to play pool instead. Pool is a super addictive game, and I didn't want to stop even when bowling was available. btw, liyan, miin and hansheng were gre8t company!
I sort of felt a sense of dread thinking about waking up early for ubin the next day..(shhh..)
Saturday, 240508
Waking up today was surprisingly easy. Although dragging myself out of the house proved a little more challenging. Had admin briefing first thing in the morning, then the Y1s marked their attendance with COS/DY COS for the first time (but their turnout today was like..bleah) I don't remember much about the trip there, cos I was worrying a little about how it would turnout, given that we were behind time. The boat ride was what had me fully awake, cos the sea air was awesomeness. Anyway, we walked and walked...(to cut a long story short) and it passed faster than I expected. The return journey to school was longer cos the pie was jammed. I hung around in school for awhile before going to the club to wash up and meet parents. The next day was sunday, and I was supposed to do pa for service (i think i need a break from that soon!)
Ok, that's as much as I can manage for now.
Study jchan!!! study!!!!
Friday, April 25, 2008
I Hate It All
Life is a BITCH!!!
I feel like jumping off a cliff.. (don't worry, it's just another emo comment)
I feel like jumping off a cliff.. (don't worry, it's just another emo comment)
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Random Post
I have a new-found respect for people who are good in diving (as in the swimming pool kind). I know it's totally random, but let me explain just how.
Due to my recent inactivity, I decided to go swimming at the nearby vancouver aquatic center at false creek this morning, thinking it would be either empty or at the very least have fewer people there. I was really unprepared for the packed pool that awaited me, with about 3-4 people sharing a lane. The lanes are such that if you stopped halfway, the people behind you would catch up with you and you would feel like you're blocking their way. After I did my laps, I decided to get out to avoid the human congestion, and the nearest (ok fine, the only) empty pool around was the dive tank.
I was bobbing around aimlessly at first, then I looked at the springboards and thought "why don't I give it a try?" After all, I used to watch people doing it on TV, and it looks pretty do-able. That's when I discovered that it is much, much harder than it looks. I'm no pro, so I didn't target anything fancy, just a plain simple vertical entry.
The first thing you notice about a spring board is that it starts oscillating from the moment you walk on it, and you have to make an effort to keep your balance. The second thing you notice (ok, maybe that's just me) is that the board's oscillations do not necessarily co-operate with you, and you have to make sure that you choose the right instant to get maximum lift, or you will just flop. Then there is the problem of not knowing when you are vertical in the air (this is without stunts). If you are truly vertical, you should not be able to see anything in front, but before you can make sure that your positioning is ok, the water comes at you with a sudden crash. (gravity waits for no man) It is then that you get your answer:
If you were vertical: the sudden change in depth pressure makes your ears explode in pain, and you hasten to get back to the surface. I only managed this twice out of dunno how many times, and even then I couldn't keep the splash down.
If you flopped: there will be a huge splash, and you feel like you fell face down on the pavement, but you won't end up very deep
I can't imagine how the pros do all their fancy stuff in competitions and still cut the water like a knife. ~ respect. Maybe I can try to learn it when I've got fewer commitments...one day.
Due to my recent inactivity, I decided to go swimming at the nearby vancouver aquatic center at false creek this morning, thinking it would be either empty or at the very least have fewer people there. I was really unprepared for the packed pool that awaited me, with about 3-4 people sharing a lane. The lanes are such that if you stopped halfway, the people behind you would catch up with you and you would feel like you're blocking their way. After I did my laps, I decided to get out to avoid the human congestion, and the nearest (ok fine, the only) empty pool around was the dive tank.
I was bobbing around aimlessly at first, then I looked at the springboards and thought "why don't I give it a try?" After all, I used to watch people doing it on TV, and it looks pretty do-able. That's when I discovered that it is much, much harder than it looks. I'm no pro, so I didn't target anything fancy, just a plain simple vertical entry.
The first thing you notice about a spring board is that it starts oscillating from the moment you walk on it, and you have to make an effort to keep your balance. The second thing you notice (ok, maybe that's just me) is that the board's oscillations do not necessarily co-operate with you, and you have to make sure that you choose the right instant to get maximum lift, or you will just flop. Then there is the problem of not knowing when you are vertical in the air (this is without stunts). If you are truly vertical, you should not be able to see anything in front, but before you can make sure that your positioning is ok, the water comes at you with a sudden crash. (gravity waits for no man) It is then that you get your answer:
If you were vertical: the sudden change in depth pressure makes your ears explode in pain, and you hasten to get back to the surface. I only managed this twice out of dunno how many times, and even then I couldn't keep the splash down.
If you flopped: there will be a huge splash, and you feel like you fell face down on the pavement, but you won't end up very deep
I can't imagine how the pros do all their fancy stuff in competitions and still cut the water like a knife. ~ respect. Maybe I can try to learn it when I've got fewer commitments...one day.
Holiday Post
Whoa...looking at the date of my last post, I can see how I've been neglecting this place. No wonder no one comes here anymore.
I'm currently on the longest overseas holiday that I've had in a long time, from 29 Mar to 21 Apr (that's like ~3.5 weeks) My Dad's brought my family on a long tour of the U.S., and it the journey was:
San Francisco --> Montery --> Yosemite National Park --> Las Vegas --> Grand Canyon --> Flagstaff --> Phoenix --> Vancouver
It's been a really fun trip so far, and I'm loving every moment of it, except putting on weight due to inactivity.I'm currently in Vancouver, and will be there until this Saturday. I must go running more often...
I'm currently on the longest overseas holiday that I've had in a long time, from 29 Mar to 21 Apr (that's like ~3.5 weeks) My Dad's brought my family on a long tour of the U.S., and it the journey was:
San Francisco --> Montery --> Yosemite National Park --> Las Vegas --> Grand Canyon --> Flagstaff --> Phoenix --> Vancouver
It's been a really fun trip so far, and I'm loving every moment of it, except putting on weight due to inactivity.I'm currently in Vancouver, and will be there until this Saturday. I must go running more often...
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Overwhelmed...(& stressed)
I just came back from dinner with Charles and Nic, where we talked about BB stuff. (Well, the title says it all.) In summary, I believe God has called me to serve in BB for a reason, and He allowed me to go through 9 years as a boy & 1+ years as a TO to prepare me for the OIC role that he has given me this year. As Charles told me earlier, the difference between the role of an OIC and that of a TO is very great. There is just so much to do (calling the boys, home visitations, planning parade, CE program, prayer), and I sometimes wonder how the other OICs cope. I hardly know the boys well enough at this stage (oops, confession time), but yet these are the boys that God has given me to be reach out to, to care for, to pray for and to be accountable for. I have much to learn as He has much to teach me.
Now I can't sleep, so I'm starting to plan for the Year 1 CE program for the parade on 16 Feb.
I can't do this without you, Lord. Teach me to depend on You.
Now I can't sleep, so I'm starting to plan for the Year 1 CE program for the parade on 16 Feb.
I can't do this without you, Lord. Teach me to depend on You.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Reviving My Dead Blog
I finally decided that i'm going to bring this place back to life (though I doubt if anyone actually reads it now). Much has happened since I last posted, the most significant of which being that I'm now 1 month+ away from freedom.
As I recount God's faithfulness over the past year, I'm also excited about what's going to happen in the coming year. In addition to uni term starting soon, my ministry areas for 2008 include youth ministry & worship at church, and I got the Year 1 OIC post at BB(i know, you aren't the first to be shocked at the news) My schedule is going to be really packed, so I decided that I won't stay in a hall in uni, because I know that I can't study when others are having fun (who can?).
I'm also slowly learning how to improve on handling relationships with people (i used to be apprehensive about making phone calls and talking to people whom I didn't know that well, but ever since I joined BB, i have made up to 40 within the span of a couple of days) In Army, I learnt to accept the fact that I can't please everyone in the world, and I'm willing to let people who simply want to be angry for no reason be.
I just finished a really long and tiring weekend (only saturday, actually.) Firstly, had BB on saturday morning. It was the Year 1s' first parade, and I was doing worship with Nic Chen & Ben Sim. The Year 1s are quite a bubbly lot this year, and I hope that I'll get to know all of them better soon:) Followed by that, rushed down to church to rehearse for MTM worship with Bennett, then there was pre-MTM prayer time (before which I realised I forgot to type the slides for worship. horrors. thankfully, Celine came to my rescue) I felt MTM didn't go too badly (in my opinion at least) It was my first time doing worship team equipping, and the topic we chose was on helping worship leaders to prepare and lead worship. There was much laughter all round:) I only realised how tired I was when I went hope, and I collapsed straight onto the bed and almost didn't hear my phone ringing even though it was right next to me.
Another week is here. To work (again)
As I recount God's faithfulness over the past year, I'm also excited about what's going to happen in the coming year. In addition to uni term starting soon, my ministry areas for 2008 include youth ministry & worship at church, and I got the Year 1 OIC post at BB(i know, you aren't the first to be shocked at the news) My schedule is going to be really packed, so I decided that I won't stay in a hall in uni, because I know that I can't study when others are having fun (who can?).
I'm also slowly learning how to improve on handling relationships with people (i used to be apprehensive about making phone calls and talking to people whom I didn't know that well, but ever since I joined BB, i have made up to 40 within the span of a couple of days) In Army, I learnt to accept the fact that I can't please everyone in the world, and I'm willing to let people who simply want to be angry for no reason be.
I just finished a really long and tiring weekend (only saturday, actually.) Firstly, had BB on saturday morning. It was the Year 1s' first parade, and I was doing worship with Nic Chen & Ben Sim. The Year 1s are quite a bubbly lot this year, and I hope that I'll get to know all of them better soon:) Followed by that, rushed down to church to rehearse for MTM worship with Bennett, then there was pre-MTM prayer time (before which I realised I forgot to type the slides for worship. horrors. thankfully, Celine came to my rescue) I felt MTM didn't go too badly (in my opinion at least) It was my first time doing worship team equipping, and the topic we chose was on helping worship leaders to prepare and lead worship. There was much laughter all round:) I only realised how tired I was when I went hope, and I collapsed straight onto the bed and almost didn't hear my phone ringing even though it was right next to me.
Another week is here. To work (again)