Saturday, August 09, 2014
Happy 49th Birthday to my beloved country!This year's NDP almost brought a tear to my eye, it was quite beautiful.
I was glad traditional NDP were used more often in this year's performance. They were remixes but I don't mind. Full versions wouldn't have fit well with the timings of the performance anyway.
I found my mind synchronizing with the rhythm of the performance from my TV screen, mouthing the words of the songs.
Reminiscing about the last year's NDP, I was really touched once again to see my country reaffirm their belief to stay united. Oh and thank you NSFs for putting in so much time and effort. Some might call it a waste of time but I firmly believe that it was great honour to have participated in the annual NDP. It was a truly memorable experience!
Also, in a day's time, I'll be starting my studies for Semester 1 of my uni life. After such a long slew of university camps, hall bonding sessions, rag and flag activities, I have no idea how to pick up from where I left off in JC. This plus almost 2 years of mind numbing activities serving NS.
I'm sure this will be the predicament for many guys, but i'm sure we are tenacious enough to overcome this mental hurdle.
As a new chapter approaches for both my country and myself, let's both take a leap into a future of uncertainties and continue in an ever quest for adventure and growth!
signing off.
Call Of The Wild at 10:19 PM
Saturday, July 12, 2014
Hazard OG Hoseh Bo
NUS UNION CAMP WAS AWESOME!I know its been 2 days since camp ended but i'm getting camp withdrawal symptoms.
Oh well, we all have to go back to the mundane life eventually.
My OG Hazard, you guys were an awesome bunch to befriend.
I knew that we would release our inner beasts during the camp.
I knew that my lupsup-ness will break all awkwardness.
I knew that my last warning face would make you all want to spank my face.
But i never knew you guys were that wild!
We were so awesome, we totally owned beach games.
You guys had your own unique stories to tell too... very much interesting stories (wink wink*)
Also, you guys really can drink O.O
I loved how we tried our best at the games.
I really enjoyed all those late night suppers and chats that last into the wee hours of the morning.
It was my pleasure to be acquainted with you, my OG.
Hope to meet you guys around in NUS, gather us to eat meals or visit cafes together.
Simply just wave your hand when we meet, I'll whistle back ;)
credits to sarita, avery and huixing for the pics
Call Of The Wild at 8:04 PM
Monday, June 16, 2014
Monday Blues?
It's a Monday and I have Monday blues. Do you have Monday blues too? Well, this song ought to cheer us up!Video's a bit trippy, but the colours and walking flowers..... @.@
So far I'm quite content, working part time every day, earning some allowance to treat myself to food.
Very seldom, I can't help but feel unmotivated doing my work. Is it the long hours? Nope.
The heavy work involved? Nope. The grumpy customers? Nope.
It just struck me out of the blue, just like today. It was a fleeting feeling, it stayed on me for half an hour and it went away on its own. Could it be that the energetic YA is losing his steam? Am I getting, (gasp) older and grumpier? Is Mr Blues poking me in the back with his walking cane of despair?
I tend to think a lot on my own when I work ( because the work is mundane and mindless). Could it be a culmination of a feeling of helplessness from future uncertainties? Could it be the point of uncertainty, where i'm lost between a state of bliss and a power beyond my own? Could it be the lack of running due to my sprained ankle? (running is my drug haha) Or could it just be that my vacation is less than 2 weeks away and i'm just feeling lazy.
Me thinks its the latter.
I whistled Mr Blue Sky and the blues got dispelled and unveiled over me like a cloak.
I WANT MY HOLIDAY!
signing off.
Call Of The Wild at 8:08 PM
Friday, June 06, 2014
RHEX RAWR RAWR RAWR
Call Of The Wild at 12:13 AM
Sunday, June 01, 2014
My first Sundown Marathon
I am proud to say that I have accomplished a life goal today
And inflicted upon myself terrible abrasion and aches along the way
A MARATHON! That's what I've done
A full one! Not a half-standard one
At start, i was much excited
Much people running with me, feeling delighted
I was breezing through the first 3 clicks
Then I took a tumble, it made me weak
A kind soul helped me upon my feet
He asked if I needed to have a seat
I replied that I'm alright, I'm fine
Plus a great thank you, along that line
Determined to complete this race
I decided that giving up was not the case
It hurt to continue at first
The knees and arm, stings the worst
But the pain kept me awake and sane
as I kept running in my lane
Past the CBD, the concrete jungle
We enter the Gardens By the Bay with a rumble
I could run perfectly fine now
The pain has subsided, toned down
Through the shrubbery we glide past
Along East Coast Park, we ran fast
The sound of waves crashing in the dim moonlight
It gave some of us the will to keep up the fight
Although some appreciated a slight downpour that came
My wounds stung even more, so I didn't feel the same
Muscle ache was the norm after 21km, it suddenly set in
It cramped all the way from my thighs to my shin
I met an uncle along the way
Running with him really made my day
His 5th one, he currently was taking part
He says that running long distance was some kind of art
Telling me about mental strength and tenacity
We ran together till 30km, almost back to the city
Alas the haunting pain from my abrasion was unbearable
It made my running terrible
I settled for a slower pace
The uncle, he continued running like an ace
Walking made the distance longer in my mind
It made each distance marker really hard to find
I alternated between walk and jog
Each of my legs felt like a log
As we approached the highway back to the city
Most of us felt really gritty
An unending highway stretch makes us all timid
This is the real test of mental limit
34, 35, 36, 37, 38
Four more kilometers till we reach the end gate!
The last 2 clicks, i gave it my all
I didn't even stumble or fall
My second wind, I need
It really propelled me, it did
Past the finish line, a crowd was cheering
It was an emotional roller coaster, upon clearing.
I'm really glad I went all the way to finish this marathon. I could have given up halfway but that is unlike me, even though I've considered that thought while I was running. The pain in the second half was something I've experienced like no other. The combination of cramps, abrasion and mental fatigue really takes a toll on my psyche. Each kilometer seemed even longer than before. Several times I questioned my decision to run a marathon and each time my resolve to complete this goal was strengthened. This was my very first marathon, plus it was overnight, so the fatigue I felt really hit me like a brick wall. (laughs) Well I guess that's a first for me too. I did my best, I guess my timing was average too (not bad huh!) but I can't check it up since its not available on their website yet. Once again, I'm really glad that I was tenacious enough to pull through, that my resolve was strong enough. Thank you kind soul, who pulled me to my feet when I fell and showing concern to me. Thank you dear uncle, who pulled me through the 30km mark and thank you Nicklaus & Ant, who stumbled around trying to find a Macs after the race, where we bought breakfast and gobbled down voraciously.
It's been a great Sundown!
Call Of The Wild at 9:03 PM
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Just Relax
Just getting into the mood for my planned holiday!I'm getting excited just thinking of going overseas, thinking of the sun, sand and waves caressing my skin sends a tingle down my spine.
It took a few weeks of planning as well as a chunk of my savings but heck, why not enjoy a lil' bit before I start University life right?
Life's pretty mundane for me so far, so i'm looking forward to the excitement ahead! 5-6 weeks more and counting down.
I've also been listening to music from Best Coast, Angus & Julia Stone as well as Bloc Party. I turn my ipod on and slowly doze off in the late afternoon to their tunes.
"We've got the ocean, got the babes, got the Sun, we've got the waves..."
signing off.
Call Of The Wild at 5:20 PM
Saturday, May 03, 2014
Current life and times
Its been such a hiatus but here I am once more, typing out my very much eventful life!So far, I've been enjoying my days working in a supermarket. Work there sure is strenuous and I have much admiration for the elder staff. I can't help but think that this place I've been working at has become integrated in the lifestyle of many Singaporeans. Simply because it provides so much convenience and service at one location. This place we call a supermarket is a place we modern "hunters & gatherers" source our food from.
I've also given my Granny some money. It's significant to me because this is the first time i'm contributing out of my own hard earned salary as a token of filial piety. I felt really emotional when I presented it to her and in teochew tradition, we tell her to "chiak kueh" or eat kueh( a chinese cake or nonya delicacy). I felt that this was another defining moment of my transition to adulthood, of being able to contribute to your family financially. Granny has taken care of me throughout my childhood and she very humbly refused my token when I first gave her, saying it will be better to spend it for myself. She accepted it gratefully after much persuasion and I could tell she was really touched. I have since done so twice, once every month and each time I feel that I've made her really happy and I'm glad too.
My JC cliche has been planning an overseas trip too. One last trip to truly enjoy before we actually start studies. It will mainly be a trip with us guys because the girls have much commitments. Date has been set, we just need to plan the itinerary and plane tickets. I'll be visiting a country I've visited more than any I've gone to!
I'm currently on 2 books, one which I've read. The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom certainly is interesting, by using a being of a higher power to explain time and how it has benefited as well as cursed humans. We try to make time our own but we cannot have more or less of it. A life without an end makes every moment of that life meaningless.
The book i'm reading is The God Argument by A.C Grayling. So there, look at the irony. I really enjoy both books very much and it was worth the buy.
signing off.
Call Of The Wild at 4:28 PM