Wow, it's been almost a year since I started blogging. Cos for the past 12 months, I've organised a few workshops, took part in the Singapore River Regatta, undergone a minor surgery, got a few new classes, made many new friends, etc. so there was hardly any time left to write. Instead of writing for the sake of writing, I've decided to write only when there's an urge to translate my thoughts into words, to express my opinions, to write something I feel strongly about, or inspired by an act, thing or person. It's the beginning of 2009 so I hope to pick up a new skill. I haven't thought about it but I want to be reasonably good at it. This reminds me of Malcolm Gladwell's book "Outliers", that 10,000 hours of effort, hard work and persistence can create success. Umm, practice makes perfect. Although the above pic is nowhere near 10,000 hours but it's definitely many many hours of sheer determination and exercise. Let's see what happens after a few months later.
It's been 3 days after the New Year break. I’ve come across at least 20 people asking me “so how’s your Chinese New Year?” I supposed that’s the most normal way to start a conversation during this festive season.
Day 1 - we were expecting our relatives to visit us. Mum had a hectic morning. She was busy preparing her ever famous century porridge – the main attraction. At about 3 pm, no less than 40 relatives crammed into our 3-room HDB flat. Of course I was only looking forward to ang pow time. Strangely nobody raised the question about marriage anymore. In fact, they were asking “Wah, how come u always not around during CNY? We almost couldn’t recognize u liao!” Mum cooked 3 big pots of porridge but within an hour, the porridge was no where to be seen. Told u she’s a good cook.
Day 2 - it’s our turn to pay our relatives a visit. All our relatives gathered at my uncle’s place called Cote de Azur, next to Parkway Parade. It’s the kind of condo which someday I hoped to live in. Though my uncle and his wife have been staying there for 2 years, it was my first visit. His wife told me “u should make a point to keep in touch with your relatives at least during CNY.” What she said make sense, otherwise we may become too distant and alienated. After that, she went on to tell me that they are getting a penthouse across the street next year. Wow! From what I understand, they have been moving every 2-3 years, each time bigger and better.
Day 3 - I watched this French movie “The Diving Bell & the Butterfly.” It’s about Elle France editor Jean-Dominique Bauby, at the age of 43, suffered a stroke that paralyzed his entire body, except his left eye. Using that eye to blink out his memoir, Bauby eloquently described the aspects of his interior world, from the psychological torment of being trapped inside his body to his imagined stories from lands he'd only visited in his mind. The most wonderful part that remains with you after the movie is the sense of humor with which Jean sees this world. He remains light hearted at times and thinks hilarious comments even in the most painful state of his being. Powerful & amazing!
Day 4 - it’s time to hit the gym after I stuffed myself with so much food and goodies. It was the 2nd visit cos on day 3, I did work out at the gym. However, I felt that it wasn’t enough so I targeted other parts of the muscle groups. Then it was off to the pool for a tan. My gym buddy wanted to catch Jack Neo’s “Ah Long”. Though not particularly fantastic, I was quite entertained and some parts were really creative and hilarious. In the evening, I met up with my db teammates at St James for a night out of fun. We drink, gyrate and dance until about 3 am!
I took this pic after my gym session. Looks like I'm still quite alrite.
I heard this song at least 3 times this week. Kinda like it. "Young Folks" by Peter, Bjorn & John
That year I went to Indonesia. Last year during the same time I went to Malaysia. The past few years I kept thinking of ways and means to flee the festive season. I’m talking about the Lunar New Year. The time when unattached singles run away from their relatives to save any embarrassment from the long-standing subject matter -“When are you getting hitched?” “Are you not tired of receiving ang pows from us?” Few years ago, I probably would be mortified to face this issue. This year I told myself I’m going to stay home, play host and tackle whatever questions graciously.
My grandpa has 3 wives and they left behind hordes of offspring. Imagine the number of cousins I have. I can’t even recognize them if I meet them on the street let alone remembering their names. On the first day of New Year, all my relatives will congregate at my place. All the ang pow money from my uncles and aunties will come in handy for the rising cab fares, increased movie ticket prices, increase in almost everything except the pay. I’m glad I don’t drive coz now you have to pay (the gantry) in order to return to your humble abode. Doesn't matter the din or ruckus they create in my house, just SHOW ME THE ANG POWS!
I’m also looking forward to my mum’s cuisine on the eve of lunar New Year – the reunion dinner. She’s a culinary expert and easily whips up ingenious dishes befitting the occasion. Umm, yummy! Although we have like 4 days of celebration, it’s not exactly a break for me. I foresee myself preparing quotations and writing proposals to submit immediately after the New Year. So by then I’ll be expecting more work. But I’m not complaining.
I first heard Bryan Adams sang this song in 1985. I like it instantly. Then DJ Sammy and Yanou did a cover in 2002 and revived the song. It became a hit. Now a linedance choreographer has created a dance to DJ Sammy and Yanou candlelight mix version. This song reminds me many things - my younger days, about finding true love (still searching), the long and arduous road to success, etc. It’s just a song but it evokes feelings of melancholy, joy and the ups and downs in life.
Today’s the 9th day of 2008. 356 days to 2009. A week has passed. I remembered during my younger days, I used to have many resolutions like travelling to exotic destinations, becoming lean and toned, learning a new skill, etc. Some take weeks, other take months and may even take years to accomplish them. As one age, I’m less keen in making resolutions. If I feel like doing something, I’ll just do it any day and any time.
So much thoughts in my head but just could not organize them into words. Any juicy news about my dragonboat teammates would not appear here cos they visit this blog more than their dentists. I didn’t want to write just for the sake of writing. Maybe I’m not in the mood yet. Had a few casual dates but nothing happened. Usually the beginning of the year would be filled with upcoming projects and new classes but this time around it seems a little quiet. A few friends began manifesting strange behaviours like they’ve been abducted by aliens. Another appeared unusually silent like she has reached the maturity stage of an incurable disease. Figuratively of course! The year did not start off well as I wanted. I’m not feeling happy neither am I depressed. It’s just little doses of mild frustration. Hope the situation would improve over the next few weeks. Well, I still have my daily rendezvous at coffee joints, vicarious experience at the cinemas and maintaining cardiovascular fitness on Sundays.
As the year draws to a close, my mind feels light. This is the time of the year when most of my projects have wrapped up. This is the time of the year when we celebrate, shop and eat to our hearts’ content. There haven’t been many sunny days lately but I’m not complaining. In fact, I kind of enjoy the cool weather. It’s nice and warm to take pleasure in sipping coffee and observe the rain. I also get to don and flaunt my insulated apparel which has been hibernating in the wardrobe during hot sunny days.
Although Christmas is still a few days away, I’ve already received plenty of gifts. Most of the presents came from my classes and a few from friends who are special. This month is also the time I get invited to many luncheon and dinner. One that made it memorable was a meal that cost $1,000! The food taste extremely good and every dish melts in the mouth. More invitations on the way. Looks like I’ve to work extra hard in the gym. I had the honour of being invited as a special guest to attend a concert performed by intellectually disabled persons. They performed simple song and dance routines but they spent months of practices and rehearsals to remember the sequence and steps. I was impressed and moved by their performances. It definitely brought back a lot of memories when I was a volunteer with MINDS. On Saturday, I was asked to help out in a Christmas line dance party for aunties. These aunties made an effort to dress to the nines, gyrate and groove to the music, play outrageous games and did pole dancing! Certainly not the type of party you would expect in any company’s D & D.
The following day, I was representing my team to do a symbolic row for the 5 dragonboaters at Bedok Reservoir. The various schools, clubs and organizations formed 5 boats to signify our lost comrades. The national team led the 5 boats in a single file to the starting point. At the starting point, the national team row ahead with the 5 boats behind rowing at the same rate. Towards the last 50 m, the 5 boats charged to the finishing point. When the boats returned to the pontoon, each individual boat was garlanded to mark the infusion of new life into the sport. The memorial row was a poignant moment. At the end of the ceremony, the boats were asked to splash water at one another to revive the spirit of the sport. We were all damp but the mood was transformed to one of exultation. It’s time to let go and move on!
"Once upon a December" - a song that I enjoy dancing to it especially during this time of the year.
I don't know any of the 5 dragon boaters who lost their lives in Cambodia. But I felt sad when I read the papers. My heart sank when I followed the news on TV. My eyes got teary when I looked at some of their blogs. They were young, talented and had so much to do in their lives. I emphatised with their families, teammates and friends who are going through a very difficult time. Like them, I'm also in the dragon boat fratenity. I know what is it like to be in a team. I know that everyone on a team is linked together like a family. They may be gone but their passion and spirit live on. I've learnt to cherish life, treasure and value the people around me..............
Gotta move? Yes! I reckon that since we are physiologically structured with 206 bones and more than 600 muscles, we might as well use them as much as we could. Everyday I spend about 5 to 8 hours kicking, jumping, dancing, talking, etc. On weekends, it’s gym and row. Movies and coffee are my other favs especially in the company of good friends. Most people see me as an introvert – reclusive and diffident. However, once the music is turned on, you’ll see me unleashing loads of zest, gusto and energy in front of the class!
