Oh Man

Time seems to flying so fast, as Pre Camp is just 2 weeks away, and Arts Camp itself is less than a month away. So little time, so much to do. Not too long ago someone asked me, if it is really that hard to plan a camp, and why is it I am feeling so stressed up at times. After giving it a thought, he is right in some ways. It is not hard, or should I say it can be chosen to be not that difficult. I can just get people to do everything, ensure everyone is doing their job, make sure everything is flowing smoothly, and full stop. But nah, thats not how the way I go about doing things. Even if it means a much easier and relaxing job for me, no way will I go towards that direction. It would definitely result in a big disaster.

There is just so many things in my mind now. I kind of declared a mini break today, trying to take my mind off Arts Camp for just a while. But I just couldn't. The e-mails, calls and smses started coming in early in the morning, and then naturally I started thinking and worrying about all the possible problems again. Haha, oh well. Eventually, I decided to do something which would keep me busy in other aspects, packing and cleaning up my room, something which was due for a very long time already. Great to have a spick and span room now. Not sure how this 'cleaness' will last though.

* And the phone rings again. Haha, this time its rabbit.

Ok back to this blog. Some other random thoughts. It has been about 5 days since I got my much anticipated results, and somehow, it has not sunk into me yet. I am feeling rather happy, but yet, theres another side of me which doesn't know how to react. Guess it still comes as a shock to me. That day I heard Reuben talking to the rag guys about exams and results, and I must really agree with him. In NUS, 3 factors affect whether one does well or badly. Studying (definitely still needed), playing around with the system, and of course, luck. I would say I managed to understand the system better after a bad experience last semester, and managed to turn in to my favour this semester. And of course, lady luck also shone on me. Don't really the know the results of many around me, but overall from what I have heard so far, I am glad that many people have done much better than last semester. As for those who did not, fret not, as we still have quite a way to go. And for those who still think that doing badly in the first year means your doomed, you were exactly like me last semester, but Reuben said something which made me feel much better, so hope this helps. Do not think that doing badly in Semester 1 means your cap will be low forever, because if you think about it, if you move the results from Semester 1 to the last semester in year 3 or 4, it will be exactly the same. In other words, its not the end of the world, and there is definitely much hope!

Oh, to you know who, thanks for your assuring words yesterday. It definitely did help. And to those in my comm who have been working your butts off, a really big thanks. I just cannot describe how grateful I am for all that is done in this crucial period. Off to dinner ...

A Blog Speaks a Million Words

Just read something, and am left real disappointed and angered. They say that a picture speaks a thousand words, but in the context of today's new media era, a blog speaks more than a thousand words, it reveals aspects of a person never revealed in an offline context. I must say I was left awed at how rude and insulting those comments were. All I can say is, one should learn to look at things from a broader perspective. If you can only see things from your own perspective, and start assuming that things are as how you think they are, it is then as good as just living in a world of your own. As yes, even though what was written were just some words, the impact and impression it has left will stay, a testimony of the power of blogs in today's world.

Finally

Couldn't really sleep last night, tossing and turning, waking up, going back to sleep, waking up again. Eventually, I gave up and turned on the TV trying to waste my time away. All of these for the release of my results at 9am. Still remembered at this same moment last semester I was feeling the exact same way. Just that last year, my dad noticed my strange behaviour and eagerly anticipated my results with me. Eventually, when I logged in, my heart sank. Eventhough mum and dad said my results were quite good and they were happy with it, deep down I knew that I could definitely have done better.

Fortunately this time, I got a more decent surprise. Then again, human nature always means people wants more, and I would say I am disappointed with one of my module. I think the final paper screwed it up, so all the more I will try to avoid high percentage final papers next semester. Then again, I think I am kinda avoiding the unavoidable. Thank goodness being a CNM major makes it more possible.

Phew ... ...

Mid Holidays Blues

Well, stayed up to watch the Champions League final, as Liverpool battled out with AC Milan. Kind of reminds me about the final 2 years back, when I was still in OCS. It was also Liverpool vs AC Milan. I actually heard about Liverpool's amazing fightback while falling in for first parade from my platoon mate, and apparently he had watched the match from a small screen portable tv he brought to camp. Real die hard fan who was willing to risk the whole platoon doing pushups in the middle of the night if he was to be caught, haha. His favourite Liverpool did win though, and I guess his risk was well worth it.

But it was not to be this year. Althought I must say the result was unjust, as Liverpool were clearly the better side tonight. But oh well, that is soccer, or maybe, that is life. Come to think of it, soccer is just like studying. You can play so well for the game, the competition or even the whole season, but just at the crucial moment, you falter and fail to score, your chance is gone, and all your hard work goes down the drain. Same for studying. You can do well the whole semester, be extremely hardworking, but if you falter during the examinations, all that is left is perhaps praying for the best. Why the mention of exams? Well results is in about 2 days time. This is usually the period where I get kind of anxious. As much as how others keep saying, it is over, and there is no use worrying about it, it is just a fact that results always keeps people feeling all gritty and nervy. Please please, give me some decent results this semester.

Was reading some of my friend's blogs, and actually shared some of the same sentiments with them. I too am starting to feel a little tired out about the upcoming projects. I really think we were amazing and magnicient, the way we pulled through the last few months. And I think we have to be, to get through the next few too. But notice how I used the words 'pull through'. Ideally, these should not be the words to be used, but the sad fact is, I think they may just be the most appropriate words.

I felt that the past few months and events should have acted as a gradual build up of our spirits and motivation towards the upcoming projects, but somehow or rather, it turned out to be otherwise. It took a little too much from everyone and instead resulted in a vanishing decrecendo of energy. I was told before by many that this will be a crucial period for me. But then again, I think I need not wait for this crucial period. I have more or less known what is best for me, I hope.

Just a month from Arts Camp. Time is flying too fast!

My Holidays So Far

*Wipes off the cobwebs and dust*

Yes yes, I know, it has been real long since I blogged. In fact, I was tempted to even find some animated gif spiders with spinning cobwebs to put on my blog. Well, currently in the midst of my holidays, and it is basically revolving around my girlfriend, arts camp and playing games.

Well, with regards to arts camp, as the date is drawing near, more and more problems are starting to surface. Of course, problems are more or less inevitable, but when you are really faced with it, it can somehow get real vexing and somehow just tires you out. And I also realised that by doing arts camp, its not just a test to what I can do or achieve, but more of realising what weaknesses I really have, and how I can overcome them through the whole arts camp process. Well, really really hope that all will turn out well.

Ok, after not blogging for so long, I guess I shall not blog that much about unhappy stuff. I will move on to something more happy, and something which has been taking up most of my time this holidays, Tales of Pirates. Yup, its a game I just picked up, from Lionel, Reuben and Edward. I must say this game is a real nice MMORPG, ever since Diablo 2. Diablo 2 is one of all time favourite games, and I was quite sad that Blizzard had decided to stop any plans for expansion or continuation of Diablo. But fortunately, Tales of Pirates is somewhat similar to that of Diablo, and I am really enjoying it. I must say that I am quite impressed by the graphics, and it has some sort of a quest and storyline which gives the game play abit more direction, as compared to a very repetative Diablo 2. I guess what really attracts me to these games is that you can create an avatar, and build up on it. The more you play, the higher your level, the higher your 'status'. And this makes people want to continue playing because they have something to build up on, and attaining a higher level and 'status' not only makes one's avatar stronger, but also makes one feel better about his achievements. Ok I shall not go on any further if not it will start to sound like a psychology to new media lecture.

Another full day in school tomorrow. Hopefully we can get some sign ups or interest for arts camp. And dang, there is no leak of results this year. Guess I just have to wait for another week then. Sigh.

Phantom of the Opera

Went to watch the Phantom of the Opera, and it was great! I was really amazed at all their backdrops and settings, as it was real realistic and nice. And the singing was great too, especially the Phantom himself. My gf and I really liked his voice, as it was really unique, as compared to the rest. Furthermore, having been in the choir before, I had always wanted to see how the Esplanade theatre looked like inside but never really got a chance. All I have experienced was the old Victoria Concert Hall. And it turned out that the theatre was real majestic and nice. Quite cool also how the orchestra and sound system were hidden below the stage with the conductor being able to control both the cast above the stage and the orchestra below. Oh and thankfully, I purchased the $120 tickets, as any lesser and I would have been way up the theatre looking at the ant size cast. Well, the Phantom of the Opera songs are constantly been repeated in my head now.

Oh, and just saw soccernet just now. Oh man, Man Utd actually lost 3-0. Although I am not a Man Utd fan, I am rather disappointed, as I have always enjoyed the way Man Utd have played this season. Unfortunately, the treble hopes are gone. I always thought that having an EPL club winning a treble would be quite cool. And in just one week, both Man Utd and Chelsea's dreams have been shattered. Think they would both now be battling hard for a double. The pressure is on Chelsea though, as not winning the FA Cup would leave them with only a Carling Cup! Amazing how just last week there looking at a Quadruple, and now to this. Hero to Zero. And as for my favourite Blackburn, the same old story. A top half of the table finish. Well, I was never hoping for any better though, just hope they can continue to improve.

Well, was speaking to Joshua, and we were saying how it felt like exams actually ended months ago. Haha, having ended exams a week earlier just feels so good. One week of extra break, and boy did I really enjoy and relax. Just feels so strange that some of my friends around me are still sitting for their papers. Well, but the freedom has ended, as planning for FOP starts. Lets have Six!