Oranje Squash-ed

I came into Euro 08 feeling all neutral about it, as England didn't qualify. Not that I was a big fan of the three lions, but its just that I am a big fan of the English Premier League. But of course, I so had to select a favourites among the rest of the teams, and it was Netherlands I chose.

So first game, 3-0 against world champs Italy, then 4-1 against former double winners France, and 2-0 against highly rated underdogs Romania. But who would think that they would actually fall to Russia. Watched the game last night, and they were totally dispirited and self destructive. Before the tournament, I was skeptical about the likes of Bhoularouz and Ooijer in defence, as neither are consistent players. But they proved to be rock walls against the French. But for last night, the rocks eroded to sand.

Somehow or rather, I felt that the Dutch were just too used to always taking the lead, and being in comfortable positions. So when they went behind last night, no one was perking the team up, no one showed extra courage and spirit, not even coach Van Basten. He for one looked the most down and out. And even when they got their equaliser, you could sense the relief in their faces, but you somehow knew that was the last goal they were ever gonna get in Euro. And so, I was proven right. The Russians outclassed them, made direct non-fancy dashes into the box, and got their two deserved winning goals.

Me being me, I shall again apply this lesson in soccer to life. I know of people who have done execeptionally well in their life, only to fall into a bottomless pit as soon as a setback hits them. All of a sudden, from the strongest to the weakest. Thats why I always believe that the strongest are never those who are always doing well, but those who have done well after setbacks. Case in point? Turkey's route to the semis. No one can discredit them. And if you ask me, based on courage, character and determination, the Euro title should go to them already.

Getting used to work, and really enjoying the great company at work. Arts Camp is tomorrow, and its just amazing how a year has gone by just like that. Things have been looking good, and I sincerely hope it stays that way. The o-comm has done so much already, but I'm sure they would understand that as much as how much work has been put into the last 5 months of preparation, it all boils down to the next 5 days. I've taken a more back seat role this time, with the advices and website. Nothing much, but perhaps the least I could do for a project which meant so much to me. A year back, I cried rather uncontrollably on the last day. Something I would never imagine myself doing ever again in front of so many people. But to be honest, I myself didn't really know if it was tears of joy, or relief, or simply juz because my dearest committee members were crying. I guess it was everything mixed into the cauldron of emotions of mine.

All the best Arts Camp 08 committee. Be proud of yourselves!

Philosophy from Yours Truly

The un-creative and un-abstract me came up with a couple of philosophical phrases to share some really important life lessons I learnt.


" I'd rather you fail by being yourself, than to fail in being yourself "

I posted this phrase in one my entries before, and I'm reproducing it again as testimony to how meaningful this phrase really is. Moral of the phrase: Be your true self.


" It should never be what's the best, but what you want, coz that's the best "

This phrase I sums up one great life lesson I learnt from 2 seperate encounters in a week. One from an e-mail exchange with my head of department, and another, from an internship session. Have been considering much of my future in the past few days, only to realise that I have perhaps been taking the wrong approach and mindset all along. I seem to be a little too practical at times, making judgements only from a surface level. Moral of the phrase: Passion and your beliefs from deep within is the key. Only you can see and feel it, no one else.

Randomness

Blogging frequency has been at an all time low, I guess it's because of work. It's not that I'm very busy at work or anything, but its just that I'm perhaps still not used to spending most of my hours a day at office. Makes me think twice before complaining about school.

Went to collect my CUHK offer package, and that means more forms and more procedures. And I so really need a canto crash course.

Didn't get to watch much of Euro due to matches at the wee hours, but am glad that I still got to watch some really good matches. My prediction? Netherlands. Go Oranje!

With the Lions' loss to the Saudis, its game over. Many people seem to criticise Singapore's defeat to the Uzebeks after being mauled 3-7, but for me, I applaud the Lions. I never believed that 2010 was ever possible, but one has to admit that their brave showing during this journey shines some hope for 2014.

SAF deaths. The recent passing of two 20 year old servicemen is tragic. The aftermath of this incident has sparked unhappiness and concerns amongst the public. Fingers are being pointed at safety regulations and training procedures. I for one have had a first hand experience at regulations and procedures on tekong, and I look at the finger pointings as baseless and unnecessary. I have seen people commenting about how ruthless the army is to push the recruits just 5 days after enlistment. I have seen how people have commented that no safety precautions were taken. So untrue. The irony of it all, safety standards as compared the olden days is at least ten fold, but deaths as compared to the olden days? More.

And to those who keep saying how those 2 years are worthless, well its kinda reflects your own personal take on life. No doubt I am also complaining about those 2 years placing us behind our female peers, the choice was for us to make the best out of those 2 years. I'm sure I did, so if any blame is to assigned, start with yourself.

I am in currently in a dilema, which could see me forgo my bonus semester exemption as a diploma holder. What lies ahead?

Kungfu Panda

I really wonder how come its rated as only 3.5 stars. I absolutely loved the show. My gf and I have been waiting for this show for a while already, and so we finally got to watch it today. I laughed from the first minute to the last. Critics have said that it was good, just that the storyline was a little common and ordinary. But I felt it was better than ordinary and somewhat good, as it brought the story and characters out very well. Of course most parts were more or less predictable, but you can't expect twist, turns and mysteries in light hearted animations can you.

I used to always credit disney and pixar for their wonderful animations, only to realise I generalised it a little and forgot about Dreamworks. They're up there with the best too.

Hong Kong Here I Come

Finally received the acceptance letter from CUHK this evening. Josh received his too. After lots of paperwork and months of waiting, the confirmation has finally arrived!!

I wouldn't say I am like super overjoyed about it, as I guess the long waiting kinda took some of the excitement out of it. But nonetheless, now that its confirmed, I'm thrilled and anxious about this rare opportunity. At the start of the last semester, apart from wanting to survive the semester, I set targets on going beyond just surviving the normal school semester. I set sights on an internship experience, and of course, an overseas exchange experience. I've gotten my internship, and now, SEP! One final thing which I am still crossing my fingers for, which would cap off a very fine academic year 07/08 for me.

Although with this confirmation, I just realised some pros and cons. I realised that:-

• I wouldn't have to sit for an NUS exam for almost 10 months!
• I would actually be an honours student in my next NUS academic semester! Thats fast!
• I would need a crash course to learn canto.
• There are more forms to fill up, together with the hassle of module mapping.
• I will not be able to take an important core NM module, which may hinder my option of doing a thesis, which I may look to do if I really do end up in the civil sector

Oh well, I'll work out the cons. The important thing now, Hong Kong!!!!

Farewell Sparky

For those who have read the title and are wondering if my dog died or something, no. I don't have a dog.

Sparky is the nickname for Blackburn Rover's manager Mark Hughes, and he has left Blackburn Rovers for Manchester City. It's sad news, as Hughes has done remarkably well over the past few seasons, most notibly for his shrewd purchases. He somehow gets the best bargains in town. Although we missed europe last season, and look to be lingering around the 6th position for the seasons to come, I fear his departure may see Blackburn flopping again like the old days. As much as I am already so used to the many defeats and inconsistent performances put up by the team, dropping from a top table team to a bottom table team will be so saddening. I'm crossing my fingers that Blackburn can bring in a good and reputable manager in the next few days, and I'm hoping none of the current crop of players leave because of this. It's worrying though because it seems that Sparky brought along his assistances to Man City too. I'm still wondering why he wanted to leave. Oh well.

Went back to school today, and its nice to meet up with the Arts Club peeps again. As I was tied down with my new internship lifestyle, I kinda missed out on a few meetings and FOP happenings. I can only see the pictures of filmings and happenings from facebook, and sometimes I just wished I could join them. As much as how tiring FOP preparations can get, it is always kind of enjoyable simply because of the bunch of people working with you.

And for those of you who are still unaware of how unfair the world can be, lemme put it this way. The two variables, hard work and outcome. I wouldn't say its no correlation, but simply a very low correlation, positive or negative. Sometime's its just like that. Don't ask me why, I can't explain it too. I am stating this from self experience and observation.