Underneath the Stars.

Friday, May 23, 2008

The sweetness after the bitterness

10:59 PM

LOL... I guess most of you must be thinking about the cheesy title I set up, but it does give you the nostalgic feeling dosen't it... like when your primary school teachers nag at you on it... hahas! The good 'ole times eh? But actually I wasn't about to indulge in that too much... rather I just wanted to talk about the PLTC that I had just attended and of course the fun we just had today...
Actually during the night before PLTC, my mind was washed with horrid scenes of the notorious PLTC, about how the seniors torture you, well obviously that came true, but not as worse xD (but the exaggeration=.=) But anyways, throughout the days, we had lectures after physical challenging obstacles that made us want to sleep! After that, even in the night, we had fire drill, therefore we were also stretched mentally, and most of us have not even retreive our needed sleep after the camp. But that aside, it was 100% tough, mentally and physically challenging, however on the second day, a bit of 'luxurious indulgence' did happen when we get to play games, which were indeed unique. First of all, there was the self reliance training, where we had to force ourselves through these tyres and there after, in the next part of the course, we had to swing like wild monkeys across tyres to finish half of the 'race'. Then, came the most exciting part, we had to climb up this sort of rope ladder, then go down a slide!! A real water slide in the middle of camp! (woots! it sure was a surprise) but most of us who were wearing white, were soon forced to join brown house after we splashed into the waters, but who cares?! We had fun, which matters, considering after the mentally challenging days.

Then later came the sweetness of graduation. (I guess I did skip a lot of the painful bits, but the bottom line is that we did had a lot of pressure before arriving on the 'heavenly' third day). Actually the third day passed rather fast, right after our torturous morning, we were rewarded with our certificate! The one we have been putting and slaving our guts out in order to get. It was rather worth it I must say, considering the joyous and exciting times we had. Although the weight balance still tilts towards the 'pain' side, I believe most of us were excitedly happy once we got our certs! We immediately jumped for joy, and many of us quickly leaved the campsite... It does seem like a fairytale, dosen't it... we eventually survived and forced our way through... hahas!

Okay... enough of that ba... The next event actually was today at TJC, where a few of us (actually 12) went to MardiGras to see a funfair and see how the leaders plan the programme. It was seriously an eye-opener... considering the amazing school spirit they have, in organizing such a big event! Actually MardiGras is a carnival, that TJC planned. It invovled a whole school effort, so I believe they were really joyous when they pulled it off. At first, when a few of us went, (this included... Lyndon, She-ler, Brigette Ho, Carina, Hafizah, Farhanah and me) it was rather calm, but of course many were already in their funky costumes... but it was shocking when we saw like pirates, mexicans... and many more dressed up in order to liven up the spirit! This totally elevated the atmosphere when the carnival actually started. Many people were already screaming their heads off, when they saw their friends on stage or in the parade. But before the carnival started, we were rudely 'awoken' (in a good way, like a surprise) when Harley Davidson motorbikes came storming in onto the school track!! Then we saw many of the decorations, which hinted that they did indeed spend a lot of money. I must say I was really impressed, since many people had to cooperate in order to carry out the event successfully.

So... once the carnival kicked off with the parade, the spirit really liven up with music filling the air, people screaming, the fresh cool breeze blowing and the MC trying to get everyone's attention. Thereafter, the spirit never died out throughout the carnival, not even once. Everyone was having a great time, popping in and out of the many mini-events going around the school. There were drama performances, rock bands, wu shu displays, singing and many more, all showcasing the special talents their students have. It was really a great way since the venues really blend in with the performances too, enhancing its speciality. By the way, cause they had many activities going on at once, many of us could not attend and view all the performances, yet however, it provided a great variety to suit the likes of the visitors. Then on the way, the others came!! Hurrah! *Spirit up!* (Btw they were: Changfeng, Waqiu, Brigette Ong, Amira and Jessica) Anyways, we literally spent our time snaking through the crowd to take in the ambience and performances which TJC had oozing out through the carnival. And even their MCs also are so natural that they can talk and play with you even on stage! Its like their scripts are not even useful! But in a way, it was good, showing that every single person participating and displaying an event, were suited well for it. Literally, I believe many of the others were probably mesmerized (maybe not so exaggerating, but almost there!! xD) Thereafter, we met Mr Liu that reviewed all of the views we had, so we could learn more from our outward exposure at the carnival.

I guess now that I have been praising their school, I seem like I am crazy about them... Actually I am, but of course in the terms that they can organize things very well, to cooperate. However of course we do not know how much work they did. (I bet a lot! They probably had to plan for a few months to come up with something that could have been carried out so flawlessly) But oh wells, I guess the terms still stand, that the sweetness after the bitterness is always the better choice, be it being in school, or in the harsh outside world. I guess now I have to go and thank my teacher for saying that, even if it was cheesy!!

*P.S. Sry I can't upload any photos.. cuz they turn out on the top rather than on the bottom which i had planned it to be... lols so sry!*

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Present toughness..

6:05 PM

Staring into the blankness of the skies, I watched as blur images of what happened the past few days... Ever since the present obstacle for the examinations came, it was always so harsh for many 'victims' who did put in the effort to study. Well, of course some aced it with ease (as usual), while others are left still trying to fly (including me). I guess the massive killer for this round is still Social Studies... (may not affects all, but I guess for me it did) It seriously left some great damaging impacts for myself, but I guess I did what I could. (although regretting some of the incomplete steps I did.. ARGH! xD) But for now, I am just crouching on my chair, thinking of the past events... The joy, the sorrow and of course nonetheless, the pain.

Actually, I must say I as moved to write this post, due to the reason of the coming examination stress, and the final unveiling of those RESULTS... As usual, many of us move with heavy steps towards the teacher, wishing to score great marks for the effort we put in, when our names are called. It was a decent process, but our mind thwarted our feelings. Instead, it became a harsh and mind-blowing process. I guess it was tough but well its life aint it?

Just today, I saw many people crying over their results, it was not because they had scored well or bad, but just that they did not meet their expectations. It was certainly shocking to relieve this new feeling, not that it was bad, but rather it was a new mixture of emotions. It was like a blast of cold air that taunted me that my 'O' levels are coming up just next year! Its almost like you have to prepare for something that you yourself detest to attend.

As they say 'rise to the competition', I still wonder if I can up the notch on this. Considering seeing the hurtful aftershocks of the exams, I really feel that I might end up dead DURING the exams. I mean its seriously unerving. But I guess we have to do our best (: Stay up for the game!

Now looking towards what my life has in prepared for me, the camp that I am having this Saturday, the 'sardine-packed' holidays and the new 'football match' for me, I guess the games in life are just starting aren't they?

Saturday, May 3, 2008

Looking at the past

2:57 PM

I figured that I am seriously mad by going against one taboo i set ( not to on the computer during exam period ). And looking back I realise that HEY! i have looking at blogs since the exams started!! ( But to be truthful i did nt really care )

I was looking at all the old blogs and primary school pictures and stuff, realising how much I have actually experienced. Still feeling nostalgic though, 'peering into my old classroom of 6H...' , or perhaps dreaming about the mindchamps courses and figured that I have left a lot of things behind. Now transitioning towards Secondary School and handling brand new tasks, it all seems like a dream... a dream I want to hold on.

Dreaming about my primary school (Nanyang Primary)... about the times we were seriously crazy about origami, folding cranes when the Mr Lee was not looking or passing messages during chinese classes maybe even racing down to the canteen in order to cut the queue or bringing 5 - 6 chicken pies into class to mug during recesses nearing exam time... It all seems boring then, a truth that we wanted to break out of. Or perhaps plainly just to enjoy what we deemed worthy as 'freedom'.

Now as I walk back towards that classroom, towards the past when we enjoyed together, I saw the wonderous times where we forged so may friendships. I still remember when our school hosted the 'Nanyang Idol' where there were four P6's singing the Black Eyed Peas song ( Where is the love... I think this was the song ) and I sworn I would want to be like them... Even the times where we had fun during the Lunar Festival that we competed and ran around the school compound and getting freaked out at shadowed areas of the school... Hahas... It does seem like it was from yesterday when we were about 120cm tall, getting our parents angry for the fun of it... It does seem like that pleasant dream where we all want to fall back in, in order to satisfy our cravings for the past...

Thinking about my primary school teachers was also one of the highlights i guess... dreaming of how they lead us to the guiding light!! Ms Chan, Mrs May Yeo, Mr Lee our three main teachers then of 6H'05!! I seriously do remember them... Mrs Yeo OWNED in English... she was actually like Mdm Tang, promising that if we do what we were told we would get As (and we did!! hooray!!) Ms Chan was more of a passionate person, enticing students with gifts and she did a lot for us giving us numerous test papers for the PSLE for math and science... Mr Lee our form teacher and Chinese teacher also did a lot... caring for us and decorated our class too !! They were seriously great just that... most of them left the primary school already to go to China T_T

Looking back at around a year ago... I was attending MindChamps lessons, feeling furious as the course robbed me of my whole Sunday every week without fail (for half a year!!) However on the contrary when the course was at its end... our whole class was dreading to leave. I still remember when we had to give 20 hugs before we could leave!! To be truthful, I thought it was rather dumb... I mean hugging to leave a course? Must as well walk out of that open door!! (right?? the door was like WIDE open!!) But geez... really craving for hugs from the class I was dedicated to, with our instructor, Sheryl! OMG she seriously rocks! She brought our feelings to the positive side no matter what... even sharing some of her past with us how we should treasure them... and I believe I feel the same now!! Btw... the song that is in my blog was played during one of the MindChamps talks... where we had to reach back and find our true road to lead... ( sounds cheesy but it seriously is memorable... I still remember where almost all the boys during the talk wanted to be pilots!! ) I also remember where we were mugging for the final test... and surprisingly we all got above 90... with Claudia getting 99 (gosh!! hahas). But it was really worthwhile mugging... eating from styrofoam boxes sitting outside shops ( at times... during talks X) )... or perhaps even the simple thing like playing games!!

In Secondary 1, I also craved for the times where all of us were strangers to the next person and all the akward times trying to get attention! Hahas! Even sharing and having a class chalet at the end of the year!! It was not the best but it was memorable as well... Thereafter at Sec 2... we performed for Teachers Day!! Not the whole class was on stage... Most of us were actually on the aisle at the third floor (supposedly jumping out and screaming HAPPY TEACHER'S DAY!! but it was screwed ... o wells... it was worthwhile, considering the time we bonded!!)

As I was sitting down at my bed thinking of the past... It does bring back good memories... The akward times... the joyous times... the memorable times... the 'emo' times... even the seemingly dumb times... when the thought suddenly dawned to me... It was not our future that frightens us, on the contrary, it was our past. Our past being the most fufilling to everyone young and old is the one that means the most to all. Once that has been taken, people are only like a bag of bones... (seemingly). Now cheering or regretting about what I have not done, I realise another chapter of my life. One that must be taken in stride, where we can enjoy the most out of it, so when we look back, we would enjoy and treasure it still. As what Sheryl said, "It need not be the best, as long as you have fun, it is worth it".

And I totally agree with that (: