Chanced upon this drama (Ohitorisama) last night on mysoju. It is still currently airing in Japan so the full series isn't up yet. I think that was my very first time visiting mysoju this semester (I've been good). And gosh...it has been a few months since I visited the website and there are so many new dramas and movies. haha.
Watching the first few episodes last night was really a great stress reliever.
And here is the opening theme song - Let me hear your voice (with eng subs) by Big Bang
Ashley is in town!
Ashley is in town! I can't believe it. Feels so surreal. It has been like 8 years. Gosh...it sure has been a really long time. Michelle and Calvin came along as well. And I haven't seen Michelle in the last 8 years as well. Was great catching up with them. Laughed over events that happened when we were in primary school and all those jokes. You guys really made my day!
Headed to the Flyer after dinner. And it only cost $10 for students for a ride on the Flyer. Previously, I took the Flyer with my family during evening time. This time round, it was at night. And it was indeed beautiful.
Part of the F1 race tracks and the Benjamin Sheares Bridge. Haha...to me...Benjamin Sheares Bridge is one of the landmarks that marks the end of the demarcated zone for a 1 star kayaker and one that I flout most of the time.
Watching the road networks from above was breathtaking.
I like the ride on the Flyer and since it cost only $10...I wouldn't mind going for it again! Ok...maybe after the exams.
Esplanade! And we headed to Max Brenner for desserts.
I really love the desserts over there! Really makes me a happy person. :)
And we headed up to the rooftop of the Esplanade. Speaking of which...there is this really cool bar over there - Orgo. Makes mental note to check out that place in future.
And the Christmas lighting is up!
Photo taken by Ashley. I really enjoyed myself last night. Thank you so much! Wished that you were not leaving so soon. And you guys make me want to go to Melbourne! :)
Headed to the Flyer after dinner. And it only cost $10 for students for a ride on the Flyer. Previously, I took the Flyer with my family during evening time. This time round, it was at night. And it was indeed beautiful.
Part of the F1 race tracks and the Benjamin Sheares Bridge. Haha...to me...Benjamin Sheares Bridge is one of the landmarks that marks the end of the demarcated zone for a 1 star kayaker and one that I flout most of the time.
Watching the road networks from above was breathtaking.
I like the ride on the Flyer and since it cost only $10...I wouldn't mind going for it again! Ok...maybe after the exams.
Esplanade! And we headed to Max Brenner for desserts.
I really love the desserts over there! Really makes me a happy person. :)
And we headed up to the rooftop of the Esplanade. Speaking of which...there is this really cool bar over there - Orgo. Makes mental note to check out that place in future.
And the Christmas lighting is up!
Photo taken by Ashley. I really enjoyed myself last night. Thank you so much! Wished that you were not leaving so soon. And you guys make me want to go to Melbourne! :)
Photos update!
Photos!
Kayaking Expedition (photos taken by Tricia)
Briefing prior to the expedition - route, expedition details, diamond shape formation etc. After seeing the map of the route that we were taking...I was staring at the board and the reality of 20km finally sunk into me.
Prior to launching off. Final instructions. It was my first time taking a slalom.
Destination - Punggol. Stop for a lunch break and a nice soak in the sea.
Our achievement for those who are recording it for their log book. I'm longing to start my log book.
The photos for this expedition were posted on fb. It was really nice of her to post it up. Really learnt a lot from this expedition. Oh...and I was wondering whether I should get a waterproof camera?
Kayaking Expedition (photos taken by Tricia)
Briefing prior to the expedition - route, expedition details, diamond shape formation etc. After seeing the map of the route that we were taking...I was staring at the board and the reality of 20km finally sunk into me.
Prior to launching off. Final instructions. It was my first time taking a slalom.
Destination - Punggol. Stop for a lunch break and a nice soak in the sea.
Our achievement for those who are recording it for their log book. I'm longing to start my log book.
The photos for this expedition were posted on fb. It was really nice of her to post it up. Really learnt a lot from this expedition. Oh...and I was wondering whether I should get a waterproof camera?
The 'C' word
The 'C' word. To others, it may seem to be one or more of the following - cash, credit card, condo, car etc. But to me...it is just one dreaded word - Cancer.
I don't think I can forget that day when the doctor told me that there is this really very slim chance that the lump on my wrist could be cancerous. Even so, tears swelled up my eyes. Think I scared the doctor and he went on telling me that it is really very slim chance and that I shouldn't worry too much about it. And how liberating it felt when the doctor told me that it wasn't cancerous after the scan. That was a close shave.
About a week ago, I was talking to a kid on msn. And all of a sudden, she asked how would I feel if I knew people of my age being diagnosis with cancer. For quite a while, I stared at the screen and looking at that question. I didn't know what to answer her. Part of me didn't want me to tell her everything that I knew. She was 14 years old. For a while, I wanted to protect her...that she is too young to know about the painful truth about cancer. Then another thought came to mind...that I was 15 years old when I learnt about Ms Peh's condition. I didn't know what to say to her. We continued the conversation. Then all of a sudden, she told me that a friend of ours (who is around my age) has recently been diagnosis with cancer. It came too sudden. I didn't know how to react. I sat there and told myself...No...it can't be...please...No. It pains me to learn about the news.
It had no doubt scared me. Teachers, relatives, prof, neighbour, parents of friends, friend. Just too many people being diagnosis with cancer. Quite a few have lost their life. No doubt after putting up a strong fight. I salute all of them for being so brave and courageous in the fight.
It made me realise how fortunate I am, treasure my life and how important it is to stay healthy now.
"It's not how many years you put into your life that matters. It is how much life you put into your years that matters!"
I don't think I can forget that day when the doctor told me that there is this really very slim chance that the lump on my wrist could be cancerous. Even so, tears swelled up my eyes. Think I scared the doctor and he went on telling me that it is really very slim chance and that I shouldn't worry too much about it. And how liberating it felt when the doctor told me that it wasn't cancerous after the scan. That was a close shave.
About a week ago, I was talking to a kid on msn. And all of a sudden, she asked how would I feel if I knew people of my age being diagnosis with cancer. For quite a while, I stared at the screen and looking at that question. I didn't know what to answer her. Part of me didn't want me to tell her everything that I knew. She was 14 years old. For a while, I wanted to protect her...that she is too young to know about the painful truth about cancer. Then another thought came to mind...that I was 15 years old when I learnt about Ms Peh's condition. I didn't know what to say to her. We continued the conversation. Then all of a sudden, she told me that a friend of ours (who is around my age) has recently been diagnosis with cancer. It came too sudden. I didn't know how to react. I sat there and told myself...No...it can't be...please...No. It pains me to learn about the news.
It had no doubt scared me. Teachers, relatives, prof, neighbour, parents of friends, friend. Just too many people being diagnosis with cancer. Quite a few have lost their life. No doubt after putting up a strong fight. I salute all of them for being so brave and courageous in the fight.
It made me realise how fortunate I am, treasure my life and how important it is to stay healthy now.
"It's not how many years you put into your life that matters. It is how much life you put into your years that matters!"
A Simple Act
Sometimes, all it takes is just a simple act of kindness.
On Tuesday, I had my usual GIS tutorial before my ALK lesson. And there was an in-class written assignment for ALK. However, my GIS tutorial ended later than the stipulated time. Way beyond the class had ended, I was still trying my best to work through the tutorial and doing last minute saving what I have done in my thumbdrive to work on it later. I ran to my ALK class...yes...I literally ran. I didn't think much and ran as fast as I could. As I ran passed another ALK tutorial, I stole a look through the windows and saw everyone burried in their work. At that moment, I told myself to enter my class as quietly as possible so that I wouldn't disturb the rest.
To my surprise, when I entered the room, the entire class was waiting for me! I was 15 minutes late and they were waiting for me! I couldn't believe it. My prof gave me a couple of minutes to catch my breath before starting the test. I was really grateful. It turns out that my prof asked the class if they were willing to wait for me to show up as I'm not usually late. And Ashirah had been texting+calling my hp to check if I was coming to class. After the test, I went up to the prof to thank him.
All I know that I'm really grateful. So many events had happened within a week. And I was nearly driven to madness. So many emotions at one go...it will drive anyone crazy. And such a simple act by the class really made my day. Everyone in the class had no idea how much this meant to me.
It doesn't matter if I didn't scored an A for that test. But I left the class feeling more 'human' than I entered.
On Tuesday, I had my usual GIS tutorial before my ALK lesson. And there was an in-class written assignment for ALK. However, my GIS tutorial ended later than the stipulated time. Way beyond the class had ended, I was still trying my best to work through the tutorial and doing last minute saving what I have done in my thumbdrive to work on it later. I ran to my ALK class...yes...I literally ran. I didn't think much and ran as fast as I could. As I ran passed another ALK tutorial, I stole a look through the windows and saw everyone burried in their work. At that moment, I told myself to enter my class as quietly as possible so that I wouldn't disturb the rest.
To my surprise, when I entered the room, the entire class was waiting for me! I was 15 minutes late and they were waiting for me! I couldn't believe it. My prof gave me a couple of minutes to catch my breath before starting the test. I was really grateful. It turns out that my prof asked the class if they were willing to wait for me to show up as I'm not usually late. And Ashirah had been texting+calling my hp to check if I was coming to class. After the test, I went up to the prof to thank him.
All I know that I'm really grateful. So many events had happened within a week. And I was nearly driven to madness. So many emotions at one go...it will drive anyone crazy. And such a simple act by the class really made my day. Everyone in the class had no idea how much this meant to me.
It doesn't matter if I didn't scored an A for that test. But I left the class feeling more 'human' than I entered.
I love my school
I love my school.
It feels great lying on the grass and looking upwards.
It feels as though time has momentarily stopped.
It feels so peaceful.
Stop and smell the flowers.
First Kayaking Expedition
Came back from my first kayaking expedition. One can say that I was insane to go for such a kayaking expedition. As I'm only a recent 1 star kayaking holder and never been on any kayaking expedition before, going for a 20km kayaking expedition was most probably a crazy decision ever. The furthest that I have previously kayak in a single day is most probably a couple of km in a rather sheltered area. So this kayaking expedition is like 10 times the distance and intensity. Almost everyone else is at least a 2 Stars and above with experience in kayaking expedition. Some even have 4-5 Stars. I was seriously very impressed.
The expedition started off at Changi Beach. There was a briefing and we collected the necessary equipment before heading off. Feels very different kayaking at Changi Beach. It is sea water. There are waves, wind conditions and sea traffic to take note of.
Before we head off, I was feeling a little quesy. After seeing the map of the route that we are taking, it finally dawn upon me that the actual distance is going to be a huge challenge. But before I could let that matter linger on, we were off!
We were kayaking against the tide to Punggol Jetty. Kayaking against the current was no joke. It took a lot of effort to kayak against the tide. I bet it was something like less than 5km, I was feeling worn out by it. My arms and hand were aching like nobody's business. I knew I can't stop. It was only the beginning. We kept kayaking as though the pain was non-exisitant.
Rafted up a couple of times on our way to Punggol Jetty. And that was when I could take a short water break and a short rest. We pressed on. I definitely have to say that the scenery along the way was incredible. Saw things from a very different perspective. I remembered as we kayak past Pasir Ris beach, memories of spending time on Pasir Ris beach with my friends a few years ago came to mind. As I was kayaking, I thought to myself, 'hey, that tree used to be way shorter than that!'. A few years have past and trees do grow. We passed by ship yards and kelongs.
Closer to our destination, we beached up, had our lunch that we brought along and rest. I laid on my back on the very fine yet compacted sand. Staring at the sky, listening to the waves and admiring how beautiful the sky and clouds are. On a secluded beach, I felt as though I was in a different world.
As we were about to begin our journey back to Changi, one of the expedition leaders found two horse shoe crabs near the shore! Everyone was very curious. It was most probably my first time looking at a horse shoe crab at such a close range!
We made our journey back. I was feeling optimisitc as I was told that we would be kayaking with the current (so that should take less effort). How wrong I was. I developed a blister on my right hand when I was kayaking towards Punggol Jetty, it hurts just to grip the paddle. And my muscles were aching like never before. It was then that I remembered this phrase (as seen below) that Lance Armstrong said.
Winners never quit
Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever.
~ Lance Armstrong
I told myself that I can do it. For a good 3km, we were kayaking hard like never before. We were making good progress. Till we met a stretch where we had pretty strong winds blowing on our portside. It kept pushing our kayaks off course. We kept doing sweep strokes on our starboard side to remain on course. We were kayaking with all our might. Every inch of arm and hand muscle in me were screaming in pain. But all I could do was to grit my teeth and kayak forward.
And finally, I knew that we were approaching Changi Beach. We were waiting at the crossing for the boats to clear and sprint across when we see an opening. But as these boats passed by, it created such huge waves. I saw someone in our expedition group (if I was not mistaken...he has 4 Stars...or was it 5 Stars?) surf kayaking. It was cool. We bobbed in the waters. Riding the waves was fun. Except that I didn't notice one wave and it came crashing onto me, filling sea water into my kayak.
Met new people today. It was great kayaking with them. They were encouraging me to go for my 2 Stars. :) And I guess my kayaking partner was right...what is 2 Stars compared to this?
It might have been an insane thing to do. But it has indeed been an eye opening experience. I really learnt a lot from the rest. It was a test of perseverance. It was a test on both physical and mental strength. Now I know why people work out in the gym when they are not kayaking. The whole experience has been an inspiration. And one that I would not forget in a hurry.
The expedition started off at Changi Beach. There was a briefing and we collected the necessary equipment before heading off. Feels very different kayaking at Changi Beach. It is sea water. There are waves, wind conditions and sea traffic to take note of.
Before we head off, I was feeling a little quesy. After seeing the map of the route that we are taking, it finally dawn upon me that the actual distance is going to be a huge challenge. But before I could let that matter linger on, we were off!
We were kayaking against the tide to Punggol Jetty. Kayaking against the current was no joke. It took a lot of effort to kayak against the tide. I bet it was something like less than 5km, I was feeling worn out by it. My arms and hand were aching like nobody's business. I knew I can't stop. It was only the beginning. We kept kayaking as though the pain was non-exisitant.
Rafted up a couple of times on our way to Punggol Jetty. And that was when I could take a short water break and a short rest. We pressed on. I definitely have to say that the scenery along the way was incredible. Saw things from a very different perspective. I remembered as we kayak past Pasir Ris beach, memories of spending time on Pasir Ris beach with my friends a few years ago came to mind. As I was kayaking, I thought to myself, 'hey, that tree used to be way shorter than that!'. A few years have past and trees do grow. We passed by ship yards and kelongs.
Closer to our destination, we beached up, had our lunch that we brought along and rest. I laid on my back on the very fine yet compacted sand. Staring at the sky, listening to the waves and admiring how beautiful the sky and clouds are. On a secluded beach, I felt as though I was in a different world.
As we were about to begin our journey back to Changi, one of the expedition leaders found two horse shoe crabs near the shore! Everyone was very curious. It was most probably my first time looking at a horse shoe crab at such a close range!
We made our journey back. I was feeling optimisitc as I was told that we would be kayaking with the current (so that should take less effort). How wrong I was. I developed a blister on my right hand when I was kayaking towards Punggol Jetty, it hurts just to grip the paddle. And my muscles were aching like never before. It was then that I remembered this phrase (as seen below) that Lance Armstrong said.
Winners never quit
Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever.
~ Lance Armstrong
I told myself that I can do it. For a good 3km, we were kayaking hard like never before. We were making good progress. Till we met a stretch where we had pretty strong winds blowing on our portside. It kept pushing our kayaks off course. We kept doing sweep strokes on our starboard side to remain on course. We were kayaking with all our might. Every inch of arm and hand muscle in me were screaming in pain. But all I could do was to grit my teeth and kayak forward.
And finally, I knew that we were approaching Changi Beach. We were waiting at the crossing for the boats to clear and sprint across when we see an opening. But as these boats passed by, it created such huge waves. I saw someone in our expedition group (if I was not mistaken...he has 4 Stars...or was it 5 Stars?) surf kayaking. It was cool. We bobbed in the waters. Riding the waves was fun. Except that I didn't notice one wave and it came crashing onto me, filling sea water into my kayak.
Met new people today. It was great kayaking with them. They were encouraging me to go for my 2 Stars. :) And I guess my kayaking partner was right...what is 2 Stars compared to this?
It might have been an insane thing to do. But it has indeed been an eye opening experience. I really learnt a lot from the rest. It was a test of perseverance. It was a test on both physical and mental strength. Now I know why people work out in the gym when they are not kayaking. The whole experience has been an inspiration. And one that I would not forget in a hurry.
The past week
Celebrated Kar Mun's birthday last Saturday.
Had a great time catching up with them. :) And we went to Ice Cream Chef for desserts. I really love that place as you get to mix different ice creams and add-ons of your choice. And the end product never fails to surprise me each time. Bee and me had some Cookies and Cream ice cream + Passion fruit/ kiwi ice cream+ Kinder Bueno. Weird combination but gosh...it tasted so great!
I have been watching a number of kayaking videos online (mainly on youtube). Don't ask me why I have so much time to watch such videos when there is work piling up on my desk. One thing I got to say is that these kayaking videos have been such an inspiration. Watched many different types of kayaking - recreational kayaking, surf kayaking, whitewater kayaking and flatwater race kayaking. Provided me with different perspective. And every single video left me in awe...all I could do is just sit there and go "Wow/ OMG...". Saw videos on people surf kayaking on waves that are of few metres high, kayaking down class 4-5 rapids and also flatwater race kayaking in the last few Olympics. And gosh...they have such great kayaking techniques!
I upgraded my starhub cable tv a few weeks back. Though I don't really know how much extra I'm going to be paying. It seems quite alright but I'm unsure whether that price was before or after gst. I didn't find out...guess I need to check out the next billing to know. Haha. And now there are even more channels to watch (though I don't really have the time to watch). Upgraded as part of my bro's birthday present and for the rest of the family to watch. One of my favourite channels is definitely National Geographic Adventure. I totally love the programmes on that channel. It feels so real...so genuine. Whether it is about traveling or other adventures. It really provides a whole new perspective as compared to the usual travel shows that one can watch on tv. Oh...and did I mention that they featured kayaking on that channel as well? Saw people kayaking in incredible scenery in New Zealand, Norway etc - and that sort of kayaking is still something within my kayaking ability at the moment (and maybe in future?). Also watched people kayaking down whitewaters...class 4 or 5 rapids. That most probably sparked off my searching for kayaking videos online. Haha.
I was checking out NTU ODAC's website the other day and they posted up the upcoming trips in Dec. I was pretty interested in a few trips that they are organising this December. It was only last night that Hui Jing told me that she was interested in going as well. And we are going to Lata Berembun in Malaysia! It is going to be a 3 days trip and we are departing on the very next day after I touchdown from my HK trip! But I know I can't give this trip a miss...I mean how often would one be on a 4 wheel drive, play at a beautiful waterfall and have an amazing adventure? I know it is going to amazing. Transiting from an urban lifestyle in HK to an off-the-beaten track at Lata Berembun. And Hui Jing was really nice in helping me register and pay for the deposit as registration starts today but I'm not in school. :)
Right...I should be off to attempt my Eng tutorials for tomorrow.
Had a great time catching up with them. :) And we went to Ice Cream Chef for desserts. I really love that place as you get to mix different ice creams and add-ons of your choice. And the end product never fails to surprise me each time. Bee and me had some Cookies and Cream ice cream + Passion fruit/ kiwi ice cream+ Kinder Bueno. Weird combination but gosh...it tasted so great!
I have been watching a number of kayaking videos online (mainly on youtube). Don't ask me why I have so much time to watch such videos when there is work piling up on my desk. One thing I got to say is that these kayaking videos have been such an inspiration. Watched many different types of kayaking - recreational kayaking, surf kayaking, whitewater kayaking and flatwater race kayaking. Provided me with different perspective. And every single video left me in awe...all I could do is just sit there and go "Wow/ OMG...". Saw videos on people surf kayaking on waves that are of few metres high, kayaking down class 4-5 rapids and also flatwater race kayaking in the last few Olympics. And gosh...they have such great kayaking techniques!
I upgraded my starhub cable tv a few weeks back. Though I don't really know how much extra I'm going to be paying. It seems quite alright but I'm unsure whether that price was before or after gst. I didn't find out...guess I need to check out the next billing to know. Haha. And now there are even more channels to watch (though I don't really have the time to watch). Upgraded as part of my bro's birthday present and for the rest of the family to watch. One of my favourite channels is definitely National Geographic Adventure. I totally love the programmes on that channel. It feels so real...so genuine. Whether it is about traveling or other adventures. It really provides a whole new perspective as compared to the usual travel shows that one can watch on tv. Oh...and did I mention that they featured kayaking on that channel as well? Saw people kayaking in incredible scenery in New Zealand, Norway etc - and that sort of kayaking is still something within my kayaking ability at the moment (and maybe in future?). Also watched people kayaking down whitewaters...class 4 or 5 rapids. That most probably sparked off my searching for kayaking videos online. Haha.
I was checking out NTU ODAC's website the other day and they posted up the upcoming trips in Dec. I was pretty interested in a few trips that they are organising this December. It was only last night that Hui Jing told me that she was interested in going as well. And we are going to Lata Berembun in Malaysia! It is going to be a 3 days trip and we are departing on the very next day after I touchdown from my HK trip! But I know I can't give this trip a miss...I mean how often would one be on a 4 wheel drive, play at a beautiful waterfall and have an amazing adventure? I know it is going to amazing. Transiting from an urban lifestyle in HK to an off-the-beaten track at Lata Berembun. And Hui Jing was really nice in helping me register and pay for the deposit as registration starts today but I'm not in school. :)
Right...I should be off to attempt my Eng tutorials for tomorrow.
Update!
It sure has been a while since I last blogged. The recess week came and go. Yup...just like that - in a blink of an eye. Recess week - filled with working on assignments (a number of assignment deadlines fell during and immediately after recess week). And yeah...slacked around quite a bit only to have to rush through my assignments at the end. Haix...when on earth can I change that habit of mine?
So we are at the end of week 8 now. Had a crazy beginning-of-week. Absolutely crazy. Incredible number of assignment deadlines on Monday. Impromptu presentation on Monday. And this crazy oral presentation that I had on Tuesday. I have NEVER felt anything like that before. For that oral presentation, everyone was given a unique scenario with a targeted audience. And we had to prepare a 3 minutes speech/ talk applying everything we have learnt in the module so far (like how to project your voice, tone, posture, gesture etc). I felt extremely jittery about it. Had a pragmatics lecture and a GIS tutorial prior to that class where I had to do that oral presentation. And when the time finally came. I walked into the tutorial room. The atmosphere felt so tense and everyone else was nervous as well. I did many presentations before but this is the ultimate. No kidding. My heart was beating way too fast for its own good. My stomach never felt so quesy before. Saw the sequence of presentation on the screen and I was 5th. Great. When it was my turn, I did what I could. Paused a little when I saw the time keeper waving the red card telling me that I'm left with 30 seconds. Right...I panicked when I saw the card. Hope it didn't seem to the tutor that I seem to be regurgitating my 'speech'. Oh well...guess I would have to wait for the feedback from the tutor. It felt so scary. When I went back to my seat, my heart was still beating quickly and it took a while before I felt alright again. And I was telling one of my coursemates about it and she was a returning teacher. She told me that it is perfectly normal to feel this way and I will feel this way when I'm being observed in classrooms in future...I wouldn't be human if I don't feel this way. But what I realised that day is that everyone is in it together. Everyone was feeling nervous. Standard was pretty high as everyone did a great job. :) And what I personally like about that tutorial group is that I know almost everyone there - a pretty rare ocassion that it happens esp with that memory of mine.
Almost immediately after my oral presentation, I walked out of the tutorial room feeling a little lighter. I was looking forward to dinner and sleep when my friend mori texted me asking me how my presentation went and subsequently, she texted me informing me that one of my geog prof has passed away. I looked at my text and went "what...you got to be kidding me...no way!" She taught me in my first semester when I was a freshmen. Amazing prof. And I was looking forward to her modules that she would be teaching in future (making a mental note to look out for her modules when registering). But guess I will not have that chance. :( It really reminded me how fragile life can be. Amidst all the hustle of uni life, it really made me stop and reflect.
I think I slacked off a little after that oral presentation. And I learnt of this kayaking expedition coming up on the 18th of Oct. Became really excited about it. Told my kayaking buddies and we signed up for it! I went to sign up for the expedition today. Took bus 2 to Changi Village. The bus journey was amazing. Especially when it hits Changi (around the Musuem), it somehow felt like a different place altogether. The trees along the road side are different. The atmosphere feels different as well.
I know it is going to be one incredible experience. New venue - Changi. New route. Out in the open sea battling with waves and wind. Um...thinking about it...I think the monsoon season is starting soon. Gosh! It was only on my way back home that I asked myself if I was up for it. The total kayaking journey would be 22km - totally exceeding the usual distance that I kayak. I wonder if I have the stamina to complete it. Conditions of the sea would definitely be very different. There will be sea traffic and many other factors that I would never have considered before considering how amateur I am in kayaking. Most probably another impulsive decision that I have made again. But hey, if I don't try, how would I know that I can't do it? I will be meeting new people...like-minded kayaking enthusiasts. And it will be a great break out in the sun, sand and sea. :)
By the way, I decided to create a photo album for my travel photos. And it can be access by the link on the sidebar. Since I do not upload photos on fb/ don't have the time to upload photos one by one onto the blog (esp since I took so many photos in Moscow)/ friends sharing travel photos, I decided the only way round it is to set up the photo album. Enjoy the photos! :)
So we are at the end of week 8 now. Had a crazy beginning-of-week. Absolutely crazy. Incredible number of assignment deadlines on Monday. Impromptu presentation on Monday. And this crazy oral presentation that I had on Tuesday. I have NEVER felt anything like that before. For that oral presentation, everyone was given a unique scenario with a targeted audience. And we had to prepare a 3 minutes speech/ talk applying everything we have learnt in the module so far (like how to project your voice, tone, posture, gesture etc). I felt extremely jittery about it. Had a pragmatics lecture and a GIS tutorial prior to that class where I had to do that oral presentation. And when the time finally came. I walked into the tutorial room. The atmosphere felt so tense and everyone else was nervous as well. I did many presentations before but this is the ultimate. No kidding. My heart was beating way too fast for its own good. My stomach never felt so quesy before. Saw the sequence of presentation on the screen and I was 5th. Great. When it was my turn, I did what I could. Paused a little when I saw the time keeper waving the red card telling me that I'm left with 30 seconds. Right...I panicked when I saw the card. Hope it didn't seem to the tutor that I seem to be regurgitating my 'speech'. Oh well...guess I would have to wait for the feedback from the tutor. It felt so scary. When I went back to my seat, my heart was still beating quickly and it took a while before I felt alright again. And I was telling one of my coursemates about it and she was a returning teacher. She told me that it is perfectly normal to feel this way and I will feel this way when I'm being observed in classrooms in future...I wouldn't be human if I don't feel this way. But what I realised that day is that everyone is in it together. Everyone was feeling nervous. Standard was pretty high as everyone did a great job. :) And what I personally like about that tutorial group is that I know almost everyone there - a pretty rare ocassion that it happens esp with that memory of mine.
Almost immediately after my oral presentation, I walked out of the tutorial room feeling a little lighter. I was looking forward to dinner and sleep when my friend mori texted me asking me how my presentation went and subsequently, she texted me informing me that one of my geog prof has passed away. I looked at my text and went "what...you got to be kidding me...no way!" She taught me in my first semester when I was a freshmen. Amazing prof. And I was looking forward to her modules that she would be teaching in future (making a mental note to look out for her modules when registering). But guess I will not have that chance. :( It really reminded me how fragile life can be. Amidst all the hustle of uni life, it really made me stop and reflect.
I think I slacked off a little after that oral presentation. And I learnt of this kayaking expedition coming up on the 18th of Oct. Became really excited about it. Told my kayaking buddies and we signed up for it! I went to sign up for the expedition today. Took bus 2 to Changi Village. The bus journey was amazing. Especially when it hits Changi (around the Musuem), it somehow felt like a different place altogether. The trees along the road side are different. The atmosphere feels different as well.
I know it is going to be one incredible experience. New venue - Changi. New route. Out in the open sea battling with waves and wind. Um...thinking about it...I think the monsoon season is starting soon. Gosh! It was only on my way back home that I asked myself if I was up for it. The total kayaking journey would be 22km - totally exceeding the usual distance that I kayak. I wonder if I have the stamina to complete it. Conditions of the sea would definitely be very different. There will be sea traffic and many other factors that I would never have considered before considering how amateur I am in kayaking. Most probably another impulsive decision that I have made again. But hey, if I don't try, how would I know that I can't do it? I will be meeting new people...like-minded kayaking enthusiasts. And it will be a great break out in the sun, sand and sea. :)
By the way, I decided to create a photo album for my travel photos. And it can be access by the link on the sidebar. Since I do not upload photos on fb/ don't have the time to upload photos one by one onto the blog (esp since I took so many photos in Moscow)/ friends sharing travel photos, I decided the only way round it is to set up the photo album. Enjoy the photos! :)
