It’s not easy to do it but sometimes, motivation counts! I had my swimming lesson recently in camp and I decided to try out the lifeguard test, which consist of the basic 4 strokes; breaststroke, freestyle, back-kick and side-kick.

I had been practicing on these strokes for quite some time though not in regular basis. Throughout my previous timings, I only managed to hit 9 plus minutes as my best timing. However, after going through the test, of course with lots of pushing (motivation, I guess) from the instructors, I managed to complete the challenge in 8:49 minutes! Amazing!

Not forgetting that I was totally exhausted at the end of the swim test but also, I knew that I had pushed myself very hard for this as my mind kept telling me to give up at times during the midst of the course.

Sadly, the instructor was feeling a bit disappointed to know that I was not from the NS squad, or else he could have me as a swim instructor for the camp. I find it wasted after knowing this but think again, sometimes in life, opportunities do knock onto your door but does not mean you could totally have it.

I’m glad that I knew a few instructors from the pool side and I enjoyed learning about the new ways to improve my strokes for my various swims but also, find it such a waste not to be part of the swim staff in the camp. Regardless what happens, self consoling is the best way to heal my mind and soul for now. In the next 5 years time, I may be a swimming instructor, who knows?

Being recognized by these people for my strength is a plus point for me yet overall, a wasted opportunity I guess. However, with my current status, I must understand that I’ve chosen this path to pursue my dreams and most of all, I’m turning my dream into a reality.

Yet, best of all things, breaking your personal best shows that you are improving, and indeed, I did it!

If the person could see or hear this....

Seng,

Yo, how's life? Its been nearly 2 years since we last met and seriously, time has past very quickly but once in awhile, images of you still flash through my mind. I dont know what to say but... yeah, recalling the past makes me feel that we have gone through thick and thin during the old times together.

Countless battles, from studies to physical endurance... we did it all. However, things changed. I'm leading a better life even though I'm single and carefree. The path we have chosen would never be the same again.

I wish I could visit you on the 17th of February but... too bad, I'm in camp. Definitely, I will visit you soon when I have the time. Of course, not to forget, to get the rest of the mates too once in a while. They wanted to do so but time's the factor.

We are in fact, in 2 different worlds but do pray for the rest alright? Miss you alot, especially during our small gatherings...

God blessed and always be remembered...

Missed as always,
Nic

Well, it’s the Lunar New Year once again and this year, it comes with a double festive as its taking place with Valentine’s Day. Cool isn’t it?

Of course, with not Valentine willing to date me on that day, it is still great to meet up with my relatives for a gathering. Not just about the updates from each other but also the food and ang paos that many of us are getting.

Anyway, my cousin asked me this question; where’s my valentine? Where’s her? All I could reply was… well, it’s over. I didn’t know that my young cousin still remembers her as my beloved but that was the past. All things have changed for the past many months.

Well, to cheer myself up, I managed to do 2 things yesterday! It’s watching a movie “Valentine’s
Day” with Chip and to cycle around the vicinity at Woodlands before making my way home after the show. I have not been cycling for ages and I just can’t wait to get my own bicycle, rather than borrowing it from my Uncle all the time.

Well, I don’t know why but from the past days of celebrating Lunar New Year with many activities, I found out that ‘love’ is something that could be describe. The reality towards ‘love’ could be harsh but if we try to look at the positive sides of it, will relationships between one and another, regardless couples or singles, be better?

I have no idea but I still believe in my own current philosophy towards it; To love someone does not mean that you need to be attached to that person. It’s more about ensuring someone to have blissful life, cause in your own capability, you have no idea how much you could give her. It’s better not to create more trouble and suffering to her or him if you know, some things won’t work at all.

Its all broken English but I have learnt, via the hard way I guess. Now that’s my perception towards ‘love’ at the moment.

A pretty fun yet frustrating experience in my first driving practical lesson which took place on Tuesday, it gives me mixed feelings about my driving skills and whether I could still able to make it by the end of the entire training period.

It was fun trying out the vehicle, especially you are driving for the very first time and you are doing everything alone, except you are being guided at times. Learning the half clutch was difficult but soon enough I was able to adapt to the depressing of the respective pedals.

On the other hand, after a short break and back to the lesson, I was in a total mess when performing what I’ve learnt. I forgot what was the right amount to depress the foot brake and the accurate timings of a half clutch. I received a one hell of a nagging from the instructor that was guiding me throughout. Probably I was tired since I had a long day or maybe, I’m feeling stress as it’s my first try. I have no idea what was affecting me.

I felt demoralized, pathetic of my driving skills. Asking my other mates about their driving experience, the replies were either good or alright. When mentioned about the scolding or naggings? None seemed to receive any. I text Chip after the entire lesson to ask is it normal to be told off by your instructor while driving and she replied “yes”.

I was much relieved after seeing her reply but on the other hand, worried about my performance in my next drive. That night, I was dreaming about driving and my half clutch till the next morning. Shocking but true, some of my mates were having nightmares, which occurred to be related to their driving.

Next lesson is tomorrow. Let’s hope everything would be fine. No more nightmares of driving please and I need to be more confident on my driving.

Don’t give up, Nicholas.