Weekend Exploits....

The last weekend proved to be a rather eventful and fruitful one. Its amazing how much one can achieve in such a short span of time with careful planning and intricate time management.

I spent the early part of Friday evening dancing at dance class before heading over to Isaac's place for movies and Ice-cream. I don't really like Disney movies but I must admit Ella Enchanted was pretty interesting. I was really expecting some waterworks from a particular individual but was disappointed once again. We'll try Bambi or Titanic next time, something slightly heavier.

My Sis and I spent Saturday morning touring the venues we shortlisted for my 21st Birthday. We had a few locations lined up initially but after having a look at the first one, my mind was more or less made up. With the venue 90 percent decided on, I guess its time to start the tedious planning process. So much to do in so little time.

After a quick lunch and "Booze" (Mango and green tea smoothie... really good!!!) We caught Elizabeth: The Golden Age. The storyline could have been more intricate and the characters further developed but other than that I have got no complaints. The cinematography was beautiful and the battle scenes rather spectacular. I'd strongly recommend the show to those who know how to appreciate good cinematography or have a zest for historical movies.

I tried out dragon boating for the first time officially on Sunday and I must say, it was rather exhausting. Despite having a rather good stamina and endurance level, the 2 hour session that Sunday afternoon left me totally spent. The main difference between dragon boating and all the other sports I have done so far is perhaps the team factor. I never have considered myself a team player. All the decisions made during my competitions (be it triathlons or sailing regattas) are solely made by me. The consequences of your actions will be borne solely by me and me alone. With a team, there is a new added pressure and obligation to the team and it is a new aspect of the sport I have to try and get used to.

"When faced with the darkest storms, most people will flee from it, a good many will seek shelter, hide and hope for the best. However some people will spread their wings and soar like the eagles. You can leave with my court Sir, but England will not cower and hide. I will not run and hide." quotation adapted from Elizabeth. I can't remember the exact quotation but it does have a similar effect and meaning to the one above. There were many other memorable quotes in the movie but I couldn't catch all of them... will list them all out as soon as I lay my hands on the DVD when released.

KM8 was up next on the to-do list for Sunday. After a rather uneventful lunch with the dragon boating crew, I headed to Tanjong beach for some R&R with Charles. The one worry I had was the looming clouds in the horizon and the high probability of showers near the southern parts of Singapore. I guessed that fear was laid to rest upon my arrival there. Mark and Charles spent the majority of the time playing volleyball on the beach while I spent mine lazing around with Hushka. Hushka's a beautiful 3 year old German Shepherd who's really loyal to Mark. When the two of them left to play volleyball, Hushka went a little crazy and started pining and prancing around. Her rather violent activities left me with scratches and fur all over. I hope the scratches aren't permanent. :(

After the beach outing, Charles and I headed over to Ben's place for dinner with Dom, Ken and Wei. His apartment faced the Pasir Panjang Ferry Terminal and the view of Bukom at night was simply breathtaking. Dinner was excellent with sumptuous dishes and excellent company. I thoroughly enjoyed myself that night and am looking forward to more gatherings to come. No pretense, no acting, no ulterior motives whatsoever, just good conversation over an excellent meal with great company.

As I lay on my bed last night awaiting sleep to overcome me, I couldn't help reminiscing about the day's events. Mark and Wei gave me really good advice during our conversations that day.

As I was jogging with Mark along the beach, he told me that I had time on my side. He briefly described his life so far and explained the various decisions he made which let him to where he is today. After Dinner, Wei too shared with me his inner thoughts and views on certain issues pertaining to self development and how everything one does will eventually contribute to where one will end up in future.

Mark and Wei are two individuals who I consider to be pioneers in what they do and an inspiration to me. I learnt a lot yesterday about the things I need to do and stuff I need to learn to be the individual I want to be in time to come. Being true to yourself and sticking by ones principles, diversification, all these lessons and advice are things you can't get from the classroom and lectures. My parents and friends have been really helpful as I try to find my path in the world. All I need now is the discipline and strength to see through these dreams and visions I have blossoming in my mind.

“The only place where success comes before work is a dictionary." - Vidal Sassoon

“
The key to realizing a dream is to focus not on success but significance - and then even the small steps and little victories along your path will take on greater meaning.” - Oprah Winfrey