So here I am, way past my usual sleeping hours and after a flurry of activities for the day.
But today is a relatively special, eventful day, and I do not wish to let my inspiration seep out of my already crowded (and crowding more) brain.
That immense joy for performing is something which I can't reiterate. Furthermore, when people make the effort to come all the way down just to watch you, or even people who are unable to make it but still lend their support (such as asking "what's time your dance... oh sorry I have a meeting can't come"), it gives me this surge in motivation and aspiration. Such words underline the silent affirmation that someone is actually concerned about my life and is lending me his/her support, something for which I am truly grateful. Even better, someone kept his "promise" and traveled a great deal of distance just to watch me (I have to be egoistic here too haha), I just couldn't (maybe I did it well) hide my joy upon seeing his trade marked face. Of course I am not the only one he is looking at, but at least the support is still there - I am still not the star of the show haha.
But apart from that, it just demonstrates the deep bond we have for each other. I am guilty of such things too, not turning up for events my friends are performing in - because of whatever legit reason I might bring. I'm not saying we must all drop whatever responsibilities we have and just participate (or watch) whatever things our friends are doing, but it is more of the knowledge and updating of yourself with the said persons' lives.
Some people really amaze me. They may have a quiet exterior but when you observe him, he can be really amazing and helpful. Apparently I thought someone was probably inactive in hall (well I don't see him around), but my assumptions were broken when I realised I kept seeing him around in hall events. Furthermore, he even went up to me to offer his help in one of my pleas for help! Really, assumptions are assumptions until you know the person - that's my takeaway.
I was talking with a close friend of mine about what to do in the holidays, and I was honestly quite perturbed at the apparent lack of concrete plans she has. I am probably someone (and getting to terms with) who plans in advance, and likes to have structure in things I do (I do accept forms of spontaneity but on a macro perspective I am still a structural person).
It is better to plan for something than not even planning. As in there's really nothing wrong to plan "I am not going to do anything but watch videos/play games/sleep my holidays away", at least you have a plan. But when you do not have a plan, you end up letting your life be handled by some random invisible hand. It is akin to giving up your life and demonstrate your lack of control over your life. You are you, and you should control your life, even if it might lead to disapproval by others - so be it. And "plan" means some specifics, not some generic statement like "I am going to find a job", but "I am going to find a job in xxx industry". Instead of "I am going to read a book", make it "I am going to read yyy book / I am going to read about zzz". I think these are small things that encapsulate your treatment towards your own life. Yes some things may be out of your control: you might be NS/mired in familial problems/lack of financial funds (ok it's just a complicated word for "money"), but you can work around them.
And even if you do not achieve all of what planned, at least you have planned. When you plan, at least when you wake up you will know what to do, rather than simply just think of what to do. Remember, Planning to do nothing is better than not planning at all!
Ok time to sleep. Better get some sleep now.
I hope that this shall be the last few times I have to stay up so late, now that dance has ended, not that dance has normally caused me to stay so late anyways.
Sleep.
Showing posts with label shows. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shows. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 02, 2013
Monday, November 12, 2012
Ah Boys to Men
So I just finished the movie "From Ah Boys to Men" and I must say my $7.50 was worth it.
There are several things to ponder about with respect to this single event: 1) how much would you go to "save" the $2-$4? 2) Did people join mainly of watching or did peer pressure exerted more influence? But those can be put aside, I am focusing on the review.
It is no rocket science to conclude that local shows cannot cater to the international market. However it is precisely that very characteristic that allows it to strike a chord in me. It is no longer simply a smattering of Singlish, but rather a wide plethora of "Singaporean behavior" plainly exhibited. What the motives are can be varied: Is Jack Neo poking fun at our behaviors? Or is he giving us a warning to our incessant self-mindedness?
"Ah Boys" engaged a wide range of stereotypical characters present in the Army, and many I am rather familiar with. For a story with such diverse characters, 1.5 hours is definitely not enough for any in-depth character development, but some credit should be given for the effort to develop the protagonist (albeit the very unbelievably sharp 180 degree change in attitude - which was played with some humour as well).
The most compelling reason to watch the show is the fact it resonates with me very well - I am the very sergeant who gets to observe such actions first hand. Many other army personnel might have gone through BMT, but they only have the perspective of the trainee / recruit. For me (and some lucky/unlucky others), I get to have both perspectives - from the commander and the trainee point of view. And the show aced that aspect. In fact, watching the show could be considered a satirical playback of my history - and some of the facts shown were even true (certified by me)! In addition to the army scenes, there was one significant scene which I could relate to: When the protagonist suffered from the (stupidly) self-inflicted heat stroke, he realised that his foolhardy actions had impacted everyone, and hence turned over the proverbial leaf. If you remembered, I had a great fall and broke my arm. And I too personally saw how my actions regrettably implicated my parents and my friends - who had to take time off to visit and care for me. For my broken arm, although I regret worrying my parents, I do not regret breaking it - in fact it was after that incident where my views about them changed.
Funny thing is, whilst watching it, I had this compulsion to go back to the Army. Sounds ludicrous right? I realised I really loved my position. I loved teaching the recruits, and having this responsibility to train them. To watch recruits being able to complete physical and mental challenges, and challenging them as well is a task quite gratifying. I am really thankful for the opportunity to be in Tekong. I might sound like some propaganda machine spewing out good words for the Army, or be seen as the naive soldier brainwashed by the Army, but it was honestly a good time there. Of course it is better being the civilian as I have other goals to accomplish, but that being said, my time as a sergeant training recruits was rewarding and enriching. I miss those times. (This could link to another topic: am I a sucker for a leadership position? Am I more of a leader or a teacher? More concisely, do I prefer and more capable to be a leader or a teacher?)
Overall, the show was good money well spent. It is comical, yet sends a very good lesson. I am sure many of us would immediately see the protagonist as "immature" and "childish" - but that is sadly, a stereotypical image of guys before entering NS. Haha, maybe I was like that too? I am not too sure. I think I was unlike him - that protagonist is just too pathetic XD But such views cannot be said from the first person view, it has to be from a third-person perspective.
Oh and there will be a part two. Totally cannot wait to see the storyline being played out. :D
There are several things to ponder about with respect to this single event: 1) how much would you go to "save" the $2-$4? 2) Did people join mainly of watching or did peer pressure exerted more influence? But those can be put aside, I am focusing on the review.
It is no rocket science to conclude that local shows cannot cater to the international market. However it is precisely that very characteristic that allows it to strike a chord in me. It is no longer simply a smattering of Singlish, but rather a wide plethora of "Singaporean behavior" plainly exhibited. What the motives are can be varied: Is Jack Neo poking fun at our behaviors? Or is he giving us a warning to our incessant self-mindedness?
"Ah Boys" engaged a wide range of stereotypical characters present in the Army, and many I am rather familiar with. For a story with such diverse characters, 1.5 hours is definitely not enough for any in-depth character development, but some credit should be given for the effort to develop the protagonist (albeit the very unbelievably sharp 180 degree change in attitude - which was played with some humour as well).
The most compelling reason to watch the show is the fact it resonates with me very well - I am the very sergeant who gets to observe such actions first hand. Many other army personnel might have gone through BMT, but they only have the perspective of the trainee / recruit. For me (and some lucky/unlucky others), I get to have both perspectives - from the commander and the trainee point of view. And the show aced that aspect. In fact, watching the show could be considered a satirical playback of my history - and some of the facts shown were even true (certified by me)! In addition to the army scenes, there was one significant scene which I could relate to: When the protagonist suffered from the (stupidly) self-inflicted heat stroke, he realised that his foolhardy actions had impacted everyone, and hence turned over the proverbial leaf. If you remembered, I had a great fall and broke my arm. And I too personally saw how my actions regrettably implicated my parents and my friends - who had to take time off to visit and care for me. For my broken arm, although I regret worrying my parents, I do not regret breaking it - in fact it was after that incident where my views about them changed.
Funny thing is, whilst watching it, I had this compulsion to go back to the Army. Sounds ludicrous right? I realised I really loved my position. I loved teaching the recruits, and having this responsibility to train them. To watch recruits being able to complete physical and mental challenges, and challenging them as well is a task quite gratifying. I am really thankful for the opportunity to be in Tekong. I might sound like some propaganda machine spewing out good words for the Army, or be seen as the naive soldier brainwashed by the Army, but it was honestly a good time there. Of course it is better being the civilian as I have other goals to accomplish, but that being said, my time as a sergeant training recruits was rewarding and enriching. I miss those times. (This could link to another topic: am I a sucker for a leadership position? Am I more of a leader or a teacher? More concisely, do I prefer and more capable to be a leader or a teacher?)
Overall, the show was good money well spent. It is comical, yet sends a very good lesson. I am sure many of us would immediately see the protagonist as "immature" and "childish" - but that is sadly, a stereotypical image of guys before entering NS. Haha, maybe I was like that too? I am not too sure. I think I was unlike him - that protagonist is just too pathetic XD But such views cannot be said from the first person view, it has to be from a third-person perspective.
Oh and there will be a part two. Totally cannot wait to see the storyline being played out. :D
Sunday, April 08, 2012
American Pie
No matter how silly a show can be, lessons can still be gleaned from them
1) Even after having children, a couple should still treat each other like husband and wife and not as "father and mother"
2) Friends stick with you all the way, and their personalities will still be the same. But one should remember the circumstances they are in, and although the good old days are "fun", they should remain as "good old days".
1) Even after having children, a couple should still treat each other like husband and wife and not as "father and mother"
2) Friends stick with you all the way, and their personalities will still be the same. But one should remember the circumstances they are in, and although the good old days are "fun", they should remain as "good old days".
Sunday, October 02, 2011
of movies and horror
I think I cannot watch movies. To be specific, I cannot watch movies with friends in public theatres if I want to maintain the public image of theirs.
I am quite an expressive person, well when I am not in my contained, self-conscious self. I am like the random group of teenagers who systematically and simultaneously start into fits of uncontrolled laughter or other emotions and become a head turner for any passerby, some feeling bemused and some feeling irritated.
I also tend to have this (I won't call this an added skill) tendency to comment on the movie as the movie progresses. I like to spot clues, red herrings or even cameos in shows and then share my new discoveries with my friends. I also tend to predict what is going to happen next (which sometimes makes worst my fear of horror shows) and will get a great deal of satisfaction when I do succeed; much to the chagrin of my friends. I also like to explain what is happening on-screen: explaining why the bullet flies this way, why the protagonist does this thing, why the antagonist decides not to kill the protagonist and stuff like that, much to the nuisance of my friends.
I can't watch horror/gore movies. Whatever left of my bravery and courage is apparently not enough to survive me through any dose of cinematic-induced fear. Thanks to my nature of constantly visualising things in my head, I tend to keep replaying some scenes in my head - and worst of all, making myself the main character instead. I still remember my younger days, when Goosebumps was still a hit among us kids. I tried reading just ONE book and that very night I seemed to be stricken by insomnia.
The rational side of me somehow always seems to be overwhelmed by the superstitious part of me as the night gets later and I get lonelier. Although I have no guilty conscious, my mind still imagines myself as being the victim. I just can't help but to feel that way sometimes.
I must say I am better now (I dare to sleep alone at my room without any doubts... maybe because I am more tired?) as compared when I was younger when I always thought that monsters hide below the bed - and I was really really scared of looking down to the bottom of the bed at night.
Anyway, next time if you happen to be catching a movie. You can leave me out. Of course it will be great to just invite me first, I will try to tone myself down (:
but leave me out of horror and gore shows.
no saw, no shutter. thanks
I am quite an expressive person, well when I am not in my contained, self-conscious self. I am like the random group of teenagers who systematically and simultaneously start into fits of uncontrolled laughter or other emotions and become a head turner for any passerby, some feeling bemused and some feeling irritated.
I also tend to have this (I won't call this an added skill) tendency to comment on the movie as the movie progresses. I like to spot clues, red herrings or even cameos in shows and then share my new discoveries with my friends. I also tend to predict what is going to happen next (which sometimes makes worst my fear of horror shows) and will get a great deal of satisfaction when I do succeed; much to the chagrin of my friends. I also like to explain what is happening on-screen: explaining why the bullet flies this way, why the protagonist does this thing, why the antagonist decides not to kill the protagonist and stuff like that, much to the nuisance of my friends.
I can't watch horror/gore movies. Whatever left of my bravery and courage is apparently not enough to survive me through any dose of cinematic-induced fear. Thanks to my nature of constantly visualising things in my head, I tend to keep replaying some scenes in my head - and worst of all, making myself the main character instead. I still remember my younger days, when Goosebumps was still a hit among us kids. I tried reading just ONE book and that very night I seemed to be stricken by insomnia.
The rational side of me somehow always seems to be overwhelmed by the superstitious part of me as the night gets later and I get lonelier. Although I have no guilty conscious, my mind still imagines myself as being the victim. I just can't help but to feel that way sometimes.
I must say I am better now (I dare to sleep alone at my room without any doubts... maybe because I am more tired?) as compared when I was younger when I always thought that monsters hide below the bed - and I was really really scared of looking down to the bottom of the bed at night.
Anyway, next time if you happen to be catching a movie. You can leave me out. Of course it will be great to just invite me first, I will try to tone myself down (:
but leave me out of horror and gore shows.
no saw, no shutter. thanks
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