It has been four months since my last entry. Many things happened. A transition from excited and eager about my attachment, to hatred towards it, and then to the uneventful end. Well, this is roughly the summary on the past 120 days.
Now, I am back in Kent Ridge, assuming more responsibilites compared to before, and immersed in the excitement of playing the sports that I have missed terribly during my attachment days. I am really happy to be back.
More, more, more,
Qing
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
The Honey Gang...
The honey gang consists of Jasmin, Samantha and me. Quite a combination, I would say.
How did the name come about? Well, it's a long story. The three of us are really quite adventurous, hence we always like to go to new courts, play with people that we have not met before. After going to a particular court for the first time, we would often decide to frequent that place for a period of time. So one could probably say, there is a pattern to where we decide to go and play ball. In other words, for example, we can keep on going to court A for 3 months, then after scouting a new court, lets say court B, we would abandon court A and play at court B for another long period of time. We have visited quite a number of court thus far. Sometimes we would make a "special appearance" at a court which we have went to long time back in history, it depends entirely on our mood.
Everytime we arrive at a new court, as there are quite few girls who play ball so seriously, we attract attention. Sometimes, we win, othertimes we lose. No matter what the statistics were, we always leave an impression on the guys there. The amazing thing is, the second time we go to the court, the number of guys playing increases in number. This pattern we observe from the many courts we have went to led us to believe that we are like honey, and the guys are the bees. Hence, we are the honey gang.
At first it was discussed among us girls in a joking manner. But, afterwards, it became how we identify ourselves. I am the honey mum, because I'm the oldest among the three. Jasmin is our Public Relations Manager, because she is always the one who shouts for the next team. Samantha is ... a member. Haha...
We don't readily include other people into our gang, because our membership is exclusive. Crap? Maybe... This explains why the three of us tend to play only 3-on-3, even when others are playing 4-on-4, we would tell them that we have got 3 only, and no, we don't need one guy to help us play. So, one of the guys would just have to sit out.
To date, we have played ball together for roughly 5 years. Funny we don't get bored of each other. Yes, it's a joy.
So glad that I'm in the Honey Gang,
Qing
How did the name come about? Well, it's a long story. The three of us are really quite adventurous, hence we always like to go to new courts, play with people that we have not met before. After going to a particular court for the first time, we would often decide to frequent that place for a period of time. So one could probably say, there is a pattern to where we decide to go and play ball. In other words, for example, we can keep on going to court A for 3 months, then after scouting a new court, lets say court B, we would abandon court A and play at court B for another long period of time. We have visited quite a number of court thus far. Sometimes we would make a "special appearance" at a court which we have went to long time back in history, it depends entirely on our mood.
Everytime we arrive at a new court, as there are quite few girls who play ball so seriously, we attract attention. Sometimes, we win, othertimes we lose. No matter what the statistics were, we always leave an impression on the guys there. The amazing thing is, the second time we go to the court, the number of guys playing increases in number. This pattern we observe from the many courts we have went to led us to believe that we are like honey, and the guys are the bees. Hence, we are the honey gang.
At first it was discussed among us girls in a joking manner. But, afterwards, it became how we identify ourselves. I am the honey mum, because I'm the oldest among the three. Jasmin is our Public Relations Manager, because she is always the one who shouts for the next team. Samantha is ... a member. Haha...
We don't readily include other people into our gang, because our membership is exclusive. Crap? Maybe... This explains why the three of us tend to play only 3-on-3, even when others are playing 4-on-4, we would tell them that we have got 3 only, and no, we don't need one guy to help us play. So, one of the guys would just have to sit out.
To date, we have played ball together for roughly 5 years. Funny we don't get bored of each other. Yes, it's a joy.
So glad that I'm in the Honey Gang,
Qing
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Adulthood...
I am turning 21 this year, in just a couple of months, and I dread it.
Why do you want to push me into becoming an adult when I don't want to be? Especially when I feel that adulthood is not an issue. Especially when I thought that it was my little girl's heart that attracted you in the first place. Furthermore, attacked by the harsh realities of the adult life in the day, can't I have the luxury of behaving like a child at night?
It is not that I cannot behave like an adult. I can be matured and sensible if I want to be. But in front of the man that I love, I really want to put down my shield, and be the girl that I am. This side of me is unique, I don't want to lose it, even though it has caused me to lose many others before you. Stubborn I am, but determined I will still be.
What I can give you is probably love, and only love. Be assured to receive tonnes of it, but also do not be surprised if you receive nothing else. Because I believe the love encompass it all, do I need to explain further?
So what I need from you is also love. Tonnes of it would be nice, but loadfuls would suffice. Because I believe love is honest and giving, do i need to say more?
If you cannot give what it takes,
Qing
P.S. I can do the travelling too, you know.
Why do you want to push me into becoming an adult when I don't want to be? Especially when I feel that adulthood is not an issue. Especially when I thought that it was my little girl's heart that attracted you in the first place. Furthermore, attacked by the harsh realities of the adult life in the day, can't I have the luxury of behaving like a child at night?
It is not that I cannot behave like an adult. I can be matured and sensible if I want to be. But in front of the man that I love, I really want to put down my shield, and be the girl that I am. This side of me is unique, I don't want to lose it, even though it has caused me to lose many others before you. Stubborn I am, but determined I will still be.
What I can give you is probably love, and only love. Be assured to receive tonnes of it, but also do not be surprised if you receive nothing else. Because I believe the love encompass it all, do I need to explain further?
So what I need from you is also love. Tonnes of it would be nice, but loadfuls would suffice. Because I believe love is honest and giving, do i need to say more?
If you cannot give what it takes,
Qing
P.S. I can do the travelling too, you know.
Friday, July 08, 2005
My best partners in lab...
This entry is inspired by Yong Sing, one of my 2 lab partners.
After chatting with him on msn, I suddenly miss the times when the 3 of us rush to complete our lab report on the day of the experiment itself. Some of my friends think that it is a very "kiasu" behaviour, but I think it is just the way we handle and treat our work. We hate to backlog and leave our reports to the very last minute. Hence, I would say that it is definitely a blessing for me to have 2 lab mates who think alike.
Hmm... As we are doing out industrial attachment this semester, we no longer have the chance to do experiments together again, at least for the next six months. I am working at 3M now, and doing alot of experiments and lab work. As I am the only attachment student assigned to the lab, I carry out the complete the experiments mostly by myself. In times like these, I can't help but miss my lab partners. Most of the times I can't help but wish that they are around to give me ideas on how to carry out my test, on the structure of the report, what stuff to dump into the appendix and whose report we can refer to as reference.
Now, Ig is in Canada and Yong Sing is working in Akzo. Don't really have the chance to crap about soccer with them, chat about varsity life and complain to each other about the workload.
Just hope that they are doing well.
I am still a Man U fan,
Qing
After chatting with him on msn, I suddenly miss the times when the 3 of us rush to complete our lab report on the day of the experiment itself. Some of my friends think that it is a very "kiasu" behaviour, but I think it is just the way we handle and treat our work. We hate to backlog and leave our reports to the very last minute. Hence, I would say that it is definitely a blessing for me to have 2 lab mates who think alike.
Hmm... As we are doing out industrial attachment this semester, we no longer have the chance to do experiments together again, at least for the next six months. I am working at 3M now, and doing alot of experiments and lab work. As I am the only attachment student assigned to the lab, I carry out the complete the experiments mostly by myself. In times like these, I can't help but miss my lab partners. Most of the times I can't help but wish that they are around to give me ideas on how to carry out my test, on the structure of the report, what stuff to dump into the appendix and whose report we can refer to as reference.
Now, Ig is in Canada and Yong Sing is working in Akzo. Don't really have the chance to crap about soccer with them, chat about varsity life and complain to each other about the workload.
Just hope that they are doing well.
I am still a Man U fan,
Qing
Monday, July 04, 2005
Daddy's gonna buy you a mockingbird...
One of the few artists whose presence and works have affected me is Eminem. In a positive or a negative way I am not sure, but I really like his songs.
I remembered the movie "8 Mile". The scene whereby the whole crowd responded to his rap really touched me. The amount of courage, confidence and talent that I see was so inspirational. It made me realise, that in order to become good in something, or to beat others, one have to win over oneself. To become a good handball/basketball/netball player, one have to overcome the mental weakness first, before one can really excel and improve. Not only in sports, but also in other areas, like work and relationships.
His songs, though not popular among my friends, always hit a note close to my heart. They tell me stories that are seldom heard in a safe and conservative place like Singapore. Guns, betrayal, drugs, AIDS, problem child, single-parent, divorce, and so many more. Sometimes I wonder whether those are stories of his life, before he got famous, and after he is famous. I remembered the first time I listened to his Slim Shady, I thought it was crap. But when I heard the song Kim, I felt really sad for the guy in the song. Since then I always pay attention to his lyrics, and now I appreciate his courage for bringing controversy into his music.
In some songs he expressed his love to his daughter, and he also expressed regret, for he is an artist, hence he could not really give her a normal childhood, but he really wanted to give her a childhood that he never really had. So, it made me wonder whether is it really so difficult to have the best of both worlds, whether is it really true that in order to achieve one thing, it is often at the expense of another, or in order to excel in work, there are some things that one have to forgo. Does it mean that in order to perform well in my IA, I have to sacrifice handball/basketball/netball/IHG?
In his songs he have mentioned before that he have to be responsible for what he writes as his songs have an influence on society, on the kids who listens to him like a preacher. Makes me ponder whether my actions have any influence on anybody. And yes, my actions do make an impact on someone. Not really sure if I should be flattered, but it has certainly brought me a certain amount of stress and guilt.
Are you the man who I think you are, Marshall?
I want a mockingbird,
Qing
I remembered the movie "8 Mile". The scene whereby the whole crowd responded to his rap really touched me. The amount of courage, confidence and talent that I see was so inspirational. It made me realise, that in order to become good in something, or to beat others, one have to win over oneself. To become a good handball/basketball/netball player, one have to overcome the mental weakness first, before one can really excel and improve. Not only in sports, but also in other areas, like work and relationships.
His songs, though not popular among my friends, always hit a note close to my heart. They tell me stories that are seldom heard in a safe and conservative place like Singapore. Guns, betrayal, drugs, AIDS, problem child, single-parent, divorce, and so many more. Sometimes I wonder whether those are stories of his life, before he got famous, and after he is famous. I remembered the first time I listened to his Slim Shady, I thought it was crap. But when I heard the song Kim, I felt really sad for the guy in the song. Since then I always pay attention to his lyrics, and now I appreciate his courage for bringing controversy into his music.
In some songs he expressed his love to his daughter, and he also expressed regret, for he is an artist, hence he could not really give her a normal childhood, but he really wanted to give her a childhood that he never really had. So, it made me wonder whether is it really so difficult to have the best of both worlds, whether is it really true that in order to achieve one thing, it is often at the expense of another, or in order to excel in work, there are some things that one have to forgo. Does it mean that in order to perform well in my IA, I have to sacrifice handball/basketball/netball/IHG?
In his songs he have mentioned before that he have to be responsible for what he writes as his songs have an influence on society, on the kids who listens to him like a preacher. Makes me ponder whether my actions have any influence on anybody. And yes, my actions do make an impact on someone. Not really sure if I should be flattered, but it has certainly brought me a certain amount of stress and guilt.
Are you the man who I think you are, Marshall?
I want a mockingbird,
Qing
Sunday, July 03, 2005
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
Jealousy is ugly...
Hmm...
I am someone who gets jealous quite easily. When I get very jealous, normally I would feel very small and insignificant, then cry as a form of self-pity.
Even though after so many relationships, I still cannot seem to learn how to control my emotions and not to feel sour over little things. Maybe its because I feel insecure all the time, or maybe I don't have any confidence in myself at all... Maybe its precisely because of the many betrayals that I have experienced before that make me so suspecting all the time...
Every action that results from my jealousy makes me hate myself, as if I am behaving like a ten year old. But I can't help it... I need someone to share my woes with, so as to dilute the jealousy that I feel...
Jealous,
Qing
I am someone who gets jealous quite easily. When I get very jealous, normally I would feel very small and insignificant, then cry as a form of self-pity.
Even though after so many relationships, I still cannot seem to learn how to control my emotions and not to feel sour over little things. Maybe its because I feel insecure all the time, or maybe I don't have any confidence in myself at all... Maybe its precisely because of the many betrayals that I have experienced before that make me so suspecting all the time...
Every action that results from my jealousy makes me hate myself, as if I am behaving like a ten year old. But I can't help it... I need someone to share my woes with, so as to dilute the jealousy that I feel...
Jealous,
Qing
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Yerong and I
This man fell in love with me at first sight...
Nah... Not so romantic...
It was sympathy at first, he told me. Then, he said that he wanted to experience the type of love that I could give to a man I deeply love. It was what he wanted, he said. He was confident that he could do better than my last boyfriend.
The courtship was long and sweet, well, at least for me. He found it tiring. But, it was all worth it in the end, he said. I remember once he asked me what I like to eat most, I replied icecream, and he probed further into my likes and dislikes. A few days later, he passed me a pint to Haagen Dazs rum and raisin ice cream and a bottle of root beer through Janice. I was so delighted.
A few weeks later, I was studying in Burger King with another friend, Ron, during the exam period. While I was absorbed in my notes and equations, 2 strangers approached me. They were giggling as one of them said to me, "A guy downstairs asked me to pass you this and to study hard." The stranger then handed me a plastic bag. Upon looking at its contents, I was so touched! It contained a pint of Haagen Dazs rum and raisin ice cream! I knew it was him! I just knew it, and I was right. It was the sweetest moment of my life. =)
He now treats me like a little girl, taking care of me, fussing over the slightest detail. He always give in to my childish and sometimes demanding requests, often tiring himself as a result. But he always try his very best to give me what I want. Really feel so protected with him around.
Always your little princess,
Qing
Nah... Not so romantic...
It was sympathy at first, he told me. Then, he said that he wanted to experience the type of love that I could give to a man I deeply love. It was what he wanted, he said. He was confident that he could do better than my last boyfriend.
The courtship was long and sweet, well, at least for me. He found it tiring. But, it was all worth it in the end, he said. I remember once he asked me what I like to eat most, I replied icecream, and he probed further into my likes and dislikes. A few days later, he passed me a pint to Haagen Dazs rum and raisin ice cream and a bottle of root beer through Janice. I was so delighted.
A few weeks later, I was studying in Burger King with another friend, Ron, during the exam period. While I was absorbed in my notes and equations, 2 strangers approached me. They were giggling as one of them said to me, "A guy downstairs asked me to pass you this and to study hard." The stranger then handed me a plastic bag. Upon looking at its contents, I was so touched! It contained a pint of Haagen Dazs rum and raisin ice cream! I knew it was him! I just knew it, and I was right. It was the sweetest moment of my life. =)
He now treats me like a little girl, taking care of me, fussing over the slightest detail. He always give in to my childish and sometimes demanding requests, often tiring himself as a result. But he always try his very best to give me what I want. Really feel so protected with him around.
Always your little princess,
Qing
Saturday, May 14, 2005
A clue on what i love most in my life...
Handball. Definitely.
Let me tell you why i love this sport over others (that i have played so far in my life).
Firstly, maybe it has got to do with the position i play. I am a center. That means that I have to command the team's attack, and sometimes the team's defence, depending on the type of defence we are playing. I have to make decisions on the court, often without the aid of my coach. This simply thrills me. Many decisions were made by me on court. I decide which set play to excute, make comments to the players on court after each attack, shout out reminders during defence, coordinate the shifting of the team's wall and most importantly, give my teammates the support they need, especially the goalkeeper.
The skills that one need to possess the game makes a player look invincible on court. His strength in his shots, his speed in cutting the defence, his vision in looking for the best opportunity to attack, his ability to utilise his three steps, all these make me fall in love with the game continuously, without fail. At the team level, one team have to have perfect coordination and timing in carrying out a wave or a set play, the amount of team spirit that is needed to keep the body and mind fit for the whole match, the amount of determination needed to keep a goal out of the goalpost, all these draw me more and more to the sport. Not all sport requires these level of skill, technique, concentration, determination, and strength. The intensity of the game is terrifying. It can make or break a team in just an hour. One must possess a strong heart and mind in order to surive the test of stamina.
Handball is really hard to resist. It only took me 4 months to completely fall in love with it. Through handball I have made superb friends and teammates. Now with the Singapore Handball Federation in full force, handball in Singapore is becoming less of a fantasy and more of a reality.
Handball is a beautiful game.
Loving this game,
Qing meimei
Let me tell you why i love this sport over others (that i have played so far in my life).
Firstly, maybe it has got to do with the position i play. I am a center. That means that I have to command the team's attack, and sometimes the team's defence, depending on the type of defence we are playing. I have to make decisions on the court, often without the aid of my coach. This simply thrills me. Many decisions were made by me on court. I decide which set play to excute, make comments to the players on court after each attack, shout out reminders during defence, coordinate the shifting of the team's wall and most importantly, give my teammates the support they need, especially the goalkeeper.
The skills that one need to possess the game makes a player look invincible on court. His strength in his shots, his speed in cutting the defence, his vision in looking for the best opportunity to attack, his ability to utilise his three steps, all these make me fall in love with the game continuously, without fail. At the team level, one team have to have perfect coordination and timing in carrying out a wave or a set play, the amount of team spirit that is needed to keep the body and mind fit for the whole match, the amount of determination needed to keep a goal out of the goalpost, all these draw me more and more to the sport. Not all sport requires these level of skill, technique, concentration, determination, and strength. The intensity of the game is terrifying. It can make or break a team in just an hour. One must possess a strong heart and mind in order to surive the test of stamina.
Handball is really hard to resist. It only took me 4 months to completely fall in love with it. Through handball I have made superb friends and teammates. Now with the Singapore Handball Federation in full force, handball in Singapore is becoming less of a fantasy and more of a reality.
Handball is a beautiful game.
Loving this game,
Qing meimei
Thursday, April 07, 2005
My coaches and me...
What inspired to write this entry is probably the sudden realization of how important coaches are, and how they made a difference into molding me to what I am today.
My first coach was Mr Edmund Tan. We all call him Sir. When I was in Primary 4, I took up a new sport, basketball. Training was simple and consisted of drills. He has got many many drills, and all of them were numbered. The largest number was 23. After a long day of training, we would sit on benches at the side of the court and watch as our seniors played full court game. We were supposed to sit and learn and absorb as much as possible. Training was long and tough, consisted of a whole day of drills and fitness training. But we were so young then we did not know how to bargain or to disobey, we just did whatever Sir told us to do.
Everyone in the team wanted to exceed his expectation of each of us. When we start the training, he would say 18,23. It means thats we have to run 18 rounds together as a team around the Level 2 corridor of our school, and at the 19th round, we are free to run at our own pace without stopping, and the least number of rounds that we ran is 23. But no one ever stopped at the 23rd round. We just ran and ran and ran. I hold the highest record, 60 rounds when I was in Primary 6. After the warm up run, we start the training with drill #7, which is mainly a dribbling drill. Then, we would start to do drills in pairs. Everyone has their own designated partner. Whatever we do as a team, we would automatically form 2 rows, with our designated partner, and designated place. My partner and I was the 3rd pair, always. After all the pair work drills, we move on to team drills that involve 3 or 4 people at one time. After all these drills, we finally move on to game play.
Sir likes to use chinese chess pieces to teach game play. He made a big board, which has the outlines of a basketball court, and let us make our own chess pieces. We bought a chess set where the chess pieces are really big, we used masking tape to cover the chinese letter on the chess piece, and sprayed it with black spray paint. This is because we were known as the Black Team (its the colour of the team which commands the highest amount of respect in Naval Base Primary. The senior guys team was Green Team, junior girls the Blue Team, and junior boys the Red Team). Each chess piece was personalized as our names were on the piece that corresponds to the position that we play. We loved it.
We also wore jersey to school, to classes. The basketball team was so BIG in my school that kids in other sports were so jealous of us. We had training during lesson time, after school, during recess, and even before school. It was great. We were so united, so close, so focused, so powerful. There was a pride in us when we put on out vests. Our jerseys were always tucked in, and our vests are always on us when we are not training, because we were taught to cover our school's name in front of the public as it would meant a disrespect for our jersey and school. We would always fold our vest nicely when we take them off so that the name our our school or our jersey number would be shown on top.
It was so much about pride, integrity, honour, determination and respect. Under his guidance for 6 years I became a good player, a good vice-captain, a good guard, a good senior, a good junior and a good person. He taught me how to respect my seniors, how to be respected by juniors, how to treat my school name with pride, and the importance of determination. I respect him from the bottom of my heart.
The second most memorable coach I had was Gui Cai. He taught me how to shoot properly, how to play a set play and how to play the modern game in a traditional manner. Never really got too close with him, was only under him for 2 years, but nonetheless, he has earned my respect by showing me the versatility of the beautiful game.
The 3rd coach was Jia Qiang. He was a very fierce coach and had high expectations of me. From a guard I became a controller and then a shooting guard(thanks to Gui Cai), I was learning too many things at one time. I felt taxed and stressed. I argued with a coach for the first time in my life. After that arguement, both of us gave in a bit. He expected less from me, and I wanted to show him that I can do what he thinks I am capable of doing. I wanted to be the best in the team, so that he can shower me with his affection and care. Being a captain certainly made me want to prove myself to him more. But he never raised his voice at me after the arguement. Never. He showed me what it meant by falling in love with his own team. He sacrificed alot for my team, and I respect him for making those sacrifices to protect us from harm.
These 3 coaches have made a significance impact on me and my values, what I think is important for a team player and a leader. Even now when basketball is no longer my greatest passion, it shall forever remain a part of me. My past, my memories, my friends are all so greatly connected to this sport that I find it impossible to let go.
My first handball coach was Kok Siang. The simple fact that he trust me made me want to give all of what I have to the team. I was only a new player to this sport and he entrusted me with the most difficult position of all, center. It was difficult at first, having to play alongside with so many experienced players made me lose confidence in my ability. However, encouragement from these experienced players and Kok Siang made me believe I can really do it if I put my mind and heart into it. Trust, is what he taught me.
Qing Huan and Hon feng were the next 2 coaches that I had. They were strict and clear in what they want the girls to accomplish. They never gave up on the team. Even though I felt that I have let the two of them down, they would use encouraging words to lift me up. Even though I felt that I did a bad job as a captain, they convinced me to think otherwise. Both of them were my pillars during the competition. I would always look for them in the middle of the game for instructions. Whatever they say, is my command. Strength, is what they gave me.
All my coaches taught me valuable lessons at different stages of my life. I shall always remember their teachings, engrave their golden words in my mind. I really appreciate my coaches and am glad that our paths crossed.
Wanting to be the player that all my coaches wanted me to be,
Qing
My first coach was Mr Edmund Tan. We all call him Sir. When I was in Primary 4, I took up a new sport, basketball. Training was simple and consisted of drills. He has got many many drills, and all of them were numbered. The largest number was 23. After a long day of training, we would sit on benches at the side of the court and watch as our seniors played full court game. We were supposed to sit and learn and absorb as much as possible. Training was long and tough, consisted of a whole day of drills and fitness training. But we were so young then we did not know how to bargain or to disobey, we just did whatever Sir told us to do.
Everyone in the team wanted to exceed his expectation of each of us. When we start the training, he would say 18,23. It means thats we have to run 18 rounds together as a team around the Level 2 corridor of our school, and at the 19th round, we are free to run at our own pace without stopping, and the least number of rounds that we ran is 23. But no one ever stopped at the 23rd round. We just ran and ran and ran. I hold the highest record, 60 rounds when I was in Primary 6. After the warm up run, we start the training with drill #7, which is mainly a dribbling drill. Then, we would start to do drills in pairs. Everyone has their own designated partner. Whatever we do as a team, we would automatically form 2 rows, with our designated partner, and designated place. My partner and I was the 3rd pair, always. After all the pair work drills, we move on to team drills that involve 3 or 4 people at one time. After all these drills, we finally move on to game play.
Sir likes to use chinese chess pieces to teach game play. He made a big board, which has the outlines of a basketball court, and let us make our own chess pieces. We bought a chess set where the chess pieces are really big, we used masking tape to cover the chinese letter on the chess piece, and sprayed it with black spray paint. This is because we were known as the Black Team (its the colour of the team which commands the highest amount of respect in Naval Base Primary. The senior guys team was Green Team, junior girls the Blue Team, and junior boys the Red Team). Each chess piece was personalized as our names were on the piece that corresponds to the position that we play. We loved it.
We also wore jersey to school, to classes. The basketball team was so BIG in my school that kids in other sports were so jealous of us. We had training during lesson time, after school, during recess, and even before school. It was great. We were so united, so close, so focused, so powerful. There was a pride in us when we put on out vests. Our jerseys were always tucked in, and our vests are always on us when we are not training, because we were taught to cover our school's name in front of the public as it would meant a disrespect for our jersey and school. We would always fold our vest nicely when we take them off so that the name our our school or our jersey number would be shown on top.
It was so much about pride, integrity, honour, determination and respect. Under his guidance for 6 years I became a good player, a good vice-captain, a good guard, a good senior, a good junior and a good person. He taught me how to respect my seniors, how to be respected by juniors, how to treat my school name with pride, and the importance of determination. I respect him from the bottom of my heart.
The second most memorable coach I had was Gui Cai. He taught me how to shoot properly, how to play a set play and how to play the modern game in a traditional manner. Never really got too close with him, was only under him for 2 years, but nonetheless, he has earned my respect by showing me the versatility of the beautiful game.
The 3rd coach was Jia Qiang. He was a very fierce coach and had high expectations of me. From a guard I became a controller and then a shooting guard(thanks to Gui Cai), I was learning too many things at one time. I felt taxed and stressed. I argued with a coach for the first time in my life. After that arguement, both of us gave in a bit. He expected less from me, and I wanted to show him that I can do what he thinks I am capable of doing. I wanted to be the best in the team, so that he can shower me with his affection and care. Being a captain certainly made me want to prove myself to him more. But he never raised his voice at me after the arguement. Never. He showed me what it meant by falling in love with his own team. He sacrificed alot for my team, and I respect him for making those sacrifices to protect us from harm.
These 3 coaches have made a significance impact on me and my values, what I think is important for a team player and a leader. Even now when basketball is no longer my greatest passion, it shall forever remain a part of me. My past, my memories, my friends are all so greatly connected to this sport that I find it impossible to let go.
My first handball coach was Kok Siang. The simple fact that he trust me made me want to give all of what I have to the team. I was only a new player to this sport and he entrusted me with the most difficult position of all, center. It was difficult at first, having to play alongside with so many experienced players made me lose confidence in my ability. However, encouragement from these experienced players and Kok Siang made me believe I can really do it if I put my mind and heart into it. Trust, is what he taught me.
Qing Huan and Hon feng were the next 2 coaches that I had. They were strict and clear in what they want the girls to accomplish. They never gave up on the team. Even though I felt that I have let the two of them down, they would use encouraging words to lift me up. Even though I felt that I did a bad job as a captain, they convinced me to think otherwise. Both of them were my pillars during the competition. I would always look for them in the middle of the game for instructions. Whatever they say, is my command. Strength, is what they gave me.
All my coaches taught me valuable lessons at different stages of my life. I shall always remember their teachings, engrave their golden words in my mind. I really appreciate my coaches and am glad that our paths crossed.
Wanting to be the player that all my coaches wanted me to be,
Qing
Sunday, March 27, 2005
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Looking Back at IHG 2004/2005
On Jan 13 2005, Kent Ridge Hall lost to Eusoff Hall by 1 goal in the semifinals.
Even till today, I can still feel the pain, the disappoinment, and the sadness that overwhelmed the team and myself. So many things I want to say to my girls, talk to them and try to help them overcome their grief, or rather, share with them mine.
I am not really a touchy person. Hate to say goodbyes. But, life goes on. Here is a tribute to my final years:
To Aimay, you have always been a role model dat i look up to, since I was in Year 1. Your skills and passion for the game, be it handball or basketball, really earned my respect. A pity that I cannot give you another handball gold medal as a farewell gift. Really want to continue to play handball with you again. Maybe you might want to consider joining the Federation? Don't lose your passion for this sport ya.. Never forget the exhilaration and excitement when playing the game.
To Mavis, you are a very focused player on court. Had fun playing alongside with you as your center. Know that you are busy with your Honours, but sometimes really wish to play ball with you again. I love to watch you play. Your skills, your determination, your strength, your dominance on court made me respect you ever since my Year 1 IBG..
To Ruiyi, I felt that we have got this special connection because we are both centers. During IHG when I don't have any idea on which set play to call for, I would always turn to ask you for your opinion. Cos we are both centers, we both know how difficult it is to organise a team attack, and to be loud and our presence have to be felt all the time on court, and hence this special bond developed. Not sure whether you felt it, but you were my spiritual support when I am playing.
To Wanlyn, I have always loved to see you jump. So high, so nice, so impressive. Sometimes your composure on court is also admirable. Remember the time when there were only 4 people left on the court? Haha.. Thought that was really a great feat. Do continue to play the sport, cos you love to play handball.
To Geraldine, you are the most graceful female keeper I have seen. Your are not afraid to slide, to fall, and to accumulate bruises. Hope that this special memories of being a keeper will accompany you for a long time. Also hope that you will continue to play for the Federation too.. Thanks for all the encouragment and support that you have given me when I was a captain, and when I was a center. All these meant alot to me and pickest me up from the lowest point of my life. =)
To Eileen, did not really get to play much with you this year. I understand that you are busy with FYP. From the few trainings that we have trained together, the words that you say during defrief always struck me as very wise. Really glad to have you on my team, cos we both love handball.
To qing huan, hon feng n hui hu, I just want to thank you for all the effort that you have put into training the girls. Sometimes we might disappoint you, but you never gave up on us. Without u guys, we would never be what we are now. I hope that we have left you with great memories. =) Respect.
To all my final years, I have already promised you all something on the 13th Jan, during the small group talk that we had after our game. Not sure whether you all remembered it, but now im working hard to acheive what I have promised to deliver. =)
Captain, Kent Ridge Hall Kandball Girls 2004/2005
Qing
Even till today, I can still feel the pain, the disappoinment, and the sadness that overwhelmed the team and myself. So many things I want to say to my girls, talk to them and try to help them overcome their grief, or rather, share with them mine.
I am not really a touchy person. Hate to say goodbyes. But, life goes on. Here is a tribute to my final years:
To Aimay, you have always been a role model dat i look up to, since I was in Year 1. Your skills and passion for the game, be it handball or basketball, really earned my respect. A pity that I cannot give you another handball gold medal as a farewell gift. Really want to continue to play handball with you again. Maybe you might want to consider joining the Federation? Don't lose your passion for this sport ya.. Never forget the exhilaration and excitement when playing the game.
To Mavis, you are a very focused player on court. Had fun playing alongside with you as your center. Know that you are busy with your Honours, but sometimes really wish to play ball with you again. I love to watch you play. Your skills, your determination, your strength, your dominance on court made me respect you ever since my Year 1 IBG..
To Ruiyi, I felt that we have got this special connection because we are both centers. During IHG when I don't have any idea on which set play to call for, I would always turn to ask you for your opinion. Cos we are both centers, we both know how difficult it is to organise a team attack, and to be loud and our presence have to be felt all the time on court, and hence this special bond developed. Not sure whether you felt it, but you were my spiritual support when I am playing.
To Wanlyn, I have always loved to see you jump. So high, so nice, so impressive. Sometimes your composure on court is also admirable. Remember the time when there were only 4 people left on the court? Haha.. Thought that was really a great feat. Do continue to play the sport, cos you love to play handball.
To Geraldine, you are the most graceful female keeper I have seen. Your are not afraid to slide, to fall, and to accumulate bruises. Hope that this special memories of being a keeper will accompany you for a long time. Also hope that you will continue to play for the Federation too.. Thanks for all the encouragment and support that you have given me when I was a captain, and when I was a center. All these meant alot to me and pickest me up from the lowest point of my life. =)
To Eileen, did not really get to play much with you this year. I understand that you are busy with FYP. From the few trainings that we have trained together, the words that you say during defrief always struck me as very wise. Really glad to have you on my team, cos we both love handball.
To qing huan, hon feng n hui hu, I just want to thank you for all the effort that you have put into training the girls. Sometimes we might disappoint you, but you never gave up on us. Without u guys, we would never be what we are now. I hope that we have left you with great memories. =) Respect.
To all my final years, I have already promised you all something on the 13th Jan, during the small group talk that we had after our game. Not sure whether you all remembered it, but now im working hard to acheive what I have promised to deliver. =)
Captain, Kent Ridge Hall Kandball Girls 2004/2005
Qing
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Monday, March 21, 2005
A Reflection on the KL trip
It was the closest that I have come to represent Singapore in an overseas tournament. Even though we were only know as The Lions, pride was in everyone when we played.
As Captain and center, I don't really know whether I have done a good job in leading the team. It was my honour to play alongside with so many experienced players, like Xiaowei, Mary, Valerie, Pei luan, Becky, Angela, Surin, and Bert, Joops and Geraldine. It was a joy to work with my coach, Yerong. =)
I just want to thank those players, friends and coaches who had faith in me, even though its only my second year playing handball. Their continuing advise and encouragement inspired me to rise to the occassion.
Lessons were taught and learnt in this trip. After lookin back and evaluating my own performance, definitely this was far less than what i initially expected from myself. Alot of self-doubt and questions came flowing into my mind. Of course I love the game, but, its the self-doubt that is holding me back.
Wondering whether i would become the center that I have always wanted to be,
Qing
As Captain and center, I don't really know whether I have done a good job in leading the team. It was my honour to play alongside with so many experienced players, like Xiaowei, Mary, Valerie, Pei luan, Becky, Angela, Surin, and Bert, Joops and Geraldine. It was a joy to work with my coach, Yerong. =)
I just want to thank those players, friends and coaches who had faith in me, even though its only my second year playing handball. Their continuing advise and encouragement inspired me to rise to the occassion.
Lessons were taught and learnt in this trip. After lookin back and evaluating my own performance, definitely this was far less than what i initially expected from myself. Alot of self-doubt and questions came flowing into my mind. Of course I love the game, but, its the self-doubt that is holding me back.
Wondering whether i would become the center that I have always wanted to be,
Qing
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