I liked how 联合早报 did a series of articles using singular words to summarise events of the year, so I shall 东施效颦 and attempt the same today.
水 (Water)
This one is a no-brainer. Throughout the year, I probably spent more time with water than I ever did before. So much so that I have witnessed the gradual transformation of Kallang from a salty, used-condom and dead cat-strewn waterway to an apparently freshwater but still used-condom and dead cat-strewn Marina reservoir, complete with a white-elephant of a fountain that I don't see switched on these days. I was there before the sun rose, and there when the sun set. Sometimes, I would spend my entire weekend there. Gradually, I developed a love-hate relationship with water. The thrill of a catch, the exhilaration of a surge, and the letdown when I just fail to connect with the water on curious days have contributed to my present schizophrenic self. The consolation is being able to do this with people of similar ambitions, so you can share your woes or learn a few tricks to give you an extra oomph while wielding the paddle. Lately, the masochistic part of me has compelled me to learn K, and my high CG, complete with a clumsy demeanour, aren't make things easy. I surmise I capsized more than 30 times in one session alone (as Jerry Tan can attest to), much to the amusement of roaming Banglas along Kallang Park taking a break during the recent Xmas long weekend. But the 抓水的快感 is something you will never forget and would want to experience everyday, so my "It's complicated" relationship with water shall persist.
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| Still working on it; gotta row more, swim less |
速 (Speed)
2011 was all about speed for many reasons. First, I rushed through my long overdue driving lessons in 1 month and got my licence on the second try (damn you KERB!). Second, I acquired an overpriced car that made life much easier, and faster. Going to trainings no longer became a hassle, and ferrying friends around provided great in-car entertainment on the otherwise angst-inducing roads of Singapore. Third, there was the speed on water as we chase the elusive magic figure while trudging our way in Marina Reservoir. In a measured sport like ours, the GPS will validate our hard work, and will similarly shame us with nonchalant candor for shoddy performance. Numbers do not lie, so those digits became our best friend and worst enemy for the entire year. I shall not even begin talking about the ergo panel that mocks you with its dwindling numbers as you fight tenaciously against the equally dogged clutches of lassitude at every single pull.
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| Ergometer - The machine we love to hate |
友 (Friends)
I promise i will not go melodramatic about this, but i have learnt many things from the people i've met this year, both at training and at work. Whether good or bad, these new friends have helped shaped my perspective on many important issues. Platonic relationships aside, I have been pestered at various ends (friends and family alike) to up the ante and start a romantic exchange. Well to put things upfront, I am one heck of a boring guy with too many things on my mind; so, I'd patiently let nature take its course. I appreciate all who attempted (or are still attempting) to matchmake me, and while these events can be daunting for a timorous person like me, I will take things in my stride. Ok next topic *ahem*
志 (Ambition)
The past year has made me reevaluate what matters to me, and what doesn't. It's always about striking a balance. Thoreau said "To put to rout all that is not life, and not, when I have come to die, realise I have not lived." Yet, in the process of "Living deep and sucking the marrow out of life", I am constantly reminded that "sucking the marrow out of life does not mean choking on the bone". A thin line separates passion and obsession. I wonder if my involvement with rowing (or as purist will say, "paddling") has made me overlook other important things in life, and whether my singular focus on bettering myself on water has been a myopic move. My answer to this, has always been an unequivocal "no". I enjoyed every single bit of training, and I will continue in this pursuit, even if my work has to take a backseat. Sometimes my Type A personality rears its head and shriek at the possibility of me being a nobody when I eventually do "retire" from the sport due to physiological limitations (yes, age); that i'll be a lowly MO while my other friends have risen to be full-fledged specialists. As traditional Chinese wisdom expounds, 鱼与熊掌毋能兼得; so I am still trying to achieve the zen of balancing both work and training in the coming year. Already in Jan 2012 I foresee missing out on quite a number of training sessions, and I am suppressing myself to prevent any displeasure from effervescing while at work. I am not sure how long I can keep this up. There are expectations from both sides and I will persevere to meet them all, and if I ever explode into a fit of exasperation, I will welcome an arm round my shoulder. "I'm only a man looking for a dream"... and it sure ain't easy to be me.
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| Tim Brabants - Olympic champion + World champion + Doctor |
Looking forward,
追 (Pursuit)
I will not mince my words but put it point-blank that 2012 will be a challenging year. Full-time work, almost full-time training, and post-graduate exams will take up the bulk of my time - and I foresee the need to deconflict, rationalise, reschedule, and even beg as I try to allocate the right amount of time that each of these priorities deserve. Nonetheless, the relentless pursuit of happyness shall press on, with my paddle and my buddy and me...
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