Wednesday, April 29
long overdue post
I just read a blog post of one of my netball junior's, and i felt this rush of emotion (alright i admit the emotion would have rushed better if my head wasn't like a stone block right now from staying up just to finish up my LTC proposal). yea it was the same emotion that stopped me from blogging about that last 2 matches - although i really wanted to say almost ANYTHING that would cheer up my girls after the AJC match... But i realised it was just better to give them some time to let things settle down in their mind first rather than drown them in words of "it's okay" cuz obviously at that point in time it's not okay and everyone needs time to cry, even for a moment.
It's not a weakness to cry, it's an outlet for emotions to be expressed when words can't do it cuz your mind's too distraught to even comprehend the need for tears. I used to think that it's useless to cry because crying doesn't help anything or make things better, and i guess i use that logic now to stop myself from crying unnecessarily, but honestly all girls know that crying brings such relief sometimes. (and it's the best weapon against clueless guys HAHA) so sob your heart out girls, but remember not to let your emotions cloud your logic! emotions are such a tricky thing, especially when hormones and mood swings come into play.
ANYWAY i said to my juniors what i wanted to tell them already, wrote them personal notes of encouragement and thanks and other important stuff tho not related directly to netball. And seriously i miss them already, even though i haven't seen them for merely 4 days and i'm actually seeing them tmr! it's like missing them in advance, cuz i know i won't be seeing them that often, the seniors at least, and i don't have much reason to be part of their life anymore... which is sad when i put it that way but i really want to be more than a senior, more than a coach, but someone who takes a sincere interest in their lives - not just the part related to their performance on court.
hey, when i say i love you girls i really mean it, more than a mere feeling of attachment or pride. i really wish i had more time to get to know you all personally, individually - you are all so unique and different!
i super appreciate the support you all gave me and the contributions and sacrifices each of you made for this team. i'm really proud of you girls! and i'm proud to be related to this team, it's been awesome:)
Sunday, April 26
Touch of Magic
I feel so artsy HAHAHA I watched this quaint french movie at the picture house last night, Magique, about this single mom and her young obedient lonely sensitive son. The scenery was seriously stunning, countryside and farmland and starry night sky... made me want to live in some farm forever!
The funny part was when the boy burst into quiet song HAHAHAHAHHA it was very sweet but i got a shock la! it wasn't the Sound Of Music kind la, more natural and like singing to himself, and the lyrics were quite touching but it kinda spoiled the experience that had to refer to the subtitles. Oh ya the bursting into song thing happens throughout the movie. But don't be discouraged from watching the movie la you'll feel more cultured after a good dose of french!!
The funny part was when the boy burst into quiet song HAHAHAHAHHA it was very sweet but i got a shock la! it wasn't the Sound Of Music kind la, more natural and like singing to himself, and the lyrics were quite touching but it kinda spoiled the experience that had to refer to the subtitles. Oh ya the bursting into song thing happens throughout the movie. But don't be discouraged from watching the movie la you'll feel more cultured after a good dose of french!!
Tuesday, April 21
VJNB
Okay so my biological clock has rewired itself such that i can't sleep even when it's past midnight and i'm not even stressed or anything! Great excuse to get on facebook and start blogging:)
If you don't know already, I've been going down to my old school, VJC aka the best school in the world, to help out with my juniors in the netball team
ie. VJNB (victoria JC netball). Honestly, i'm not much of a netball coach (and i'm a really terrible umpire too, i went for this umpiring course and they told me i'd find some upper primary games a challenge to umpire - that's how terribly low my standard is!) but i figured my juniors just need someone to be there, and we can work things out together. Anyway they've a certain level of experience and expertise so i was sure they'll have an idea of what needs to be done, what they need to work on. Thus i was constantly asking them what they want to do for the next training, and of course i relied heavily on my teacher i/c for advice even though she's also known as the busiest woman ever (try taking charge of 5 CCAs - it's no joke!). I guess it's rather natural for a diplomatic person like myself to be open to suggestions, and especially when I've not too much confidence in what I'm doing!
It's really not my style to be domineering or aggressive in how i coach, or lead - thinking back on how i fared as a netball captain, i really was kinda "soft" in a sense, i didn't like to force or push anyone - and sometimes i think if i was harder on the team then, displayed and expected more discipline, my netball experience would've been richer than a dim feeling of what could've been.
No doubt we didn't merely train just to win, but the fact that we were closer to our own classmates rather than each other, being team mates, left me with that nagging sense that i could've, should've done MORE to bring the team together, bonding, share more of our lives on and off the court.
To my 08 netballers, may there be opportunities yet for us to get to know each other better, to share more than just the name "team mates" . May we not lose this friendship we first forged under blazing sun, soaking rain, and even the starry night sky:)
This team that i'm coaching now (or as an acting coach of some sort, yes literally acting sometimes) is a real close knit group.
Though far from being the ya-ya sisterhood kinda close (impossible with 12 people), these girls have taught me first hand what it means to be a unit, a Team. Different personalities, characters, mindsets - yet brought together by a common purpose to excel in their chosen field of sport. Always, they impress me with their never-say-die attitude, endless encouragement, and their ability to stay cool under pressure. The jovial atmosphere and peals of laughter that accompany each training session just shows how much they enjoy each others' company - just as i enjoy theirs!
My dear juniors, the reason why i came back to help wasn't merely to enjoy your company, or sustain my interest or involvement in netball. The reason was to let you know that it's pointless to chase after achievements, which many do and find it satisfactory - but only for a little while. Even the close friendships forged now may not last, because human love disappoints; ironic that i should say that because i know many times we push ourselves to the limit so as not to let the team down. But far from being cynical or pessimistic, i want you to know that there's more to life, something bigger, on a grander scale than we can ever imagine - a purpose worth living for, a love that's worth dying for.
If you don't know already, I've been going down to my old school, VJC aka the best school in the world, to help out with my juniors in the netball team
ie. VJNB (victoria JC netball). Honestly, i'm not much of a netball coach (and i'm a really terrible umpire too, i went for this umpiring course and they told me i'd find some upper primary games a challenge to umpire - that's how terribly low my standard is!) but i figured my juniors just need someone to be there, and we can work things out together. Anyway they've a certain level of experience and expertise so i was sure they'll have an idea of what needs to be done, what they need to work on. Thus i was constantly asking them what they want to do for the next training, and of course i relied heavily on my teacher i/c for advice even though she's also known as the busiest woman ever (try taking charge of 5 CCAs - it's no joke!). I guess it's rather natural for a diplomatic person like myself to be open to suggestions, and especially when I've not too much confidence in what I'm doing!It's really not my style to be domineering or aggressive in how i coach, or lead - thinking back on how i fared as a netball captain, i really was kinda "soft" in a sense, i didn't like to force or push anyone - and sometimes i think if i was harder on the team then, displayed and expected more discipline, my netball experience would've been richer than a dim feeling of what could've been.
No doubt we didn't merely train just to win, but the fact that we were closer to our own classmates rather than each other, being team mates, left me with that nagging sense that i could've, should've done MORE to bring the team together, bonding, share more of our lives on and off the court. To my 08 netballers, may there be opportunities yet for us to get to know each other better, to share more than just the name "team mates" . May we not lose this friendship we first forged under blazing sun, soaking rain, and even the starry night sky:)
This team that i'm coaching now (or as an acting coach of some sort, yes literally acting sometimes) is a real close knit group.
Though far from being the ya-ya sisterhood kinda close (impossible with 12 people), these girls have taught me first hand what it means to be a unit, a Team. Different personalities, characters, mindsets - yet brought together by a common purpose to excel in their chosen field of sport. Always, they impress me with their never-say-die attitude, endless encouragement, and their ability to stay cool under pressure. The jovial atmosphere and peals of laughter that accompany each training session just shows how much they enjoy each others' company - just as i enjoy theirs!My dear juniors, the reason why i came back to help wasn't merely to enjoy your company, or sustain my interest or involvement in netball. The reason was to let you know that it's pointless to chase after achievements, which many do and find it satisfactory - but only for a little while. Even the close friendships forged now may not last, because human love disappoints; ironic that i should say that because i know many times we push ourselves to the limit so as not to let the team down. But far from being cynical or pessimistic, i want you to know that there's more to life, something bigger, on a grander scale than we can ever imagine - a purpose worth living for, a love that's worth dying for.
Monday, April 20
hello world!
okay, i finally made a blog! decided to keep up with the scores of friends i have pouring their lives into their blogs, updating and penning down their innermost thoughts for all to see. well i tried keeping a physical journal but failed terribly, hoping that this blog doesn't rot away like my poor diary did.
so YAY! here's to the irrepressible effect of peer influence and the lure of the online craze - i shall be spending more time glued to the computer now!
so YAY! here's to the irrepressible effect of peer influence and the lure of the online craze - i shall be spending more time glued to the computer now!
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