Sunday, June 12, 2011 ?
Haven't been posting anything, because I haven't been doing anything.
I have been wallowing in misery, in a misery quite possibly created by myself. I need some help getting back up on my feet, and it seems that technology is the answer.
I've downloaded a few apps, most of which are intended to motivate and inspire. Essentially, motivational quotes in an app. There is one that I'm particularly interested in, and is completely different from the rest. It's called Mind Wave - Binaural White Noise. It claims to relieve stress, cure insomnia, help concentration, and dull depression. According to the description, the app plays sounds through the left and right channels at different frequencies, and these frequencies create a difference, which is then formed by the brain. I won't even pretend to understand what I just regurgitated, but I do hope it works. I'm in need of healing.
My birthday's coming up in a few days. I'm not excited. There doesn't seem to be anything worth looking forward to. The glass is half empty. God help me.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011 ?
Today was frustrating.
Seem to be doing everything wrong. I'm not keeping my hands up, my left leg is moving when I throw a cross, and I can't even punch straight. It's funny how something so seemingly simple is actually so hard in reality. I could tell that coach was getting less and less patient by the minute, but I'm sure he means well. Gave me some words of encouragement. He told me that some people take as long as half a year to learn how to walk; but these people who dedicate themselves to moving properly also grow into champions. If I get my footwork right, my punches will follow. Ups and downs, try and try again.
On a brighter note, my fitness seems to improving. Or, it could be that I'm learning how to pace myself. Finished the run, without stopping to walk. Perhaps I'm finally getting somewhere.
Hope tomorrow turns out better.
?
Today was my first day back in camp, and everything is going as per normal in the office. Asyraaf sleeping, Joel & Clarence playing games on their iPhones and Phi is being Phi. Noticed changes in Ben James, and I would be lying if I said I was happy. It appears that he is really starting to embrace his other side and express his sexuality in ways that I find offensive.
Things aren't the same concerning other issues, though. Random bag checks are being conducted now. I have to report to the sixth floor every morning. But the one that really matters is that afternoon roll call has been done away with. Which, I'm sure, everyone is happy with.
When I found the time, I presented the MPAC core members with souvenirs, namely the upside down, right side up hat. They were happy with it, and I was happy to see them happy. Perhaps that is what motivates us to help others.
Went down for boxing straight after camp. Am humbled, truly. Did a 3 KM run, but it felt endless. Kept seeing people pass me in lane, and ended up being one of the last to finish. But it matters not. If I keep at it, things WILL change for the better. After that, did more intense training, which consisted of a circuit with five stations. Pushups, crunches, skipping, half-squats and two other exercises of which I do not know the name. My hands were shaking and my calves cramping after the exercises.
It seems that coach thought we were ready, because we started hitting the bags today. It was completely unexpected but at the same time very satisfying. I had the feeling that we were granted a whole lot of freedom, kinda like the transition from Recruit to Private. While working on the bags, Coach reminded me to keep my left leg stationary while doing crosses, in order to retain power in my punches. Must make a mental note of that.
Hazim and I also seem a lot more comfortable with each other than yesterday. He helped me a lot, spurred me on constantly during the jog. Doubtless, running alone would have been less motivating, and I'm thankful to have someone starting out with me. It's good to have someone to talk to, someone who can relate.
That's all for now. I hope I have enough energy to last the week, at the rate I'm going. But I'll try.
Monday, June 6, 2011 ?
Wow. It has been ages since I last posted.
Perhaps the reason why I'm less than motivated to keep it updated is because no one reads it. If I'm not wrong, this blog is unlisted, and no one knows the address. But I'm keeping a diary separately, using my new Acme pen and some notebook I found off the shelves, and it does make a whole lot more sense to start blogging again. All it requires is transferring the material from the written word to digital.
I'm not sure why I've suddenly acquired a newfound interest for boxing. It might stem from my childhood. As a kid, I wanted to learn Wushu, but unsupportive parents dampened those feelings considerably. I went back to Shanghai for a short respite from National Service, and met up with Albert, a close friend. He'd picked up kickboxing overseas, which seemed to do wonders for his health. We went down to the local sports store, got two pairs of boxing gloves, a couple of mouthguards, and started sparring soon after. It is quite a bit of fun, and for the moment, quite possibly the only sport I'll pick up.
I reached Singapore last night, and as soon as I could get ahold of a computer, I did Googled "Singapore Boxing." Clicked on a few websites, and soon came to a website containing the information of Kadir Boxing School.
I was very much surprised from what I found.
Encik Muhklis is a warrant officer from my camp. I'd always heard about his boxing and how good he was from several people, but never paid very much attention. I assumed that they were exaggerating, since they usually followed up their comments with a wink and a smile. Apparently he taught at the school, which made me even more excited about checking it out.
As I was on the train, I thought about whether it was viable for me to go everyday. The school is quite a distance away from my camp, making it a long trip.
Met the coach. As cliche as it sounds, I expected him to be taller. Talked to him a little and had the feeling he was apprehensive about teaching me. His apprehension seemed to go away, after I showed him that I could follow instruction and was serious about learning. Sadly, Encik Muhklis never made it. I was hoping to talk to him a little.
The school doesn't have excellent facilities, and is outdoor. Lessons are cancelled if it happens to rain on the day. It's as good as it gets, though, seeing how cheap the prices are.
It's 11:51 PM as of writing, and I do need to go to bed. I might go to the place again tomorrow, see whether I can get there on time from camp.
That's all for now. Here's to hoping that I'll keep this blog updated like I said I would. And hoping that the boxing will go smoothly.
Labels: boxing, guillemead, kadir, road, school, shanghai, singapore
