Myself and I

When I was young, I was an average student, went to a neighbourhood school, had average academic results and achieved very little in my 10 years. It was only during my polytechnic years and after did I went overboard with all the academic achievements. Now, even my husband thinks I’m sick when he saw my polytechnic and university results. GAH.

So, every little achievements I accomplished in my primary and secondary schools I held on to them dearly. These are the only four achievements/awards/medals I had when I was a kid and now after being married and lived with another person in the same apartment, I decided to move on with life. It is time to junk these items but I thought I should write a little note on these memories just for the record.

Starting from the left to the right, here are some sneak peaks of my life when I was little.

The first award was given to my chinese dance group who competed at a Singapore Youth Festival Dance Competition in 1997 and attained a gold award. Yes, you can laugh, I was in the Chinese Dance when I was young, like many other little girls in the neighbourhood schools. I was very proud of what I did. We performed at various events, at Sentosa’s Musical Fountain (which no longer exist) and dragged my sister into this while doing all that. I was in the “blue” team dancing like the waves while she was in the “pink” team rolling around like pearls in clams in the underwater world. HAHA. She hated it but I absolutely enjoyed myself!

The second award was for achieving multiple gold awards in my physical fitness tests. I was light, fit and very skinny (23 inch waist and weighing below 40). I did all the jumping, reaching and running well.

The third award was given to recognize the service and contributions I gave being an alumni after I left school. My school thought with my alarmingly perfect score in my polytechnic grades coming from an average student with an average “O” level results can surely motivate some of their students, I gave a speech and shared what motivated me and how I achieved what I achieved.

The last award is the one I cherished most and the one which came the least expected. I was given the 3rd prize for our annual cross country meet. I used to be in the St John’s and often tried to skip cross country by volunteering my service as a “medic”. But in my third year, I didn’t managed to escape and had to run this race. The rules were simple, run with all your might, stay safe when running in the various terrains (uphill, downslope, through forest, jumping across muds, yes, it’s that bad because our school was right beside a track to the nature reserve), and they will then record the 4 fastest girls in the class to get the team results. I was simply in my own world, running with all my might, cursing in the wind and hoping I won’t fall flat and die. It was a relief when I completed the course and wished I could lie flat and not moved there after. When they called out my name to collect the award, I was certain that they got either the name, timing, face, or person wrong. “I” couldn’t be “it” but I got it. Now, when I look back, I can only hide in shame behind my huge ass which refused to even brisk walk. Gosh. How I wish I was feather light like before, floating in the air effortlessly. Damn you fat ass.

I forgot all the technical names my teacher taught me yesterday! Yes, I’m a bad student! Haha. But the first lesson was all about observation skills, actual sizing, angle and drawing it life like at the actual size and angle. It was basically the fundamentals of drawing using a wet medium. It was tough for someone who can’t really draw a straight line. In the 8 lessons, I will draw 4 paintings. This means that I’ll have four large ugly paintings which is totally not Scandinavian at my new place. HMPH. Jason told me to put in more effort and concentration then. Haha.

This is the classroom environment.

I was wondering where to put my brushes if I am sitting on the stool. Turns out, I had to stand for 3 hours straight while my paint brushes and palette gets to sit on the stool. BOO.

My first few line was quite accurate and I was quite happy with myself. Off to a good start!

But I got impatient and got all the angles all wrong. You will realized that my drawing is bigger than the actual size and certain position and angle of the cubes are all wrong. HAHA. I told the instructor it was a good drawing given my first attempt. He told me I’m in a delusional state. HAHA.

The cool instructor who sounded just like Lennel (in terms of tone, accent and voice). That peaceful voice. He is very low profile and claims that he does not own an email address or a mobile phone. The only mode of communication other than face to face is a land line at home. WOW.

When Steph first mentioned that she is going to take up Sketching course from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), I thought of signing up too! I am in need of a creative outlet to balance my mundane life! As I rambled on while pouring out my interest, I found out that NAFA conducts an array of part-time enrichment courses which are suitable for beginners (or so they claim)!

Instead of Sketching, I signed up for Western Painting (Acrylic / Oil) and opted for Acrylic Painting! (He wished me luck in my attempt to fly before learning to walk.)  I always wanted to paint something for our new home. Whenever we see beautiful acrylic paintings, which often cost an arm and leg, I always imagine myself painting it! But the technicalities involved (e.g types of paints, flat / round brush etc) set me back.

Now, with all the tools purchased (I’m $100 + $300 poorer), I’m all set for my class come next Tuesday.

Wish me luck!

If my arts teacher from my primary / secondary school knows about my intention to sign up for this class back in the 90’s, they will surely stop me or my painting trainer. HAH.

// If I survived this 8 weeks course, I may pick up Lifestyle Sewing! I always wanted to sew my own summer skirt! Haha.