I'm back from Outward Bound Singapore, inward bound again. (lol. not really funny actually.) And i guess its been eventful, meaningful, and full of impact on my life. During the whole camp, i've had time to think through about life, while sitting by the northern shoreline, staring at the dark night. I've used up so much time in thinking about life, and my classmates describe it as my time for emoing. Haha lol. But i've thought a lot about life, learnt a lot about myself, and mentally strengthened myself. But lets talked about the camp briefly first.

First day was slack and boring.
Second day was hiking, but not so boring, plus its interesting to sleep at night, in the forest, in the rain, in a wet tent tts leaking. And i was elected as the Sembawang Sea Expedition leader for my watch, Marshall. There are 4 in total, 1 for each watch.
Third day. Sea expedition was cool but tiring. The sea water isnt very clean, and i found out tt u can actually shit while floating on the sea (clarify: i didnt do tt, the instuctors said so, and i guess most ppl dun have enuff shit to pass out aniwae) . And it was nice to take in the sights. Camping by the sea was also nice. Al fresco dining is the way (without the sand).
Forth day. Woke up early in the mornin to do sentry duty, and to prepare to row off back to ubin. Set off at around 7. Got there early, before 12. Weather was favourable like the previous day, except it was more sunny. Got back, kept all the kayaks and stuff, Washed up, and then later had sum height activities. Did sum triple D obstacle, basically logs connected to look lke a giant ladder, just tt each gap is at least from foot to chest. Made it to the top with my partner. And we had a proper, catered dinner tt night.
Last day, said goodbyes to our instructor, Sze Juey (pronounced CJ), packed the store, bought souvenirs, and said bye to Pulau Ubin while imitating the indian scholars say 'wobbly!' and 'left, right!'.
I love Marshall watch and 3P! And i want to participate in obs again next time, probably their overseas trips to cool places (even got snowy mountain), probably their Winter Adventure Challenge in Korea.

But then to the stuff i learnt. Physically i've become stronger (my biceps seemed to have grown :o), but its more than that. Mentally, i think i've become stronger, more confident, with more fighting spirit. I've learnt to become more responsible and take initiative, and lead my peers. I wasnt able to do all this successfully last time. But i guess its time i wisened up, and i did. Being a sea expedition leader has forced me into being a role model for my peers, for im under scrutiny from my peers and the instructors, and pressure from my fellow leaders. But i've changed for the better. Plus, i have become more confident thru the sea expedition and doing the triple D. Sometimes to be confident, i guess one has to prove his worth, be more outspoken, and be more thick-skinned, but not to the extent of being shameless. That way, one's confidence will glow, and will stand out. Confident people are the most popular people, as they are easy going, unafraid of being outspoken. But i've realised that my temper is still a problem. It has been, time and again. Guess i got to address it.

My classmates (at least those in my watch) say they want me to be monitor, even thou i expressed interest for assistant monitor, and i feel that im not ready and confident enough to be monitor. But since no one is willing to be it, i guess i'll have to take the risk. If the risk pays off, it'll reflect well in my report book next time. Also, being a monitor is a chance from God to follow up on my role as a sea ex leader, to develop my leadership, interpersonal and social skills, to tackle my problems, and to be more confident and hardworking. It wont be easy, but im willing to take the risk.

And during my emoing time during the sea expedition, i often thought about her. But then while being in the company of the northern shoreline scenery, i realised that there is more to life than school, than judo, than her. I realised that i should not limit my life to this 3 aspects, or else i will never take off. Thats why i've decided to commit myself to learning new things, one at a time, after i settle down in school, and i might start with taekwondo and taiji. I especially appreciate taiji as it allow one to understand the cycle of life, the cycle of things, and to slow down and attain peace. And i'll participate in more sch-related activities, other than just study.
And i shud stop constantly thinking about her. She is one of the reasons why i decided to spur myself on, but i've realised that this obsession is only a stumbling block in my path to success. I might not win her, for she has the freedom to choose, and she might not be suited for me. One can nvr predict the path that one's life will take, only God knows. Thats why, while i still like her, if one day, if we really have to part ways, i have to learn to let go. While appreciating the northern shoreline view, i realised how big this world is, and there is more in life that I have yet to discover.
And to think that i want to go to space when i have the chance to, when i havent even discovered the world.

Hope i'll succeed in my endeavours this year, and make this year a memorable one. Same for you all.

And good luck to Mr. '20-inch Truth' on his life ahead, and his career in OBS.

One has his individual meaning of life. And one will only discover it when he has lived half his life, when his youth is gone. But dont despair, for life is full of mysteries that we have to learn to live with.
So i guess the young man relies on brawn for brains and the old man relies on brains for brawn.