watching the Singapore 2010 YOG volleyball games brought back fond memories of volleyball training at school many years back.
skills i've picked up have faded over time, but what stays, and comes back to mind easily, is the care n encouragement that i've received.. the kind words, actions and even questions that express concern actually sticks.. for good.
my volleyball teacher is someone whom i look up to.. in many ways. he speaks with authority, chooses his words carefully and is always kind. he looked like superman to me.. he stood towering over all of us, when we started learning the game at 12.. and he protected us like a father, i remember him punishing some cheeky boys whom he had caught teasing us.
on one occasion, he noticed that i didn't have proper shoes for training (my mom wasn't supportive of my involvement in sports, she also didn't quite believe that i could train for so many days in a week) he gave me a pair of volleyball shoes, and even spoke with my mom to assure her that i was indeed training and not gallivanting nor lying..
my teacher believed in me when i didn't. a simple question that a teacher asks can put much faith n confidence in a student.. he asked me how come i wasn't in the selection team, after i had gone for the combined schools selection in the first year i started training.. he knows better than most for sure, how much i loved to play the game.. and how much it mattered.. i think i was the only one who cried after losing our first game at an inter-school competition.. i felt terrible as i thought i had played badly.. but he was really kind, encouraging and technically constructive in the debrief
although he wasn't at the selections to see how everyone else fared, a simple question asked out of concern chased away all disappointment of not being able to train with the selected team. my spirit was uplifted, knowing that my teacher believed in me, that he was actually surprised that i didn't make the team.. the truth was, i had to opt out of the selection team when i heard that trainings would be held in the evenings. i was just 12 then n i knew my mom wouldn't agree to me attending nite trainings..
i'm really thankful to all the wonderful teachers who've showered students like me with care n concern, touched our hearts and shown us that what matters more than theory and skills.. is love in action :)
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
dating campaign
that's slated to take place soon, in Singapore.. it's been reported by newspapers and news agencies all over the internet..
there's been several nation-wide campaigns in Singapore since independence.. two is enough; courtesy; speak mandarin; two is not enough have 3 or more; and now, dating.
targetting singles 20-35 and excluding eligible singles who are above 35, seemingly to prevent age related birth defects, the apparent intent and outcome is birth increase rather than love or marriage.
although those aged 28-40 or thereabout, would probably be more likely to consider marriage, and perhaps also more ready, or eager, to start a family.
there have been cases of successful and healthy births for moms above 35.
well, if you are above 35, be encouraged and keep looking..
it's never too late to fall in love, isn't it?
seeing white-haired couples strolling by hand in hand never fails to warm my heart :)
i think it's just as, or perhaps even more, important to know how to love, and continuously fuel a healthy loving relationship, than to just find love and get married.
Dr Gary Chapman gives lots of good advice about understanding the people you love, and expressing love in a way that can be received by them.
his books on the five love languages would be really helpful and useful for people seeking love, enjoying love, re-kindling love, or wondering about the notion of love.. it has reportedly done wonders for those who conscientiously translate the knowledge into action!
there's been several nation-wide campaigns in Singapore since independence.. two is enough; courtesy; speak mandarin; two is not enough have 3 or more; and now, dating.
targetting singles 20-35 and excluding eligible singles who are above 35, seemingly to prevent age related birth defects, the apparent intent and outcome is birth increase rather than love or marriage.
although those aged 28-40 or thereabout, would probably be more likely to consider marriage, and perhaps also more ready, or eager, to start a family.
there have been cases of successful and healthy births for moms above 35.
well, if you are above 35, be encouraged and keep looking..
it's never too late to fall in love, isn't it?
seeing white-haired couples strolling by hand in hand never fails to warm my heart :)
i think it's just as, or perhaps even more, important to know how to love, and continuously fuel a healthy loving relationship, than to just find love and get married.
Dr Gary Chapman gives lots of good advice about understanding the people you love, and expressing love in a way that can be received by them.
his books on the five love languages would be really helpful and useful for people seeking love, enjoying love, re-kindling love, or wondering about the notion of love.. it has reportedly done wonders for those who conscientiously translate the knowledge into action!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
love quotes
“Love sought is good, but given unsought, is better.”
~ Shakespeare on Love
Source: http://www.soundoflife.net/
Love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is done well.
- Vincent van Gogh
Life is meaningless only if we allow it to be. Each of us has the power to give life meaning, to make our time and our bodies and our words into instruments of love and hope.
- Tom Head
The more I think it over, the more I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people.
- Vincent van Gogh
We look forward to the time when the Power of Love will replace the Love of Power. Then will our world know the blessings of peace.
- William E. Gladstone
Every time we love, every time we give, it's Christmas.
- Dale Evans
Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver.
- Barbara De Angelis
Source: http://www.wisdomquotes.com/topics/love/
~ Shakespeare on Love
Source: http://www.soundoflife.net/
Love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is done well.
- Vincent van Gogh
Life is meaningless only if we allow it to be. Each of us has the power to give life meaning, to make our time and our bodies and our words into instruments of love and hope.
- Tom Head
The more I think it over, the more I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people.
- Vincent van Gogh
We look forward to the time when the Power of Love will replace the Love of Power. Then will our world know the blessings of peace.
- William E. Gladstone
Every time we love, every time we give, it's Christmas.
- Dale Evans
Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver.
- Barbara De Angelis
Source: http://www.wisdomquotes.com/topics/love/
Thursday, August 12, 2010
anecdotes
came across these at www.liraz.com
You are wonderful!
It happened several years ago in the Paris opera house. A famous singer had been contracted to sing, and ticket sales were booming. In fact, the night of the concert found the house packed and every ticket sold. The feeling of anticipation and excitement was in the air as the house manager took the stage and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your enthusiastic support. I am afraid that due to illness, the man whom you've all come to hear will not be performing tonight. However, we have found a suitable substitute we hope will provide you with comparable entertainment." The crowd groaned in disappointment and failed to hear the announcer mention the stand-in's name. The environment turned from excitement to frustration.
The stand-in performer gave the performance everything he had. When he had finished, there was nothing but an uncomfortable silence. No one applauded. Suddenly, from the balcony, a little boy stood up and shouted, "Daddy, I think you are wonderful!" The crowd broke into thunderous applause.
We all need people in our Lives who are willing to stand up once in a while and say, "I think you are wonderful. "
Never mind!
Sometimes when nothing goes just right And worry reigns supreme, When heartache fills the eyes with mist And all things useless seem, There's just one thing can drive away The tears that scald and blind -- Someone to slip a strong arm 'round And whisper, "Never mind." No one has ever told just why Those words such comfort bring; Nor why that whisper makes our cares Depart on hurried wing. Yet troubles say a quick "Good-day," We leave them far behind When someone slips an arm around, And whispers, "Never mind." But love must prompt that soft caress- That love must, aye, be true Or at that tender, clinging touch No heart ease come to you, But if the arm be moved by love, Sweet comfort you will find When someone slips an arm around, And whispers, "Never mind!"
love is in the air :)
You are wonderful!
It happened several years ago in the Paris opera house. A famous singer had been contracted to sing, and ticket sales were booming. In fact, the night of the concert found the house packed and every ticket sold. The feeling of anticipation and excitement was in the air as the house manager took the stage and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your enthusiastic support. I am afraid that due to illness, the man whom you've all come to hear will not be performing tonight. However, we have found a suitable substitute we hope will provide you with comparable entertainment." The crowd groaned in disappointment and failed to hear the announcer mention the stand-in's name. The environment turned from excitement to frustration.
The stand-in performer gave the performance everything he had. When he had finished, there was nothing but an uncomfortable silence. No one applauded. Suddenly, from the balcony, a little boy stood up and shouted, "Daddy, I think you are wonderful!" The crowd broke into thunderous applause.
We all need people in our Lives who are willing to stand up once in a while and say, "I think you are wonderful. "
Never mind!
Sometimes when nothing goes just right And worry reigns supreme, When heartache fills the eyes with mist And all things useless seem, There's just one thing can drive away The tears that scald and blind -- Someone to slip a strong arm 'round And whisper, "Never mind." No one has ever told just why Those words such comfort bring; Nor why that whisper makes our cares Depart on hurried wing. Yet troubles say a quick "Good-day," We leave them far behind When someone slips an arm around, And whispers, "Never mind." But love must prompt that soft caress- That love must, aye, be true Or at that tender, clinging touch No heart ease come to you, But if the arm be moved by love, Sweet comfort you will find When someone slips an arm around, And whispers, "Never mind!"
love is in the air :)
on the way home
i usually walk home from the office, a short quiet walk, a leisurely stroll
on my way home today, i saw a lanky grandpa walking his tiny grandson home..
it was a beautiful picture of love..
the grandpa holding his walking stick in one hand, and holding his grandson's tiny hand in the other, walking very very slowly.. the little boy deliberately slowing down by his side and following the pace of his grandpa, without a tinge of impatience
contrasting the rush of people & traffic zooming by at peak hour..
love slows down time
love does not hurry
love is enjoyable even amidst rush hour chaos
love is in the air :)
on my way home today, i saw a lanky grandpa walking his tiny grandson home..
it was a beautiful picture of love..
the grandpa holding his walking stick in one hand, and holding his grandson's tiny hand in the other, walking very very slowly.. the little boy deliberately slowing down by his side and following the pace of his grandpa, without a tinge of impatience
contrasting the rush of people & traffic zooming by at peak hour..
love slows down time
love does not hurry
love is enjoyable even amidst rush hour chaos
love is in the air :)
Monday, August 9, 2010
NDP Singapore
this year's ndp is.. different..
there's the usual staple of.. the march past parade, mass dance display, sea of red and white, but there's just something special this year.. the use of people in the community in the many marketing videos.. focusing on dreams, visions, and on the people in the community being thankful and dreaming big..
the songs are beautiful and beautifully sung.. especially so when the camera zooms in on the audience of different ages, and different races.. all singing one song for Singapore.. it's so beautiful
my 8 yr old niece knows so many of the recent national day songs..
from beginning to end.. and i don't, yet
the best part is the fireworks, for me..
from where i live, we can catch the fireworks in the distant sky..
it's fun seeing my family and neighbours running out to catch the planes in aerodisplay and the fireworks.. in excitement..
simply enjoying the moment together, with ooohs, and aaaahs as each brilliant splatter rises up, dazzling the nite sky in a magical way..
the simple act of watching planes and fireworks and sharing the special moment brings us closer.. our family, and the neighbours
love is in the air :)
there's the usual staple of.. the march past parade, mass dance display, sea of red and white, but there's just something special this year.. the use of people in the community in the many marketing videos.. focusing on dreams, visions, and on the people in the community being thankful and dreaming big..
the songs are beautiful and beautifully sung.. especially so when the camera zooms in on the audience of different ages, and different races.. all singing one song for Singapore.. it's so beautiful
my 8 yr old niece knows so many of the recent national day songs..
from beginning to end.. and i don't, yet
the best part is the fireworks, for me..
from where i live, we can catch the fireworks in the distant sky..
it's fun seeing my family and neighbours running out to catch the planes in aerodisplay and the fireworks.. in excitement..
simply enjoying the moment together, with ooohs, and aaaahs as each brilliant splatter rises up, dazzling the nite sky in a magical way..
the simple act of watching planes and fireworks and sharing the special moment brings us closer.. our family, and the neighbours
love is in the air :)
Friday, August 6, 2010
when does love happen?
when does the seed of love get planted in our heart?
how does it begin to grow?
what is love like in full bloom?
how does it begin to grow?
what is love like in full bloom?
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