My Hobbies

Well, for people who knows me would know that I have a few hobbies.

It goes someway back if I were to list them down. Briefly, it used to consist of Freshwater fish keeping and Astronomy. But now, the ones I am really into are Drumming, Marine fish keeping (reefing is a preferred term), Tennis and more recently guitar. the problem is I have limited time on hand and to spend time on every hobbies seems impossible.

Just this week, I spent 2 weekdays evening playing tennis. This is really something I like. But there comes the frustration of not getting my strokes right when I played. Still, I am loving Tennis as of now and there's a thought of going for private coaching to get my strokes right so I can enjoy the tennis games even more.

Then there's reefing. Something which I love as well. The thought of a fully stocked marine tank intrigues me and inspires me to improve my own tank. Just lately I have invested heavily in a few new equipments, building the infrastructure for the live stocks that are to come. The momentum is up, just waiting for more equipments to arrive then I can go full throttle to stock it up.

Drumming for church service is something that has been on my lips. Finally some action going on, as I will be auditioning for my church Creative Arts Ministry (CAM) sometime soon. Not necessary to say I will be in the team anytime soon, but it will be a step in the direction I always wanted since I picked up drumming. Now I am also picking up guitar, but at a slower pace. Hoping to bring our cell worship to a higher level than it is now. Music is certainly something I have always enjoyed and it's good to pick up these 2 instruments for now.

Back from Grace Retreat 2010

This was my 1st church retreat and it was good. We stayed in Zon Regency Hotel just 10mins drive from Woodlands checkpoint.

Hotel view taken during dinner time at a nearby restaurant

Worship Team in action

I was thoroughly immersed in God's sweet presence throughout the morning and evening services.

There was also much fun & laughter together with my cell group mates as we went mall shopping and even caught a movie (Killers). The guys paid 11RM while the girls only paid 9RM. Discrimination!!! But it was super cheap for a movie in a comfortable theater like here back home. Also hit the gym, but only for a short while as the hotel gym facilities is really cannot make it!

Posing with an electric guitar during mall shopping. I hope to pick up the skill one day.

Throughout this retreat, I have gotten so much from God during this retreat. We sang so much worship songs like never before and the intensity only increases with every services. New meanings were injected into familiar songs. Also, the desire to join a worship band has gone up as I see how fervor the worship teams were in leading the congregation into a deeper experience with God. God, guide me to take a further step of faith to join the Creative Arts Ministry I pray.

Here is a song which we have sang again and again in this retreat. It was a song I already knew but as I mentioned, new meaning was injected into it. I believed it was mainly because God has ministered to me through this song. In it, I see His glory, His calling in my life to be set apart, His desire for me to have a heart after His own and, most importantly, His vision for me.


Hosanna - Hillsong United

Quick update

My social life should come back to life after this Friday's tender submission. So busy recently.

Managed to get a good perspective of work lately with the help of a friend and much prayer support from my cell mates. Thanks a lot. It will be just me giving it yet another attempt.

Looking forward to jamming again at SCS jam studio. Very cool studio they have there and it's a great way for me to hone my drumming skill in private. Looking for jamming partners as well.

A new Drum beginning

I have officially withdrawn from Yamaha and have moved on to a new drum school - My Drum School (That's the name)

Looking back, I have not learn much during my 2-3 yrs in Yamaha. Thou I did acquired some valuable skills like reading drum scores, proper sticks handling, basic rhythmic beats and simple fill-ins, but it seems to have stagnant off after a while. I have to admit my laziness and lack of discipline in practising is largely why I haven't been improving much. But somehow I feel the lack of inspiration and dull teaching method from my drum teacher played a part too. Now that I have moved on to a new environment, I hope to be more inspired and motivated to really master my drum. Then I can move on to the next instrument. Have in fact eyed on the next instrument that I want to learn. Haha... Greedy me.

Drumming

I played for the children service last weekend. It was really a breakthrough experience for me.

It was my first time playing with a band. As simple as the whole band setting was, with audiences comprised mostly of primary school aged kids + a couple of adults, it is certainly a milestone in my drumming journey.

Having made the transition from classroom playing to playing in a live setting, I can only look forward to more of such exposures. Meanwhile, some plans are been made for studio jamming with some friends.

Looking forward =P

To a Fabulous 2009

2008 has been quite a year in many sense. Personally it was a challenging year, especially in matters of faith. Looking back, I am glad to say I have moved on despite the difficulties that stood in my way. It is still baby steps but I know it is all in the right direction. My strength comes from You. Thank you Lord for your providence all these while.

2009 should be another challenging year. I sense it to be an exciting year too. There's a renewed sense of excitement towards life which, unknowingly, has been drained off me in the past 5-10 years. In my mind, I already see a few resolutions popping up:

1) To get my Class 3 driving license

2) To put my drumming skills to use in church (somehow)

3) Live life to its fullest daily regardless of circumstances

4) Keep fit by cultivating a good sleeping habit, good diet and regular exercising regime

My Drumming Milestone

I hit the first milestone in my drumming journey. I passed the Yamaha Drum Grade 10. Thank you God :)

I know my weaknesses (Too rigid, poor rhythm & fill-ins linkage, inconsistent tempo... list can go on) and there is just so much to learn. But because of this small (but important) milestone that I achieved, I will just keep on going and seeking more avenues to better improve my drumming ability.

*Click on the player on the right for my Drum Exam Piece*

My Drum Exam - The Aftermath

I had my drum exam on Monday. It was kind of bad.
1) I was nervous and had a bad start to my first segment. (Exam consists of 4 segments in all)
I missed out the bass right at the beginning. This then caused me to be slightly off the tune even though I got it back quickly. This never was a problem during my usual practice sessions. Must be all the anxiety.

2) One of the other segment didn't go as well. Partly it's my drum instructor's fault. He told us specifically what would be tested, but in the end, that was not tested. A different rhythm was tested and it was a slightly tricky one. I wasn't well prepared and so couldn't execute the sticking coherently. My worst segment.

3) The other 2 went OK IMO. But I guess the first two was bad enough and these two can only help salvage the whole exam.

Overall, I am kind of disappointed. Even if I were to pass this exam (result out 2 weeks later), I know I didn't perform as well. My friend commented I was quite rigid in my playing, which I admit. Dunno the reason, I guess I am too focused on the technical part of drumming (ie. reading notes and making sure I execute all the right stickings) rather than grooving along to the music and enjoying myself drumming away.

I will carry on of course. Ultimately, I would want to be part of a worship band in my church. Just hope I learn to let go of my 'technical' self and learn to let my creativity take over in my drumming and learn from the mistakes along the way.

Jia U!