A New Chapter

Tomorrow I begin a new chapter in my life. Frankly, I do not know what to expect and I have absolutely no idea what lies ahead.

The previous chapter took its toll on me, mentally and emotionally. I realised there were many things that were more important than money, and never again would I sell my soul to the devil for some spare cash.

I don't think anyone can blame me, with less than 1 year working experience, being offered a job that would more than double my salary, and making that jump. It was a quick way out but I lost so many things, intangible stuff that no amount of money could ever make up for.

I lost everything that I loved so much. Friends, personal life, social life, personal time, freedom of speech, integrity, sleep, job satisfaction, and most importantly something I hold so dear.

But if not for my living hell, I may not have embarked on this LM journey. I needed an outlet, I needed to vent my frustrations, I needed a new challenge and I needed a passion. LM reignited that little spark into me and gave me something to look forward to.

New releases, quarterly workshops, filmings, self-improvement.

As I embark on my new journey, I will remember the lessons learnt and the experience. Some experiences are just too painful for me to take risks again, at least not for the Cancerians. Once bitten, twice shy.

I just wonder what lies ahead for me.

Favourite tracks

Another post on my favourites(up till BC35) for each track

T1 - Apache Rocks The Bottom/Somebody Told Me (BC30)
T2 - Thks Fr Th Mmrs (BC34)
T3 - 2 Dream (BC31)
T4 - Call Me When You're Sober (BC32)
T5 - Hymn (BC28)
T6 - Leave Me Alone (BC32)
T7 - Fight (BC28)
T8 - Believe In Me (BC34)
T9 - I Believe In A Thing Called Love (BC27)
T10 - Because Of You (BC28)

BC35 Review

Now now, this is long overdue, but I thought I would post this only after everyone's had their 2 week dose of BC35 before my personal thoughts/views affect any impression anyone may have on the tracks.

Disclaimer: This is just personal opinion, so anyone reading this do not get offended if I happen to dislike your favourite song.

Music - Overall very good. I must say that I like the Top 40 tracks, which are the popular mainstream songs.

Choreography - A little boring sometimes cos of too many repetitions. But I think there were a couple of interesting tracks.

Intensity - Has dropped from BC34 and generally the past few releases back. I know BC can't go harder with each release as it will turn off new members, but BC35 really seems a little too easy.

Track 1 (Warm Up) - Amazed_Tick Tick Boom
The original 'Amazed' by Lonestar was one of my favourite songs during schooling days, but somehow this remix doesn't get me in the mood. I think what makes it worse is the repetition of moves (seriously a bit too much - especially 6 sets of travel and hooks).
The lower body warm up lacks variety also and I am not a fan of the travel + knees, and so so so many sets of travel + RH kicks.
Unlikely to be recycled often as it reminds me of the dreadful BC2601 - Something Inside_Kingston Town
(DISLIKE)

Track 2 (Combat 1) - The United Vibe
I have always liked Scooter songs, but unfortunately I'm not really a fan of tracks being done R side, then repeat the song for L side. I find it draggy.
What I do like about this track is the 2 RH knees + slow side kick combo. This really drills into the participants what a side kick is about is a slow manner.
Will recycle in once in a while but a 7 min track does make planning a little difficult.
(NEUTRAL)

Track 3 (Power 1) - Piece Of Heaven
Song wise quite ok, but this track is way draggy at the end. I HATE the repeat combo after the music ends.
(DISLIKE)

Track 4 (Combat 2) - Jump
Now, after all the excitement with the ESKs, jumpkicks and the excellent 3404 - Lights Out, this track is seriously an anti-climax.
I hate the choreo, but I refuse to change the choreo as I still think LM choreo shouldn't be messed with. Too many step kicks and the track is so damn long. Another 7 minutes track which is repeated for R/L side.
Only redeeming factor is the fact that the roundhouse challenge does teach people how to set up and execute their RH kicks better. Switch on the core and butt!
(DISLIKE)

Track 5 (Power 2) - You Can't Stop The Beat
Finally a track which I like, both music and choreo. Time to have fun. One of their better T5 I feel and it does make the shoulders burn at the end. Like seeing the participants faces when they do the 'Speed of Sound' performance.
(LIKE/LOVE)

Track 6 (Combat 2) - That's Right
By far my most favourite track of the release. It's not so much of the ginga that I like, but rather the fact that the moves just flow in this track and I love the song also. This track can be a real killer if one executes the weight transfer well.
(LOVE)

Track 7 (Muay Thai) - The Pretender
Surprise surprise, but I actually like this one. I think the clinch has dramatic effect and I like the song. The rock/grunge feel which I feel suits my teaching style better.
(LIKE/LOVE)

Track 8 (Combat 3) - Heaven
I really dislike this one. The workout is good, but I just can't put words to explain why I don't like this track. Maybe I don't feel for the choreo, or the music.
(DISLIKE)

Track 9 (Conditioning) - I Don't Want To Be In Love
I really like this track! It's a tough workout on the arms, and it's a surprise I actually like conditioning. The single push ups are such a killer!
(LIKE/LOVE)

Track 10 (Cool Down) - No One
I love this song to bits. The choreo may be a little boring and uninspiring but the song does allow a nice stretch. Afterall, cool down is all about how good the song is! One of my top 3 cooldowns! Anyone can guess the other 2? Ha ha.
(LOVE)

As promised

Yes guys, I promised some pics from FES last day of operation, taken after the last class - 830pm BC.


The BC instructors


Members showing off their roundhouse set... "Switch on your core and BUTT!"

Some pics of our last day at FES and the members.











And of course, this is my blog, I wouldn't be able to resist posting this!

Last Day at FES

21 Apr 2008 - Last day of operation at FES.

I'm feeling a little sad at its closure. This is the club where I had so many memories... Starting out as a member and attending all those classes.

Tue - Sometimes I would attend Audrey's lunchtime BB. Evening time I would go for BC(1830) and BP(1930) - think it was Esther for BC and Rue for BP... or was it someone else?

Wed - I was a diehard regular. I remember bringing my colleagues for lunchtime BP with Haley, then in the evening I would attend BB(1830) with Audrey and BC(1930) upstairs with Haley. When I was a member, little did I know that I would one day take the Wed FES class and make it a hardcore class.

Thu - lunchtime Step Athletic with Jonathan (just a few times when I was trying out Step) and in the evening, if I can't make it to STC for Haley 1830 BC, I will attend BC (1830) by Andrew and then 1930 BP by Seng.

I better write this down and post it... My Cancerian traits at work again, Cancerians remember everything.

In my short life, I've learnt many things. People come and go. Friends come and go. Clubs open and close. Nothing is forever, except memories.

Once I get some pics, I will post them.

Song Of The Moment

Anyone who knows me will know I love BB very very much. I've been listening to songs from the latest release - BB40, and my favourite has to be the Balance track (no 4) by Missy Higgins. It's called 'Where I Stood'. It's just lovely.

Missy Higgins - Where I Stood

I don't know what I've done
Or if I like what I've begun
But something told me to run
And honey you know me it's all or none

There were sounds in my head
LIttle voices whispering
That I should go and this should end
Oh and I found myself listening

'Cos I dont know who I am, who I am without you
All I know is that I should
And I don't know if I could stand another hand upon you
All I know is that I should
'Cos she will love you more than I could
She who dares to stand where I stood

See I thought love was black and white
That it was wrong or it was right
But you ain't leaving without a fight
And I think I am just as torn inside

'Cos I dont know who I am, who I am without you
All I know is that I should
And I don't know if I could stand another hand upon you
All I know is that I should
'Cos she will love you more than I could
She who dares to stand where I stood

And I won't be far from where you are if ever you should call
You meant more to me than anyone I ever loved at all
But you taught me how to trust myself and so I say to you
This is what I have to do

'Cos I dont know who I am, who I am without you
All I know is that I should
And I don't know if I could stand another hand upon you
All I know is that I should
'Cos she will love you more than I could
She who dares to stand where I stood
Oh, she who dares to stand where I stood

Launch of new releases

We did the launch today - BP65, BC35 and BB40.

I would have liked to do the launch much earlier, rather than always being the habitual last one after Cali and FF. Much of the hype and enthusiasm is gone with such a late date.

Personally, I think the best time to do the launch is 1-2 weeks after receiving the DVDs, that's when instructors would be most keen and enthusiastic to watch the videos and listen the music, simply because it's new and we've just received the DVDs.

I had my first taste of BC35 - did it twice back in Feb while in Auckland, and on 2 March in Bangkok quarterly, so it's been a while. I've actually had to put everything on hold there, and then go back to refresh like last night?

I have my own thoughts on BC35 but launch was fun. I enjoy doing it with Sue and Josephine, both of whom are extremely seasoned instructors who love what they are doing.

BB40 - I love the music. The music is what gets me loving all this program. I hope my BB journey continues.

After the launch, I met up with Lynn for a nice chit-chat and to discuss about our new love - Bodyjam. The program is getting us hooked! I'm hopeless at dancing but at least I'm making the effort to try. Loving every bit of BJ classes now!