On Leave

Before I proceed, I would like to implore all participants of GX classes at TF to please register at the counter. This would facilitate a more accurate assessment of attendance. Without registration, the attendance being captured would be an inaccurate reflection of the actual number, and in the short run, this could lead to disastrous consequences. Like what? Like no longer being able to attend your regular timeslot.

Now back to the main agenda. I'm on leave today, and it's such a coincidence that Xavier required a cover for his class. I agreed as I was about to attend the class anyway.

Being on leave is one of the most wonderful feeling ever. While I have no wish to be unemployed, it does feel good to be clearing leave and not having to turn up for work, even though I don't mind work that much.

Have been itching to hit the pool for some laps for the longest time ever, but it seems that December weather would not permit me the luxury. I stayed home to watch the finale of my favourite show SURVIVOR. I've followed it for 17 seasons now, that's probably about 8 years and I still love it to bits.

I've never been a trusting person in the first place, so maybe watching SURVIVOR has made things worse as I've seen some of the worst aspects of human nature. Humans are innately selfish and I've long understood and accepted that behaviourial aspect.

I think people will probably think I'm crazy that I'm taking leave just to catch the show as early as I can before the repeat telecast. I have had the entire season spoilt cos I accidentally clicked on some news website that irritatingly reported the winner before I caught the finale on a repeat telecast in the evening. Once bitten, twice shy.

But that's who I am for the uninitiated voyeur who is reading this blog. Few interests, but very deep interests.

After the show, I went to cover class at China Square. It must have been nearly half a year since I last conducted a class there. When I was having class there, I was grumbling about the sound system and the what-nots such as the size constraints of the studio etc. It is lethargic having to drag your ass there every week knowing that the same problem will occur.

On the other hand, when you know that you have the opportunity to do it once in a blue moon, you just close your eyes and accept all the shortcomings, lock, stock and barrel.

Today was no exception, when I conducted the class, there were intermittent interruptions, but I must really complement the crowd for being utterly supportive, lending me not only their hollers but singing as well. I had a wonderful hour and I hoped the class felt the same way too. I especially loved people shouting "ENERGY" in Field of Dreams, the STOMP when switching sides in "Power Of Love", and singing "SHUT UP AND DRIVE". Love it!

Partly due to the fact that when I cover classes, I have a tendency to choose the crowd favourites. I tend to meddle less with track selection, as compared to my own classes. For my own classes, I like to experiment. I like to do ESK tracks. I like to do difficult tracks, I like to do seldom-played tracks, I like a mix and match so that we can have a different experience.

Just for instance, on last Saturday, I played BC3307, Run To The Hills. After the track, I asked the class what they thought of it. They didn't like it. As for myself, I don't exactly like it, but I haven't done that track since BC33 launch, so I thought why not try it again.

One man's meat is another man's poison. Some people like certain tracks and others may not. But there are also some tracks which I think everyone likes. An example I can think of is 'Sea of Love'. I did it today again, and I don't think there has been anyone who has come up to me to say that they don't like the track.

But honestly speaking, how can anyone not like that track? It's AWESOME!

I'm still awake now because I'm still feeling the adrenaline rush from the class. And I have to work tomorrow!