Skip to main content

TRANSITION

 Another phase of my chess life is coming to an end - time to move on to other areas where energy is better spent in training myself to get better and in turn help others get better.

Soon after the pending AGM this year I intend to change some life goals that were set a decade ago. The coming years shall mark the start of a new chapter - living for myself as opposed to worrying about others. The chess scene in Singapore may have been hampered by the virus, but things are looking up with vaccination numbers rising and the gradual opening ahead. There lies the emphasis in spending good time in training - gathering new thoughts, sharpening degenerating skills and motivating my students to looking forward to the future just ahead. 

Hence my teaching assignments will gradually be reduced, as I shall work with the ones that deserve my time and not worry too much about making the monthly income cap. In the continuum of balancing wealth vs the time we have left on this rapidly deteriorating Earth, we should make the best of our time left to achieve some good and leave a last legacy. 

So much stuff has accumulated that I finally will have time to clear, giving away Mari Kondo-ish and feeling good that it will be in good hands and be passed on. The powerful notion of letting go is indeed therapeutic to one's soul as it releases the stress of having to safeguard what is ultimately trash to some. So soon my stash of books, CDs and what not will be gradually leaving the house. Much easier than losing weight for sure.

Make each day is fruitful one - that is all one needs to fulfil. 

   

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

HOW TO PARK AND GET TO TAMPINES HUB

To get to Tampines Hub the best way from the Central and West, take the PIE and exit at 3B and drive towards  Tampines Ave 2. You can go via Tampines Ave 7 and join Tampines Ave 4, then turn right at the junction of Ave 5. There is less traffic on this route than if you are to come from the Simei Exit and up Tampines Ave 5. The  EW(2) line station  is also quite close. DT32 is not ready yet. As for parking, there is an open car park just after the Hub. Drive past the Hub, turn round the corner and you'll see the entrance on the Ave 5 curve. This is a coupon parking carpark and open-air (60cts 1/2 hr) and has about 200+ lots. The other place to park is across from the Tampines Hub at Block 858-864 which is open to public 7am to 7pm coupon parking. You can enter this carpark from St 83 Block 864 and navigate towards Block 859. If you go round till you see a green sign on your left, the road leads to the Drop Off and North Plaza Carpark entrance.  Proceed straight in to park at B2 onw
Post a Comment
Read more

STUDENTS AT THE 74th NATIONAL SCHOOLS INDIVIDUALS

Once again, another year and another NSI takes place over the board this time at Overseas Family School. 1364 players signed in for the event making it a record turnout. It is massive and my congratulations and thanks go to the organising team of arbiters and helpers who worked hard to ensure minimal delays to get each round going. The playing conditions were good with the only regret that the zonal prizes could not be given out at the prize-giving. A few of my private students took part and I share their results : In the Secondary section, Ray Ee (my oldest student) managed 6/9 pts and came in 23rd (just outside the top 20) in the U16 while Daniel (who just started a week ago) did well at 18th on 6/9. Wen Chen was placed 43rd on 5.5/9. Ryan played right after returning from a school camp and fatigue set in the first day, but fortunately he picked himself up to finish 5.5 pts in 45th position. Damien went on vacation and did not take part.  Renee was placed 17th overall in the U12 Girl
Post a Comment
Read more

TIME TO SAY GOODBYE

 December draws to a close, ending 2023 and some of my students' journey with me as coach. I had the pleasure to be involved in training Daniel Chan, Er Wen Chen, Timothy Lam, Asher Neo, Wang Yuhan, Toby Herman, Magnus Lim, Eden Harris Yong, Leonard Loh, Emma Lo, Kevin Ng, Damian Tay and lastly Ho Ray Ee, my longest student to stay with me for 6 years. Yes, this may be the largest group of students that left in my years of teaching. Some decided to move on to other trainers (a good sign, as they are seeking other paths to chess improvement) while most I had to end the relationship as coach due to low interest in the game after some months.  As for Ray Ee who joined me  in 2017, I am of course saddened that he is graduating from my fold but yet proud of what he has achieved. His results were consistent, often finishing well (NAG 7th in 2022, 9th in 2019, 4th in NSI 2018). He has also played in the Selangor Open this year , gaining 77 rating points while getting another 31 pts from t
Post a Comment
Read more