Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Whoa, its been really long since I last blogged. Well, its due to me being FREAKING BUSY!! In the earlier part of my blog, I posted about my resolutions for this year and stuff, well, I have been really busy trying to accomplish them :D Here is how I have progressed so far..
Studies
After waiting for years for a good opportunity to start a part time diploma course, I finally started one in the beginning of this year! At this point, I have already completed 3 semesters and currently halfway through my last 2 semesters. I really can't believe how fast time has gone by, I guess that is just how hectic Singapore life is. When I first started on my course, I gave it my full effort. I tried to get As for all the modules, but having to juggle work, training and the other stresses of life, I just couldn't put in that extra little bit to get any As. I got straight Bs for the first 2 semesters though.
The third semester was a huge challenge for me. Some guys from my unit posted out and there were no replacements, resulting in me having to cover their duties. As I work 24 hour shifts, even one or two additional duties per month can increase my fatigue levels significantly. With the increased workload, I found it practically impossible to squeeze in time for revising or doing my projects. My schedule actually went something like this:
Monday: Class(7 to 10pm)
Tuesday: 24 hours duty
Wednesday: Book out around 12pm, class(7 to 10pm)
Thursday: 24 hours duty
Friday: Book out around 12pm, class(7 to 10pm)
Weekends: Duty on either Saturday or Sunday for 3 out of 4 weekends
Crazy isn't it? The issue was, each time I go to work, I get deprived of sleep. Without sleep, I wasn't able to concentrate in class, or absorb much when I studied. Besides that, there wasn't really much free time in between my duties and classes, or times which I wasn't half dead due to lack of sleep.
The deadline for the assignments came. I contributed less to my group projects than I could have, and also handed up a miserable last minute job for my individual projects. I knew I could have done better, but the circumstances just didn't allow it. The exams came, and although I started studying a month in advance, it was just too challenging with the fatigue levels. After the exams, I was worried sick that I would fail both modules! In the end, I got a C for both! WEEEEEEEE!! Now I just got to focus on the last two modules, and try to get that elusive A this time!
Driving
I planned to get my driver's license by the end of this year, but it took me a while to actually start attending classes. I was just too busy, and only started attending the practicals August. Thus far, I am nearly halfway there. I hope I can complete it by the 31 Dec, so I can drive my bride around on my ROM day!!
Bodybuilding
This is one aspect that never really improved ever since the year began. Prior to the working-studying life, I was often able to squeeze in 3 to 4 workouts each week. Now, I end up working out twice a week more often than not until the past two months. I was hoping to bulk up to over 90kg this year and compete in a heavier category in the 2012 nationals, win the category and give a good fight for the Mr Singapore 2012 title. However, my progress has been bad, and I might give next year's nationals a miss.
On top of the hectic schedule, the lack of sleep posted a new problem for me. I started getting injured very easily during training, especially on the days I trained after a duty (which was most of my workouts!). I injured my left rotator cuff, both hamstrings and left tricep within the past few months alone! The rotator cuff injury was the worst; for three months it completely prevented me from training my lats, delts and triceps, and made my chest and biceps training limited to a few exercises. Now, I am able to train normally, but still can't do shoulder presses. My slip discs have also been acting up more frequently, preventing me from training my legs properly. Through these injuries, I have somehow been able to squeeze in a little bit of improvements. My lifts show that I am the strongest I have ever been at this point, but my physique has just not improved significantly enough. My measurements did go up, but the stress is causing me to gain bodyfat. I had been maintaining a lean physique (with a clear 6 pack and visible 8th pack) up till July, but its nearly gone at this point. I just hate looking down and seeing that buldge, but I guess its only a matter of time before I get back in the game.
Also, my fiancee has started working out with me since September! She definitely did see some good improvements. My baby can now do man push ups, and I can see her triceps when she flexes them! I wonder how she is going to look on the day of our ROM!
The ROM!!
The date has draw so much closer! I am just freaking stressed about the stuff that is left to be done!! My schedule is getting from bad to worse, and making preparations is just getting so tough. Sometimes I wish I can just freeze the world, and do whatever I need to do at my own pace, and maybe even get a full 10 hour sleep before de-freezing the world! I really hope everything goes well.
Well, I am actually on duty as I am typing this post! It has been so busy, I only go online only during my duties! It was a horrendously stressful duty thus far, and I thought perhaps if I blogged a little, I'd be good to continue working. I guess I shall get back to work now. Chaoz and thanks for reading!
into part of the universe...
6:27 AM
