I haven’t really thought through about the year ahead & all the things I want to achieve, probably because I think the year officially starts after I get my O level results. That’s how I see it because it will define what kind of year I will have so it’s difficult to plan now. Thus, this post will be about 5 things in 2011 that really made an impact in my life, in increasing order. But before that, I’m going to post my best XI EPL football team and all-star basketball team of 2011. So, if you hate sports, you can skip this part.
FOOTBALL
My Formation: 4-2-3-1
It’s the most complete formation. It’s compact in the middle and allows a vast range of offensive option. It is also very easy to tweak to match up against different tactics.
My Manager: Kenny Dalglish
I am completely biased on this. He manages Liverpool & I support Liverpool. But taking nothing away from this guy, he has simply transformed Liverpool. If you look solely at results, then you won’t think much has changed. However, if you actually watch them play, you would come to agree that Liverpool has dominated all of their matches so far, bar the one against Tottenham, this season. The problem with Dalglish is the players he buys. I reckon he’s racist because he always chooses British players. But in terms of tactical abilities, he’s up there with the best.
My Team:
———————————————Van Persie———————————————
—-Gareth Bale————————Juan Mata———————-David Silva—-
——————————-Luka Modric——-Yohan Cabaye———————————
—-Jose Enrique——Vincent Kompany——Martin Skrtel——Glen Johnson—-
———————————————-Joe Hart———————————————-
My Subs:
Michel Vorm (GK), Thomas Vermaelan (CB), Leighton Baines (LB), Alex Song (CM), Van Der Vaart (AM), Clint Dempsey (LWM), Demba Ba (ST)
I’ve placed a limit of selecting a maximum of 3 from each team so technically, my dream team would include a couple more of Man City & Liverpool players. Also, looking at my team, you will notice there aren’t any Manchester United players. It was wittingly done so. :)
BASKETBALL
PG: Derrick Rose (CHI), SG: Manu Ginobili (SAS), SF: LeBron James (MIA), PF: Pau Gasol (LAL), C: Dwight Howard (ORL), 6th Man: Lamar Odom (DAL)
The basketball section is relatively shorter because it’s relatively less complex than football. Also, the choices are quite no-brainers except the shooting guard. I couldn’t decide between Ginobili, Kobe or Wade. But in the end, I picked Ginobili so that all 6 chosen players are from different teams!
Now, down to the 5 things that really defined 2011 for me.
No.5 - Graduation
Graduating from St.Andrew’s Secondary School was probably the thing that made me realised how fast I’m growing up. I’ve been in St.Andrews for 10 years! That’s as long as Daniel, Rupert & Emma have been acting in Harry Potter. On the day of our graduation ceremony, not the graduation tea which I had skipped, I really felt like I’m moving on to this next phrase of my life. New beginnings, new interventions. I’m really growing up; I’ve graduated from many past deeds.
No.4 - Taiwan Trip
I think it was really vital for my relationship with my cousin. The trip brought me sense of belonging, wisdom & perspective and exposure to things I never really liked. My cousins are all so different but 2 things remain. They are intellectually clever and darn stubborn in nature. I guess I see both traits in myself, the former to a smaller extent though.
No.3 - Bringing my sister to church
I think it’s probably one of the best decisions I’ve made. Not only has my relationship improved drastically with her, I have also witnessed her maturing as a person & a Christian. Next step for her is to be more lady-like. :) It’s been a privilege to grow up with my sister. Best part of all, no more awkward Chinese New Years for me!
No.2 - Pastor Kong’s Service
There are preachers who changes mindset. There are preachers who touch one’s soul. Pst. Kong preaches sermons that moves your spirit. He is definitely my favourite guest preacher simply because the spirit moves every time he’s at the pulpit. Last year’s messages on doing more than expected & the Holy Spirit brought revelation to my spirit.
No.1 - O Levels
My entire year was all about O levels. The success of 2011 will be determined in a weeks’ time. During the year, I felt that I’ve matured a lot in my thinking & rationalising. I also forged a lot of new relationships during the year because everyone in my batch was working towards the same thing - doing well for O Levels. People shared with me their dreams & aspirations and their deepest thoughts. For the first time, I feel so exposed to the real world. I like this feeling of no longer being sheltered. It’s changing me more than I’d expected, much better than I’d expected.
