Face and embrace your fears and desires

Let's take a break from the book reviews that are so boring and lacking in inventiveness that drove anyone who came here to tears.
I was at the bouldering competition Pumpfest '06 held at the plaza of National Library Bugis on Friday and Sunday.And I can say these 2 days were so far the best days of the holidays.I saw dedicated individuals holding on to the handholds with all their might,and some of them flew around like airborne spiders. Crowds cheering them on,egging them to stretch and reach for that last tile that eluded their grip.It was an atmosphere that was so familiar,only 2 months after the NUS-organised Boulderactive which I helped out in some way.
I haven't been climbing for maybe 7 weeks now,and just when my climbing interest threatens to wane from the lack of action,I found myself going all the way to NLB to watch these amazing climbers strut their stuff.Every grimace on their face as they struggle to stay on the wall,every muscle strained and overworked to keep their hopes alive.I felt them before and I felt them during Pumpfest too.It was an unforgettable sensation that hooks you to the sport,an adrenaline-induced state of mind that makes you feel so powerful and special to be able to stay on a 30 degree inclined wall.Like every other sport,you get high from climbing once the endorphins sets in and you just keep going like a madman who has lost all sense of pain.The next morning you wake up and realise that you can't move from all that muscle ache,and you smile and tell yourself it was a job well done.
I miss the trainings during JC canoeing,the camaraderie,the talkcock sessions during the punishing gym sessions,the intense competition to represent the school in our respective events,hanging out at each other's class bench until training commences,laughing at each other when we capsize,going through thick and thin together,especially the few regimental trainings which reminded so much of NCC.There is no way any other team can replace what HCJC Canoeing Boys 2002's place in my heart,but there is a void in it which needs to be filled.An emptiness which is caused by the loss of brotherhood and sweat and toil and in my case lots of blood.
I missed the chance to join a team that I observed to be close-knitted and dedicated to its cause last year.When school begins,I'll be relishing the challenge it will bring me physically and mentally.And of course,bring me the beautiful memories of my wonderful canoeing teammates.
I'll climb,finally.