A new season

Why does it feel like my whole heart was going to be displayed bare and raw on all the heads?

I thought I have gotten through it.

The disappointment of being lied that class was going to resume in February but instead was left hanging. 

The whole ordeal with skin peeled off 3 days before Christmas because it was decided during the last practice that we needed to turn our sticks around for a louder effect. 

The switch meant the balance point was higher and that was where finger meet corner of steel and loses some skin. 

No one even noticed it bled during practice, even when I got blood all over the drum head. 

And then to be told after the Christmas performance that I was dragging. 

Yes. I know. I was so afraid I was going to scrape the same location on my finger again. 

Just like how now I'm afraid I am going to be a disappointment from the start. 

For it sounded horrible. 

Even I could tell. 

I had no idea what to play for him to showcase what I know. 

So I did something lame just to have anything come out. 

Because. Yet. In spite. Despite. Dang it. 

I want this.

I still want this. 

Not because of some lack of people situation. 

Maybe not even a God calling thing. 

Just a selfishly human desire to hear oneself and be happy. 

I want to make happy memories of playing. 

The Christmas gift

There was no way on this earth side it could have been known... 

~That Cushion is a boy and turns 6 this year.

~That I was dreading bringing out Machikoro (because he might throw or even tear the cards) and I was looking for something cardless like this.

~That I been wanting to play something that's simple with all the little ones now they have come of age. 

So I am just awestruck that this checks all the boxes. 

Dear Odie2

It breaks my heart to see you all broken like this.

Even more so to hear the news that we have to change your chassis.

I have barely gotten any mileage with you and your first accident had to be such a major one. 

Thank you... 

For the convenience going through tolls with your build-in TnG tag.

For the few naps I have had in you. 

For the 6am drives to the wet market during the years in lockdown. 

For the random road trips by the river and through the paddy fields. 

For the long distances you cover to Robina beach. 

For the trips up to Batu Ferringhi's Starbucks, Hard Rock and Rasa Sayang.

I grew confident and bold in my driving because of you. 

The speed we got up to was only possible because it was you. 

And it was your strong body that is what saved me from what might have been a worse scenario.

I look forward to the new you.

The new chassis that we will go road trips outstation with. 

Every bit of you will still be an original part from your manufacturer's. 

And in the meantime, you are dearly missed. 

I know you are in good hands, Odie2. 

In God we trust. 

1st Major Damage to Odie2

'God is holding you' 

No words can describe the feeling of knowing that to its fullness in a situation like that.

I got away with a bump on the head, some bruises and a scratch.

It is significant to know all the people that are there for you in a moment like this. 

Even more so a God that protected you. 

You never stop learning....

Trying my best to be a good mentor, and at the final leg of this small project....

What else can go wrong?