MAY GOD BLESS YOU WITH A WORLD OF HAPPINESS, GOOD HEALTH, PROSPERITY, PEACE & SUCCESS THROUGHOUT THE NEW YEAR..... :)Monday, December 31, 2007
HAVE A BLESSED 2008
MAY GOD BLESS YOU WITH A WORLD OF HAPPINESS, GOOD HEALTH, PROSPERITY, PEACE & SUCCESS THROUGHOUT THE NEW YEAR..... :)Friday, December 28, 2007
谢谢
A friend of mine asked me this question yesterday "How is your 2007? What are your achievements?". I stumbled a while and answered "I found GOD."
I really do not know what other achievements I have made in 2007. Looking back, I wish I have done many things differently, or better, or not at all. I wish I am more consistent in my workout. I wish I have spent less time on the TV and korean drama. I wish I have been selfless and not selfish. Be more thankful and less complains.
There seems to be more regrets than fulfillment. Some may say it is too negative. In fact, my friend just commented the other day that those people who go church are "weak minded". It is because they are not strong mentally, they need to go church every Sunday to recharge. An interesting comment indeed. However, there is one thing I didn't regret doing in 2007 is my search of a true and real God.
As we move towards the New Year, how do you WANT 2008 to be? What do you WANT to accomplish? My friend told me he targets to make 100k in 2008, a sum of money which I can never imagine myself making within a year.
Read this in one of devotional website: Make 2008 a year of "no regret living". YOU MUST KNOW WHAT THAT LOOKS LIKE AHEAD OF TIME OR YOU WILL NOT DO ANYTHING DIFFERENT THAN YOU HAVE ALWAYS DONE.
Before I round up 2007, I sincerely thank everyone who have helped me and extended your kindness to me. I am not one who is good in expressing in words nor action but all the help and kindness will be remembered and greatly appreciated. A big THANK YOU to all. 谢谢! Go Mab Seum Nida!!
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Go Mab Seum Nida (Thank You)
Just finished a serial korean drama titled 谢谢 over the long weekend. It is one of the better ones that I enjoy. It is not one of those common korean serial which is all about love, one cannot live without each other or those cry cry type. All things that consist in our life; happiness, sadness, love, suffer, values of life, the innocent of a kid's perspective of things, etc are well-described by this serial…The kid is so adorable and acted well.Synopsis
Min Ki Seo and Lee Young Shim will be a couple who hated the sight of each other at first but later developed affections along the way during their daily fights and disagreements. Min Ki Seo was orginally a doctor who always looked down on people and is very haughty as well until he met Lee Young Shim and her child who has aids. Lee Young Shim is a very cheerful and positive person despite the difficult life she has to face. Through her, Min Ki Seo slowly becomes a warm, gentle person because of love.
Min Ki Seo and Lee Young Shim will be a couple who hated the sight of each other at first but later developed affections along the way during their daily fights and disagreements. Min Ki Seo was orginally a doctor who always looked down on people and is very haughty as well until he met Lee Young Shim and her child who has aids. Lee Young Shim is a very cheerful and positive person despite the difficult life she has to face. Through her, Min Ki Seo slowly becomes a warm, gentle person because of love.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Friday, December 21, 2007
Wish I Can Have Such Talent In Writing
Not in the mood to work. Season period? Nah... still lost?... may be...I don't know.
Received this article a week ago. I was amazed by the essay written by this 15 years old girl. I was amazed by her values or the way she reads the values of the modern woman now. Sometimes I wonder do I know what I want or what my values are? I wish I have such talent to write beautifully too. My friend in the publication line was so impressed by it that he wanted to invite her to be one of the writer of their magazine.
Singapore girl wins Commonwealth essay prize!
A 15-YEAR-OLD Singaporean, competing against 16- to 18-year-olds, has won the top prize in a writing contest that drew 5,300 entries from 52 countries.
In the annual Commonwealth Essay Competition, Amanda Chong of Raffles Girls' School (Secondary) chose to compete in the older category and won with a piece on the restlessness of modern life.
Her short story, titled What The Modern Woman Wants, focused on the conflict in values between an old lady and her independent-minded daughter.
'Through my story, I attempted to convey the unique East-versus-West struggles and generation gaps that I felt were characteristic of young people in my country,' said Amanda, who likes drama, history and literature and wants to become a lawyer and a politician.
Chief examiner Charles Kemp called her piece a 'powerfully moving and ironical critique of modern restlessness and its potentially cruel consequences'. The writing is fluent and assured, with excellent use of dialogue.
Amanda gets (S$1,590). A Singaporean last won the top prize in 2000, said Britain's Royal Commonwealth Society, which has been organising the competition since 1883. Singaporeans also came in second in the 14- to 15-year-old category, and fourth in the under-12s. Other winners included students from Australia, Canada and South Africa.
Received this article a week ago. I was amazed by the essay written by this 15 years old girl. I was amazed by her values or the way she reads the values of the modern woman now. Sometimes I wonder do I know what I want or what my values are? I wish I have such talent to write beautifully too. My friend in the publication line was so impressed by it that he wanted to invite her to be one of the writer of their magazine.
Singapore girl wins Commonwealth essay prize!
A 15-YEAR-OLD Singaporean, competing against 16- to 18-year-olds, has won the top prize in a writing contest that drew 5,300 entries from 52 countries.
In the annual Commonwealth Essay Competition, Amanda Chong of Raffles Girls' School (Secondary) chose to compete in the older category and won with a piece on the restlessness of modern life.
Her short story, titled What The Modern Woman Wants, focused on the conflict in values between an old lady and her independent-minded daughter.
'Through my story, I attempted to convey the unique East-versus-West struggles and generation gaps that I felt were characteristic of young people in my country,' said Amanda, who likes drama, history and literature and wants to become a lawyer and a politician.
Chief examiner Charles Kemp called her piece a 'powerfully moving and ironical critique of modern restlessness and its potentially cruel consequences'. The writing is fluent and assured, with excellent use of dialogue.
Amanda gets (S$1,590). A Singaporean last won the top prize in 2000, said Britain's Royal Commonwealth Society, which has been organising the competition since 1883. Singaporeans also came in second in the 14- to 15-year-old category, and fourth in the under-12s. Other winners included students from Australia, Canada and South Africa.
What The Modern Woman Wants by Amanda Chong
The old woman sat in the backseat of the magenta convertible as it careened down the highway, clutching tightly to the plastic bag on her lap, afraid it may be kidnapped by the wind. She was not used to such speed, with trembling hands she pulled the seatbelt tighter but was careful not to touch the patent leather seats with her callused fingers, her daughter had warned her not to dirty it, 'Fingerprints show very clearly on white, Ma.'
Her daughter, Bee Choo, was driving and talking on her sleek silver mobile phone using big words the old woman could barely understand. 'Finance' 'Liquidation' 'Assets' 'Investments'... Her voice was crisp and important and had an unfamiliar lilt to it. Her Bee Choo sounded like one of those foreign girls on television. She was speaking in an American accent.
The old lady clucked her tongue in disapproval. 'I absolutely cannot have this. We have to sell!' Her daughter exclaimed agitatedly as she stepped on the accelerator; her perfectly manicured fingernails gripping onto the steering wheel in irritation.
'I can't DEAL with this anymore!' she yelled as she clicked the phone shut and hurled it angrily toward the backseat. The mobile phone hit the old woman on the forehead and nestled soundlessly into her lap. She calmly picked it up and handed it to her daughter.
'Sorry, Ma,' she said, losing the American pretence and switching to Mandarin. 'I have a big client in America. There have been a lot of problems.' The old lady nodded knowingly. Her daughter was big and important.
Bee Choo stared at her mother from the rear view window, wondering what she was thinking. Her mother's wrinkled countenance always carried the same cryptic look.
The phone began to ring again, an artificially cheerful digital tune, which broke the awkward silence.
'Hello, Beatrice! Yes, this is Elaine.' Elaine. The old woman cringed. I didn't name her Elaine. She remembered her daughter telling her, how an English name was very important for 'networking', Chinese ones being easily forgotten.
'Oh no, I can't see you for lunch today. I have to take the ancient relic to the temple for her weird daily prayer ritual.'
Ancient Relic. The old woman understood perfectly it was referring to her. Her daughter always assumed that her mother's silence meant she did not comprehend.
'Yes, I know! My car seats will be reeking of joss sticks!'
The old woman pursed her lips tightly, her hands gripping her plastic bag in defence.
The car curved smoothly into the temple courtyard. It looked almost garish next to the dull sheen of the ageing temple's roof. The old woman got out of the back seat, and made her unhurried way to the main hall.
Her daughter stepped out of the car in her business suit and stilettos and reapplied her lipstick as she made her brisk way to her mother's side.
'Ma, I'll wait outside. I have an important phone call to make,' she said, not bothering to hide her disgust at the pungent fumes of incense.
The old lady hobbled into the temple hall and lit a joss stick, she knelt down solemnly and whispered her now familiar daily prayer to the Gods.
Thank you God of the Sky, you have given my daughter luck all these years. Everything I prayed for, you have given her. She has everything a young woman in this world could possibly want. She has a big house with a swimming pool, a maid to help her, as she is too clumsy to sew or cook.
Her love life has been blessed; she is engaged to a rich and handsome angmoh man. Her company is now the top financial firm and even men listen to what she says. She lives the perfect life. You have given her everything except happiness. I ask that the gods be merciful to her even if she has lost her roots while reaping the harvest of success.
What you see is not true, she is a filial daughter to me. She gives me a room in her big house and provides well for me. She is rude to me only because I affect her happiness. A young woman does not want to be hindered by her old mother. It is my fault.
The old lady prayed so hard that tears welled up in her eyes. Finally, with her head bowed in reverence she planted the half-burnt joss stick into an urn of smouldering ashes.
She bowed once more. The old woman had been praying for her daughter for thirty-two years. When her stomach was round like a melon, she came to the temple and prayed that it was a son.
Then the time was ripe and the baby slipped out of her womb, bawling and adorable with fat thighs and pink cheeks, but unmistakably, a girl. Her husband had kicked and punched her for producing a useless baby who could not work or carry the family name.
Still, the woman returned to the temple with her new-born girl tied to her waist in a sarong and prayed that her daughter would grow up and have everything she ever wanted. Her husband left her and she prayed that her daughter would never have to depend on a man.
She prayed every day that her daughter would be a great woman, the woman that she, meek and uneducated, could never become. A woman with nengkan; the ability to do anything she set her mind to. A woman who commanded respect in the hearts of men. When she opened her mouth to speak, precious pearls would fall out and men would listen.
She will not be like me, the woman prayed as she watched her daughter grow up and drift away from her, speaking a language she scarcely understood. She watched her daughter transform from a quiet girl, to one who openly defied her, calling her laotu; old-fashioned. She wanted her mother to be 'modern', a word so new there was no Chinese word for it.
Now her daughter was too clever for her and the old woman wondered why she had prayed like that. The gods had been faithful to her persistent prayer, but the wealth and success that poured forth so richly had buried the girl's roots and now she stood, faceless, with no identity, bound to the soil of her ancestors by only a string of origami banknotes.
Her daughter had forgotten her mother's values. Her wants were so ephemeral; that of a modern woman. Power, Wealth, access to the best fashion boutiques, and yet her daughter had not found true happiness. The old woman knew that you could find happiness with much less. When her daughter left the earth everything she had would count for nothing. People would look to her legacy and say that she was a great woman, but she would be forgotten once the wind blows over, like the ashes of burnt paper convertibles and mansions.
The old woman wished she could go back and erase all her big hopes and prayers for her daughter; now she had only one want: That her daughter be happy. She looked out of the temple gate. She saw her daughter speaking on the phone, her brow furrowed with anger and worry. Being at the top is not good, the woman thought, there is only one way to go from there - down.
The old woman carefully unfolded the plastic bag and spread out a packet of beehoon in front of the altar. Her daughter often mocked her for worshipping porcelain Gods. How could she pray to them so faithfully and expect pieces of ceramic to fly to her aid? But her daughter had her own gods too, idols of wealth, success and power that she was enslaved to and worshipped every day of her life.
Every day was a quest for the idols, and the idols she worshipped counted for nothing in eternity. All the wants her daughter had would slowly suck the life out of her and leave her, an empty soulless shell at the altar.
The old lady watched her joss tick. The dull heat had left a teetering grey stem that was on the danger of collapsing. Modern woman nowadays, the old lady sighed in resignation, as she bowed to the east one final time to end her ritual. Modern woman nowadays want so much that they lose their souls and wonder why they cannot find it.
Her joss stick disintegrated into a soft grey powder. She met her daughter outside the temple, the same look of worry and frustration was etched on her daughter's face. An empty expression, as if she was ploughing through the soil of her wants looking for the one thing that would sow the seeds of happiness.
They climbed in to the convertible in silence and her daughter drove along the highway, this time not as fast as she had done before.
'Ma,' Bee Choo finally said. 'I don't know how to put this. Mark and I have been talking about it and we plan to move out of the big house. The property market is good now, and we managed to get a buyer willing to pay seven million for it. We decided we'd prefer a cosier penthouse apartment instead. We found a perfect one in Orchard Road. Once we move in to our apartment we plan to get rid of the maid, so we can have more space to ourselves...'
The old woman nodded knowingly. Bee Choo swallowed hard. 'We'd get someone to come in to do the housework and we can eat out - but once the maid is gone, there won't be anyone to look after you. You will be awfully lonely at home and, besides that, the apartment is rather small. There won't be space. We thought about it for a long time, and we decided the best thing for you is if you moved to a Home. There's one near Hougang - it's a Christian home, a very nice one.'
The old woman did not raise an eyebrow. 'I've been there, the matron is willing to take you in. It's beautiful with gardens and lots of old people to keep you company! I hardly have time for you, you'd be happier there.' 'You'd be happier there, really.' Her daughter repeated as if to affirm herself.
This time the old woman had no plastic bag of food offerings to cling tightly to; she bit her lip and fastened her seat belt, as if it would protect her from a daughter who did not want her anymore. She sunk deep into the leather seat, letting her shoulders sag, and her fingers trace the white seat.
'Ma?' her daughter asked, searching the rear view window for her mother. 'Is everything okay?' What had to be done, had to be done. 'Yes,' she said firmly, louder than she intended, 'if it will make you happy,' she added more quietly.
'It's for you, Ma! You'll be happier there. You can move there tomorrow, I already got the maid to pack your things. ' Elaine said triumphantly, mentally ticking yet another item off her agenda.
'I knew everything would be fine.'
Elaine smiled widely; she felt liberated. Perhaps getting rid of her mother would make her happier. She had thought about it. It seemed the only hindrance in her pursuit of happiness. She was happy now. She had everything a modern woman ever wanted; Money, Status, Career, Love, Power and now, Freedom, without her mother and her old-fashioned ways to weigh her down...
Yes, she was free. Her phone buzzed urgently, she picked it up and read the message, still beaming from ear to ear. 'Stocks 10% increase!'
Yes, things were definitely beginning to look up for her...And while searching for the meaning of life in the luminance of her hand phone screen, the old woman in the backseat became invisible, and she did not see the tears.
Her daughter, Bee Choo, was driving and talking on her sleek silver mobile phone using big words the old woman could barely understand. 'Finance' 'Liquidation' 'Assets' 'Investments'... Her voice was crisp and important and had an unfamiliar lilt to it. Her Bee Choo sounded like one of those foreign girls on television. She was speaking in an American accent.
The old lady clucked her tongue in disapproval. 'I absolutely cannot have this. We have to sell!' Her daughter exclaimed agitatedly as she stepped on the accelerator; her perfectly manicured fingernails gripping onto the steering wheel in irritation.
'I can't DEAL with this anymore!' she yelled as she clicked the phone shut and hurled it angrily toward the backseat. The mobile phone hit the old woman on the forehead and nestled soundlessly into her lap. She calmly picked it up and handed it to her daughter.
'Sorry, Ma,' she said, losing the American pretence and switching to Mandarin. 'I have a big client in America. There have been a lot of problems.' The old lady nodded knowingly. Her daughter was big and important.
Bee Choo stared at her mother from the rear view window, wondering what she was thinking. Her mother's wrinkled countenance always carried the same cryptic look.
The phone began to ring again, an artificially cheerful digital tune, which broke the awkward silence.
'Hello, Beatrice! Yes, this is Elaine.' Elaine. The old woman cringed. I didn't name her Elaine. She remembered her daughter telling her, how an English name was very important for 'networking', Chinese ones being easily forgotten.
'Oh no, I can't see you for lunch today. I have to take the ancient relic to the temple for her weird daily prayer ritual.'
Ancient Relic. The old woman understood perfectly it was referring to her. Her daughter always assumed that her mother's silence meant she did not comprehend.
'Yes, I know! My car seats will be reeking of joss sticks!'
The old woman pursed her lips tightly, her hands gripping her plastic bag in defence.
The car curved smoothly into the temple courtyard. It looked almost garish next to the dull sheen of the ageing temple's roof. The old woman got out of the back seat, and made her unhurried way to the main hall.
Her daughter stepped out of the car in her business suit and stilettos and reapplied her lipstick as she made her brisk way to her mother's side.
'Ma, I'll wait outside. I have an important phone call to make,' she said, not bothering to hide her disgust at the pungent fumes of incense.
The old lady hobbled into the temple hall and lit a joss stick, she knelt down solemnly and whispered her now familiar daily prayer to the Gods.
Thank you God of the Sky, you have given my daughter luck all these years. Everything I prayed for, you have given her. She has everything a young woman in this world could possibly want. She has a big house with a swimming pool, a maid to help her, as she is too clumsy to sew or cook.
Her love life has been blessed; she is engaged to a rich and handsome angmoh man. Her company is now the top financial firm and even men listen to what she says. She lives the perfect life. You have given her everything except happiness. I ask that the gods be merciful to her even if she has lost her roots while reaping the harvest of success.
What you see is not true, she is a filial daughter to me. She gives me a room in her big house and provides well for me. She is rude to me only because I affect her happiness. A young woman does not want to be hindered by her old mother. It is my fault.
The old lady prayed so hard that tears welled up in her eyes. Finally, with her head bowed in reverence she planted the half-burnt joss stick into an urn of smouldering ashes.
She bowed once more. The old woman had been praying for her daughter for thirty-two years. When her stomach was round like a melon, she came to the temple and prayed that it was a son.
Then the time was ripe and the baby slipped out of her womb, bawling and adorable with fat thighs and pink cheeks, but unmistakably, a girl. Her husband had kicked and punched her for producing a useless baby who could not work or carry the family name.
Still, the woman returned to the temple with her new-born girl tied to her waist in a sarong and prayed that her daughter would grow up and have everything she ever wanted. Her husband left her and she prayed that her daughter would never have to depend on a man.
She prayed every day that her daughter would be a great woman, the woman that she, meek and uneducated, could never become. A woman with nengkan; the ability to do anything she set her mind to. A woman who commanded respect in the hearts of men. When she opened her mouth to speak, precious pearls would fall out and men would listen.
She will not be like me, the woman prayed as she watched her daughter grow up and drift away from her, speaking a language she scarcely understood. She watched her daughter transform from a quiet girl, to one who openly defied her, calling her laotu; old-fashioned. She wanted her mother to be 'modern', a word so new there was no Chinese word for it.
Now her daughter was too clever for her and the old woman wondered why she had prayed like that. The gods had been faithful to her persistent prayer, but the wealth and success that poured forth so richly had buried the girl's roots and now she stood, faceless, with no identity, bound to the soil of her ancestors by only a string of origami banknotes.
Her daughter had forgotten her mother's values. Her wants were so ephemeral; that of a modern woman. Power, Wealth, access to the best fashion boutiques, and yet her daughter had not found true happiness. The old woman knew that you could find happiness with much less. When her daughter left the earth everything she had would count for nothing. People would look to her legacy and say that she was a great woman, but she would be forgotten once the wind blows over, like the ashes of burnt paper convertibles and mansions.
The old woman wished she could go back and erase all her big hopes and prayers for her daughter; now she had only one want: That her daughter be happy. She looked out of the temple gate. She saw her daughter speaking on the phone, her brow furrowed with anger and worry. Being at the top is not good, the woman thought, there is only one way to go from there - down.
The old woman carefully unfolded the plastic bag and spread out a packet of beehoon in front of the altar. Her daughter often mocked her for worshipping porcelain Gods. How could she pray to them so faithfully and expect pieces of ceramic to fly to her aid? But her daughter had her own gods too, idols of wealth, success and power that she was enslaved to and worshipped every day of her life.
Every day was a quest for the idols, and the idols she worshipped counted for nothing in eternity. All the wants her daughter had would slowly suck the life out of her and leave her, an empty soulless shell at the altar.
The old lady watched her joss tick. The dull heat had left a teetering grey stem that was on the danger of collapsing. Modern woman nowadays, the old lady sighed in resignation, as she bowed to the east one final time to end her ritual. Modern woman nowadays want so much that they lose their souls and wonder why they cannot find it.
Her joss stick disintegrated into a soft grey powder. She met her daughter outside the temple, the same look of worry and frustration was etched on her daughter's face. An empty expression, as if she was ploughing through the soil of her wants looking for the one thing that would sow the seeds of happiness.
They climbed in to the convertible in silence and her daughter drove along the highway, this time not as fast as she had done before.
'Ma,' Bee Choo finally said. 'I don't know how to put this. Mark and I have been talking about it and we plan to move out of the big house. The property market is good now, and we managed to get a buyer willing to pay seven million for it. We decided we'd prefer a cosier penthouse apartment instead. We found a perfect one in Orchard Road. Once we move in to our apartment we plan to get rid of the maid, so we can have more space to ourselves...'
The old woman nodded knowingly. Bee Choo swallowed hard. 'We'd get someone to come in to do the housework and we can eat out - but once the maid is gone, there won't be anyone to look after you. You will be awfully lonely at home and, besides that, the apartment is rather small. There won't be space. We thought about it for a long time, and we decided the best thing for you is if you moved to a Home. There's one near Hougang - it's a Christian home, a very nice one.'
The old woman did not raise an eyebrow. 'I've been there, the matron is willing to take you in. It's beautiful with gardens and lots of old people to keep you company! I hardly have time for you, you'd be happier there.' 'You'd be happier there, really.' Her daughter repeated as if to affirm herself.
This time the old woman had no plastic bag of food offerings to cling tightly to; she bit her lip and fastened her seat belt, as if it would protect her from a daughter who did not want her anymore. She sunk deep into the leather seat, letting her shoulders sag, and her fingers trace the white seat.
'Ma?' her daughter asked, searching the rear view window for her mother. 'Is everything okay?' What had to be done, had to be done. 'Yes,' she said firmly, louder than she intended, 'if it will make you happy,' she added more quietly.
'It's for you, Ma! You'll be happier there. You can move there tomorrow, I already got the maid to pack your things. ' Elaine said triumphantly, mentally ticking yet another item off her agenda.
'I knew everything would be fine.'
Elaine smiled widely; she felt liberated. Perhaps getting rid of her mother would make her happier. She had thought about it. It seemed the only hindrance in her pursuit of happiness. She was happy now. She had everything a modern woman ever wanted; Money, Status, Career, Love, Power and now, Freedom, without her mother and her old-fashioned ways to weigh her down...
Yes, she was free. Her phone buzzed urgently, she picked it up and read the message, still beaming from ear to ear. 'Stocks 10% increase!'
Yes, things were definitely beginning to look up for her...And while searching for the meaning of life in the luminance of her hand phone screen, the old woman in the backseat became invisible, and she did not see the tears.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Will There Be A Tomorrow?
Life has not been too good lately. I am facing a lot stress and uncertainties. I am like at the crossroad; don’t know which direction I should go. I am trying very hard not to let my feeling determines my destiny but I continued to make the mistake over and over again.
When most of us are in high mood celebrating the season period and anticipating a good 2008, I am in this dark tunnel seeing no light at the end. Well, being negative won’t help the situation. I need to be strong mentally and physically. Do I have what it takes to have that step of faith?
When most of us are in high mood celebrating the season period and anticipating a good 2008, I am in this dark tunnel seeing no light at the end. Well, being negative won’t help the situation. I need to be strong mentally and physically. Do I have what it takes to have that step of faith?
Saturday, September 29, 2007
死路一条
Definitely not an auspicious title especially it is the first time I meeting up with the rest of the Too's family. In fact, the rest are wondering who is Lan Zhu and Tham Jiak. Who do you think? Ha Ha.
Anyway, why 死路一条? Because the Too Tao said the menu for today's run is 死路一条. *Shiver* To be continue....
Anyway, why 死路一条? Because the Too Tao said the menu for today's run is 死路一条. *Shiver* To be continue....
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Saturday, September 22, 2007
xx:xx:28:28
Swee Number xx:xx:28:28. Ee Fa, Ee Fa AH!!!
(Ee - Easy in Cantonese, Fa - Prosperous in Cantonese)
Friday, September 21, 2007
My 2007 AHM Run; Learn To Run
Day before AHM
Reached home at 10.30pm the night before AHM. I was really exhausted. The thought of waking up in three hours time made me more tired. Anyway, I already mentally prepared to do my slowest half marathon due to the lack of training and the extra weight I am carrying now. Yup, compared to the past 2 AHM, I will be running with a heaviest body weight or body mass tomorrow.
Reached home at 10.30pm the night before AHM. I was really exhausted. The thought of waking up in three hours time made me more tired. Anyway, I already mentally prepared to do my slowest half marathon due to the lack of training and the extra weight I am carrying now. Yup, compared to the past 2 AHM, I will be running with a heaviest body weight or body mass tomorrow.
The Day Itself
Got a lift from my Punggol neighbour, Gentle (after the sacrifice of the seat/lift from my insane di di, big gam sia to him) at 4am. Was the first one on board, followed by Doreamond_Red & TKTan and Stazla. Reached Raffles City at around 445am. Saw Sotong, Bee, Meteor and Alvo. It has been a while since I saw Bee. Chatted with her as we walked to the start line. Both of us were in question whether the floating platform can hold the 70,000 participants. I told her FON said can and it is supposed to be very solid one. Anyway, both of us agreed that it is a plus point for this year AHM, that is, to be able to run onto the floating platform.
Got a lift from my Punggol neighbour, Gentle (after the sacrifice of the seat/lift from my insane di di, big gam sia to him) at 4am. Was the first one on board, followed by Doreamond_Red & TKTan and Stazla. Reached Raffles City at around 445am. Saw Sotong, Bee, Meteor and Alvo. It has been a while since I saw Bee. Chatted with her as we walked to the start line. Both of us were in question whether the floating platform can hold the 70,000 participants. I told her FON said can and it is supposed to be very solid one. Anyway, both of us agreed that it is a plus point for this year AHM, that is, to be able to run onto the floating platform.
The Run Race Route
The run started on time but it was super crowded. It took us about 5mins or more before we could reach the starting point. This year the route was changed and I realized there were more lanes being closed for running, unlike last year, there was only one lane closed for runners at certain part. There were fewer bottlenecks and the running was more spacious and definitely don’t have to put up with the traffic lights like last year. I took the strategy of 8min run and 2 min walk from the start, only missed the first walk break to warm up my body and to wake myself up. I was still yawning when I started to run. My gosh!!! Soon both Bee and Meteor were way ahead when I started taking my walk break and my lonely run started. I put on my mp3 for some entertainment. I began to observe the surrounding and searched for my ‘passion’ in running. It is as though I am starting to learn how to run and finding the joy of running. I am still searching what the hack I am doing at this wee hour on the road running when I can be on my soft and comfortable bed in an air-con room sleeping! Well, this year is my third consecutively year of AHM and it could also be the last unless I have some insane reason to run next year.
The run started on time but it was super crowded. It took us about 5mins or more before we could reach the starting point. This year the route was changed and I realized there were more lanes being closed for running, unlike last year, there was only one lane closed for runners at certain part. There were fewer bottlenecks and the running was more spacious and definitely don’t have to put up with the traffic lights like last year. I took the strategy of 8min run and 2 min walk from the start, only missed the first walk break to warm up my body and to wake myself up. I was still yawning when I started to run. My gosh!!! Soon both Bee and Meteor were way ahead when I started taking my walk break and my lonely run started. I put on my mp3 for some entertainment. I began to observe the surrounding and searched for my ‘passion’ in running. It is as though I am starting to learn how to run and finding the joy of running. I am still searching what the hack I am doing at this wee hour on the road running when I can be on my soft and comfortable bed in an air-con room sleeping! Well, this year is my third consecutively year of AHM and it could also be the last unless I have some insane reason to run next year.
After the 10km, I could feel some fatigue liao. I started to stop at every water station besides the walk break. I must say that the weather was good as it started earlier this year. When I reached the start of ECP stretch, I saw Vivien Tang finishing the ECP stretch. Wow, this means she could have been 8km ahead of me. I am really very very slow. I continued to look over the opposite side (return leg), hoping to see some familiar SGrunners faces but didn’t. Instead, I admired the sun rise and enjoyed the sea breeze along the way. COOL. The weather was good indeed. Reminded me of SCSM06 except then I was like dying when I reached ECP so I didn’t have the energy to admire the nature.
Three Touching Moments
I even managed to catch three touching moments. First one, from two young army boys.
I even managed to catch three touching moments. First one, from two young army boys.
Army boy1 : Bro, still ok to carry on?
Army boy2 : (in a fatigue but determined voice) yes, lets continue!
Army boy1 pat the shoulder of army boy2 and both of them ran on
Such a wonderful brotherly friendship. Shortly after that, I saw 2 ladies running side by side. It was quite obvious one was having a hard time running (as she was limping) and the girl next to her was slowing down, giving her a quiet but yet a supportive encouragement. I was tear for joy when I see such commending act and sacrifice by the girl who slowed down to give the encouragement to her friend. It reminded me of how lucky I was too last year when my pacer ran with me all the way in SCSM06, sacrificing his timing and enduring my running attitude for more than 5hrs. At the last stretch of the route, I finally saw 2 familiar faces; Sotong and Roonz. Both of them were running together, giving support to each other and Sotong taking drink for Roonz at each water station. Thumb up!
The Final Countdown
With less than 1km left, I saw the finish line banner, I wanted to chiong but after second thought, I think I better not, just in case I passed out before I reached the finished line, it will be so embarrassing lor. Fortunately I didn’t chiong as the finish point was not there. The finished point was in front of the floating platform BUT not on the platform.
Looked at my watch, it showed 2hrs 42mins. Indeed it was the slowest 21.1km race I ever did. However, I was not too disappointed as I kind of expected it. Yes, no doubt it may be a very slow timing but is timing all there is for running? It may be the only reason for some but for me, I discovered a new perspective today in this run, that is, slow down and appreciate the surrounding. It may surprise you and give you a diffierent experience. Sometimes, I feel that I am always rushing and failed to appreciate the nature and what is happening around me. Well, it is never too late to learn. Never to late to learn to run. YEAH!!!
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Review Of Melaka Makansutra
Indeed I am the last to update the post. A lot have been written about this Melaka Makasutra by the other muffins. You can read the detailed review with this and this and this by Muffin 2 who was the first one to write the report. You can also read the review by Muffin 1 from this and this and this. Highlights can be found in this and this by Muffin 4.
BEST quote of the trip : DON'T TOUCH ME!!!
BEST tip of the trip : HOW TO GET SUB2 FOR HALF MARATHON.
BEST advice of the trip : OIL MAKES YOUR COMPLEXION GOOD.
BEST episode of the trip : FINDING LOTI'S 'SUN' AND MISSING WALLET SEARCH.
BEST actor of the trip : THE ONE WHO CAN R E A L L Y EAT.
BEST singer of the trip : THE ONE WHO SANG 'THE UMBRELLA SONG' TO LOTI.
My weight after the Melaka Makansutra is 55.5kg (before is 54.7kg). Cryyyyyyyy.... :( Must start practising my favourite quote on my friends. :-p
Monday, September 17, 2007
Fresh Page of Happiness
Supposed to continue to blog about my AHM race but decided to put it on hold and blog about the Malacca’s trip. It has been a long while since I am so ‘ge la’ but it was an enjoyable trip indeed. Thank you to all who gives me an opportunity to write another page of happy moments and beautiful experience in my book of life.
Melaka trip.... AKAN DATANG.....
Thursday, September 13, 2007
The Journey Begins
How it started
The idea of Melaka Makansutra was sprouted in the middle of June 2007. Why & how? Read this.
XDD Search
The search for the XDD to take up this Melaka Makansutra begins in the middle of July 2007. After the KL makan marathon organised by 猪你, not many dare to take up such challenge. At the final hour, only 4 interested XDD boldly take on the challenge for the makansutra; preparing themselves to put on more FAT and EAT till they drop! How disgusting!!!
The Preparation Begins
Once the date for the trip was set, nomination of roles begins. The FOC & FON were the Ah Long(s). 小老虎 was the driver cum tour guide. 猪你 just eat and sleep. Ha Ha Ha....
The idea of Melaka Makansutra was sprouted in the middle of June 2007. Why & how? Read this.
XDD Search
The search for the XDD to take up this Melaka Makansutra begins in the middle of July 2007. After the KL makan marathon organised by 猪你, not many dare to take up such challenge. At the final hour, only 4 interested XDD boldly take on the challenge for the makansutra; preparing themselves to put on more FAT and EAT till they drop! How disgusting!!!
The Preparation Begins
Once the date for the trip was set, nomination of roles begins. The FOC & FON were the Ah Long(s). 小老虎 was the driver cum tour guide. 猪你 just eat and sleep. Ha Ha Ha....
Weight before Melaka Makansutra is 54.7kg dated on 13/09/2007 at 9.30pm. Weight after Melaka Makansutra ..... beyond imagination.... will it be 57.4kg??? *FAINTED*
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Pre AHM Run
A week before the AHM race day, I fell sick again. For the whole week between 10/08/2007 to 20/08/2007, I did not run nor exercise at all. My mind is getting panic for the AHM 21km run on the 26/08/2007.
I was contemplating whether to sign up for the AHM due to my lack of exercise and run this year. However, this year will be the third consecutive year if I run this race. Hence, aunty being aunty, followed the old saying, good things come in three. So even though I know I won't be ready for it because of the lack of training, I went ahead to sign up.
To make things worst, I did not have a good rest a day before the race. Spent most part of the Saturday's helping out in 2 events. No chance to eat the right food to load up either. Only went home at around 11pm. Physically quite drained. The thought of having to wake up at 3.30AM is the BIGGEST torture! No wonder Mr No called me
Totally Lazy & Fat.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Time To Wake Up My FAT & LAZY BODY!
It has been a long time since I last blog about running. Why? Because it has been a long time since I participate in any running event.This year I did not run as often as last 2 years. One of my lowest mileage run since I started running. My mum commented that my ‘passion’ for running has gone with the wind. Perhaps I did not have the passion in the first place.
This year instead of focusing on building my physical body endurance, my focus is on building the endurance for my soul. Nevertheless, I do not want to waste the effort I have put in so far especially in loosing my extra weight from 63kg in 2002 to 50kg in 2006. Unfortunately, my current weight now have shot up to 56kg liao. :-( Really very sad but I have myself to blame.
The lesson learnt is it is easy to put on but damn difficult to loose especially for me because of my genes and age. Sigh. Well, I guess I have to put some attention to my physical body besides nourishing my soul. It is time to wake up my
FAT AND LAZY BODY!!! H E L P ! ! ! ! ! !
Time to start the engine to learn to exercise and run again.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do
I can't remember when was the last time I went for karaoke. Probably 5-10years ago ba.Used to go karaoke with my ex-colleagues and my secondary friends but not anymore. Nevertheless, I still enjoy watching and listening to singing competition programs, XX superstars, XX idols, etc.
Today, after so many years, I sing again and don't have to pay a single cent. That is a really a plus point for me. :-p
The singing session was at the my girlfriend's company recreational room for their staff. The recreational room consists of a mini karaoke lounge, a small room with 3 Xbox playstations, a table-tennis table and a mini gym. Not too bad at all especially with a fantastic view of Marina Bay.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Arrrgghhhhhhhhhh SICK!!!
Fell sick on Friday’s afternoon. Had a bad tummy upset and the whole body was aching badly. I suspect was the Nasi Lemak I had for dinner and the chill I got from the run or the body pump which I have not done for ages.
A ‘heartless’ person said that I am so weak. Fell sick after a run. Arrrgghhhh. I wanted to go for the LSD at East Coast on Saturday’s morning but have to decline the kind offer. This time my mind was willing but my body was weak. Arrrgggghhh. When will it be both mind and body willing leh???
A ‘heartless’ person said that I am so weak. Fell sick after a run. Arrrgghhhh. I wanted to go for the LSD at East Coast on Saturday’s morning but have to decline the kind offer. This time my mind was willing but my body was weak. Arrrgggghhh. When will it be both mind and body willing leh???
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Monday, January 01, 2007
My New Year's Resolutions
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! 2006 has passed and a brand new year just arrived. It is time to CELEBRATE.
I have made a number of new year resolutions in the past but failed to keep them. This year I feel I should take the opportunity of blogging to set out a few goals and see whether I can achieve in the coming year. When I look at this blog in 2008, I will know the answer.
I have not really think of what I want to do in 2007. Perhaps the easy ones will be to list out those I failed to achieve in the past years. And here they are.... BODY.MIND.SOUL
BODY
1. Reduce my high body FAT % and strengthen my core & back
2. Wake up early and exercise more
3. Learn to trap water and swim free style
4. A sub 1 for 10km
5. Attempt my FIRST vertical marathon
MIND
1. Be more productive, practice good time management skills
2. Be organised and keep it that way
3. Watch less TV and read more
4. Conquer my phobia of water and swim in adult pool
5. Blog more regularly
SOUL
1. Spend more time doing what is right than what is good
2. Spend more time with those who treasure me
3. To be able to forgive those who have hurt me
And so those are it, my New Year's Resolutions for 2007. May this upcoming year be a great one, full of happiness, healing, and progress. Peace to all.
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