Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Its been quite some time since I updated this blog and frankly speaking though I would love to update my thoughts and pen it down from time to time... I find it hard to start when I finally get myself to stop procrastinating... I suppose I will take that as a good sign since words tend to ooze easily out of me when I'm not exactly in a happy, emotionally friendly mood.... Haha ya the wonders of love right? Anyway, a brief recap of what major events transpired in the 1st few weeks of the year of the Tiger 2010...

02.o1.1o 2nd Canoe AGM
Theme for this year was Cartoon Characters and I must admit it isnt an exactly easy theme to begin with..

A list of the characters that turned up:
1. Belle - Peiyu
2. Hulk - Kenny
3. GI Joe - Jason
4. Mr Bean - Jun Sheng
5. Kakashi - Alex
6. Patrick - Marcus
7. Smurfs - Henry, Melissa
8. Pebbles - Ginni, Serene
9. Clark Kent - Kang Hao

A rather touching handing over ceremony, what with JS's moving speech and the introduction of the new ex-co. Nizam finally presented his video masterpiece which he had been working secertly on for the past year and well it did turn out well! All in all, the entire duration took around half an hour or so... Good Job kiddo!!

08.01.10 - 10.01.10 Canoe Training Camp
Alrighty, so I attended the first Canoe Training Camp in my entire stint as a canoeist.. I have to admit that I'm really getting out of shape, not that I was in any form of a shape to start with ( and yes, I know round is a shape)... Though the statics werent too tough, I still was unable to endure the sheer intensity of it... Not to say rowing, I think my endurance has really plummented... And I think the run to Bukit Timah Hill (My first run up there) really did me in... I swear I never imagine one could run up that damn steep slope.... Still I'm pretty impressed by those that managed to make it up the hill(and thats most of them!!)

Looks like I got a long long long way to train for if I am to catch up with even the slowest and weakest of them... Sigh... How I reminsice for those times when my fitness was up there... Shucks... I miss those times when there were only the few of us who pushed each other to their limits (Though mine was of a lower standard ha)...

17.01.10 Singapore Canoe Marathon
Was actually hoping to take part in this year's SCM, but I think my endurance wasnt there and my timing just could not make it... The juniors were so much faster and I feel both upset yet glad at the same time... This year, the club managed to clinch more medals than the previous year... New rowers, Ginni and Crystal clinched medals in their first race which was a commendable achievement.. Keep up the good job guys! Peiyu also managed to clinch her first medal with her partner, Melissa... So happy for her but now... I'm the only alumni of the first batch w/o a medal in my belt.... Sigh... I wonder if I will be able to get a medal in my life.... Mental, Fitness... I'm way way behind others....

04.02.10 Ikoi Dinner with MASketters
Rushed down to Miramar Hotel with the MASketters (consisting of Hui Min, Claire and Kenny from the MAS prog) for the much anticipated Sashmi buffet. Their Sashmi was rather fresh but service was kinda slow I feel... Overall, a good dining experience and a great chance to get to know each other better but damage to wallet is around 40 bucks... Worth it? Guess so, haha but I think I still would rather go buffet with Peiyu, Sarah and gang... They sure eat hell lot more and I doubt I will be as embarrassed stuffing myself with food then... Well, we should plan another outing with the MASketters then... At least make it a monthly thing, so that there is something to look forward to after work!!

12.02.10 Early Celebration of Valentine's Day
Rushed down during lunch hunting for flowers and the hello kitty stuff toy that I had my eye on since I saw it the other time... and i must say buying the flowers was one hell of a time to buy... Considering the clash of V.day and CNY, the prices of buying flowers is simply atrocious... The price for 1 sunflower and 1 rose was actually $40... Well, I guess the price was worth it for the smile it brought to her face... Anyway, headed down to the Tavern (at River Valley Road) for dinner. The ambience was good... Ordered goose liver, oysters, pork chop and steak... And mine mine it was damn expensive HAHA the most expensive dinner I had in my life!!! $220 for 2 pax and to think that my steak cost almost half of the bill.... Haha but the food is good lah have to admit it... Anyway, received an Espirit bag from dear... Thanks!!!

14.02.10 - 16.02.10 CNY
CNY just didnt felt like it used to this year... Its way too quiet... I miss the times when there was so much laughter and noise in my grandma's house... The worst thing is no ang baos and no gambling... the only 2 things I look forward to when CNY comes.... Sigh... Yeah I probably sound like a gambling addict... haha maybe I am? Well as long as I know my limits it should be fine, I guess?


Well, I guess thats about all that I had in mind that I wanted to pen down before I get to bed... I only hope to win a position in the upcoming MR500 and the PA Paddle so that I might have a chance at that elusive medal... Pray Pretty Please, I wan that bloody medal!!!!

Posted by Clarence at 8:20 AM

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Time sure flies... In the blink of an eye, 2009 is coming to a close and only a single day is left to herald in the new year... I wonder what lies ahead in the coming year of the Tiger? I hope it will be as smooth as this year though..... Looking back, I must say that 2009 had been a very good year for me.. Good grades, an enjoyable job, a memorable and wonderful Grad trip and a blooming romance... Hopefully, the new year ahead would be as wonderful as this year if not better!!

Without further ado, allow me to pen down my 2010 resolutions for the year:

1. To hit the target weight of 65kg (Yes, this has always been my target but I'm always falling short)

2. To either be converted to a permanent staff or find a better job

3. To catch up more with friends who I have been out of touch with quite a while

4. To banish all negative thoughts

5. To pass my IPPT

6. To go Taiwan


Just wanted to clear a backlog of posts that I had wanted to post but was too lazy to do so before the new year comes...

16.12.09 ~ 20.12.09 Hong Kong Trip with Shan Jing

Shan Jing, Chuan Wee and Myself

At Lan Kwai Fong

Chuan Wee and his gal


Temperature of 10 degree a the top! Lovely temperature!

Finally fulfilled the fantasy of being an emperor, but the empress is another issue altogether!!

"Cloud" Part 1
"Cloud" Part 2
Ocean Park


With MM Lee at Mdm Tussad's...I'll be damned... I didnt noe he was so tall
Astro boy wannabe

Hazard a guess to the meaning of this brand...

*Hint* Say it in Cantonese

Night View of HK
24.12.09 Xmas with deary


At Sentosa


Loving my Xmas Present!! A Braun Buffel Wallet!!
Met deary in the evening at her house to get her car. Headed down to Hotel Rendezvos for Nasi Padang. Its been quite some time since I have eaten there and I'm pleased to say that the standard is still there though sadly the price is still there as well.... After dinner, headed down to Mt Faber to see the night scenery.. But, the plan came with a glitch, I forgot to take into account the fact that Jewel Box there would be packed and so we decided to head to Sentosa in the end. Spent around 3 hours there enjoying each other's company before deary decided to give me my Xmas present. And to my surprise, it was a Braun Buffel wallet... I must say I was rather shocked that she bought that for me as it was so damn expensive... and compared to the present I gave her... She succeeded in making me feel like a cheap skate hahaha... but no matter... After that, headed down to Cathay to watch Avatar 3d and man it was fantastic! The CG was excellent! Definitely 4 out of 5 popcorns... Drove her home and waited it out till dawn break before heading back home...
Definitely looking forward to tml's celebration with the canoeists at Sentosa again!!

Posted by Clarence at 6:39 AM

Monday, December 14, 2009

28.12.09 Extreme Challenge

Team Name: 3 and a half guys
Team Members: Pei yu, Sarah, Kevin and Clarence

Met Kevin and Sarah early to hitch a ride from Sarah's Dad to the starting point at Pasir Ris. Was quite astounded by how fit all the teams were when we arrived and all thoughts of winning any of the 1st 3 positions instantly evaporated and we settled promptly on enjoying ourselves while making the best of the situation. Pei yu, Eric, Jason, Wan Ping, Hui San, Kamarul, Michelle and Iris arrived soon after....

It was quite a challenging course I must say, considering that I cant run for nuts... Well anyway the events were lined up as follows:

1. Around 8km run to the first check point on top of a steep hill

2. Collection of 2 tyres (bike tokens) and proceeded to cross several hurdles

3. Dragging of 2 tyres across a river whereby the moment u step in you sink almost knee deep into the river bed...

4. Cycling a dirt path(Whereby I flew off the bike and suffered several injuries) to the canoeing launching area

5. Canoe to another "island" check point whereby we had to rem 12 colour tags (which seriously i dun see any and i doubt many did)

6. When we reach the next check point, there was a 50m swim in the open sea while the rest of the team had to drag a string of 4 tyres across the sand for a distance(dependent on whether you got the colour codes). After that, leopard crawl for 3 cycles under team mates push up position.

7. Canoe back to land and supposed to cycle to next check point. But, Sarah's bike suffered from a punctured tyre and the officials were rather adamant on us not being able to change the bike and having to carry on with the bike for the whole race... Well, considering that we overtook quite a number of teams during the canoeing leg, it was rather disheartening to have to slowly walk the rest of the leg

8. Reached the next check point after a super duper long walk, and we were tasked to pull a lorry and to leopard crawl up a slope, move 3 logs and move a plank we were standing on to another destination.

9. Cycled( or in our case, walk) to the Bik return point which was rather far. Got lost along the way and ran into a helpful ODAC official who kindly volunteered his bike in exchange for our ruined bike.

10. After returning the bikes, headed down to MJ for rock wall climbing( which i think I'm falling in love with although its only my 2nd attempt up a wall).

11. After that, it was to the ending point... whereby my leg cramped up again... haz... the exact same replicia of the situation during the Nike run.... Oh well...

As expected, came in as almost the last team due to the ruin bike... but it was fun... Kinda like the whole exp other than the running part of course... Maybe will take part in next year's extreme challenge again... Well, will see about it...



29.12.09 Victor Victoria

Met Eric, Jason and Vincent at city hall before heading to the floating platform to collect our Stan Chart Marathon race pack.. Was rather disappointed by the goodies this year as there was only a singlet in the race pack and an energy bar... I was expecting at least a sports bag... Oh well... Rushed down to MS to meet deary for Cafe Cartel for dinner before heading to the Esplanade to catch the play Victor Victoria. This is my 2nd time watching a play, but the first sitting in the first few rows... The experience is really different and I would say a real eye opener!! I would definitely love to go for another play and maybe next time round a concert... Haven exactly been to a concert before but I would love to see how would it play out... Haha but really surprised that deary invited me to watch a play.. ( Ha i guess its because she doesnt want the FREE tickets to go to waste!!)...



04.12.09 Canoe Grad Party


A fabulous night of fun and yes, we grads are very thankful to you guys who made this happened and who invested so much time and effort to ensure that everyone had a good time.. Good job guys!! Simply loving it... Good food, good company and best of all good times!!







Once a family.. Always a family....
No matter where you go, one only need look back to find that firm unwavering base of support..
Thank you guys for all the support that you have given me knowingly or unknowingly...It's a pleasure to have known all of you!

06.12.09 Standard Chartered Marathon

Up till today, I guess I will never ever figure out what in the world possessed me to sign up for the full marathon distance of 42.195km... Reflecting back on it... I guess I was mad... A non-runner who absolutely has a fervent dislike of running... I guess maybe its due to the want to have bragging rights to say that I have finally run a full marathon or basically that I wanted to test my limits? Well, I guess I will never know... Stayed over at Jason's house the night before so that we could share a cab down with him, Alvin Ang and his friend down to the baggage point where we met up with Vincent, Eric, Jun Sheng and Pei yu. After checking in all the baggage, we headed to the starting point to begin our run... Since the beginning of the race, I was kinda in the know that I definitely would fall behind all of them, so I put in extra effort to catch up with them... But it didnt work out in the end... Lost them at the 3km mark and so had to run slowly...

Ran into Brad and Crystal who told me that Pei yu and gang were just up ahead, so I sped up.. But sadly, in the end didnt see them at all as they were too far ahead.. But that was really demoralising lah... Anyway, managed to complete the full marathon in 6hrs47mins which was like 4 mins behind Peiyu and Sarah's timing considering that I walked quite a distance and didnt train, I think it was quite an accomplishment for me...































If some asked what did I gain in the end, I probably would answer satisfaction and pride minus the pain of the abrasions... I wonder if I will take part in another full marathon again... Well, definitely not the sun down 84 km marathon, I think I definitely will peng san if I take part in that event.... oh well, we shall see again...

Posted by Clarence at 6:28 AM

Sunday, November 22, 2009

21.11.09 That eventful day

Had the long anticipated Mahjong session with Pei yu, Sarah and Kevin. A whole night of fun, shagness and laughter was accompanied by 2 rounds of Mahjong before we headed for breakfast at Mac. Ordered a hotcakes with sausage meal and got myself a medium Ice Milo, which left me feeling very je lat and sleepy. Boarded the train and Pei yu suggested taking the bus caused she was just so tired and sleepy and cuz there were no seats on the train. So, we alighted at AMK and took 853 to Kallang and I was surprised that we were only late for 5 mins. Partnered Kevin for the K2 for the first time and I must say I think we did fairly well, capsizing for quite a reasonable no. of times considering that this was Kevin's first time rowing a K2. Haha I guess more training sessions are required ba... Anyway, switched around K2 partners with Sarah, Py and Mel later to try out and I think Py and Sarah are the most stable ones I rowed with considering how not steady I am while rowing the K2... Maybe I'm more suited for K1 but as Sarah pointed out, the K1's face stiffer competition and requires more effort unlike the K2... but unless I manage to find a partner that is able to scyronchise with me, I doubt I will be able to row the K2 properly... Haha oh well...

Hurried to meet Wen yi at the Cathay for an early dinner at Ashtons. The food there was once again fantastic and due to the timing that we went, we came just in time to miss the dinner crowd so there wasnt much waiting time... Was quite surprised that Wen yi actually got for me a book that I really wanted to have and I couldnt find it in Singapore. Thanks so much galz... Really touched and happy that you took all the effort to get the book for me! Ran into Gerald Pwee , my SJI NCC(Land) buddy at the Cathay , and was surprised that he took up dentistry... Haha but den Wen yi said he has the dentist face so maybe its fated? Haha I wouldnt know... Well caught the movie 2012 at 1815 and I must say that it was a fantastic movie... what with all the CGI effects and sound effects... Absolutlely Awesome!! Went home after that due to strict insistence that I should go back home to rest.... And true enough after my bathe and a few minutes later, I was totally knocked out...

Something meaningful and wonderful happened today... Caught me totally by surprise by yea... I'm loving it!! Haha

22.11.09 That Fateful Day

Woke up late and had to rush down for training which was to be start at 13oo... Took a K1 and attempted to complete a big triangle... Capsized several times along the way due to both choppy waters and super duper strong winds... Damn it, I need more practise!! I hope I can master the K boat like I did the T boat though I'm still not very good with either boats.... Anyway, attempted to sprint with the K1 but I only managed a short distance before I capsized... While nearing the end of the session, I decided to switch to T1 to relieve some of the ache my back has been feeling and sprinting with Jason... It came to my attention that Pei yu and Mel were screaming rather desperately... It was kinda different from the usual screams when they capsized and so I quickly rowed over to take a look though Jason said that it's okie since they were near shore...

Only to encounter, Peiyu and Mel on the verge of breaking down into tears... Without further ado, since they said they didnt want to swim, I simply told them to grab on to my boat while I emptied their K2 and brought them further out into the water. Well, apparently the reason for them breaking down, can u believe it, was due to the mud being totally disgusting with plenty of gooey stuff at the sea bed... Well, I for one cant imagine someone breaking down because of that but it must have been a traumatic experience for the 2 ladies.. Well, I think I totally used up all my energy there and then, trying to back paddle the boat with 2 human resistors...

Soon it was time to beach up and to return the boats and equipment to its berthing place.. Whilst transporting the boats back on the trolley back to Paddler's Gateway... A sudden gust of wind blew and 1 NP k1 flew off the rack hitting Edwin on the head in process... All of us were apalled to see the K1 landing in the drain and hurried to inspect for any damages. Rudder was working fine but I think there were several hairline cracks.. But I do not know if it was oready there before the incident happened... Tested the boat and found that it was still sea worthy since there werent any leakages of water from the K1... Only to learn from the rest who came back from SCF that there has been damage to 1 of our K1's as well... Gosh, I was oready expecting Js and Lex to be hopping mad about this and true enough... Sigh, I dunno lah but I felt that it was an accident though i admit things could have been done to prevent such an occurence for example, 2 ppl carrying the K1 instead of 1. Felt really bad about the whole thing, since I was one of the alumni's there and one of the seniors as well... I felt I should have done something about it but I really wasnt expecting anything that "fantastic" to happen... Gosh... Now I'm feeling super guilty as charged... Well, if I can make it, I will head down to SIM to face the music straight on... Sighz...

Met Wenyi for dinner at Sembawng and brought her to the Chye lye Fish Head Curry Restaurant to taste the fantastic curry fish head that I loved... Though we didnt get to try the fried chicken, we still managed to enjoy our food ya? Haha after that, sent her to the MRT and went back home... I just hope things blow over soon and that things with NP can be settled amicably ... sighz....

Posted by Clarence at 6:39 AM

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Tml is the day that I have been looking forward to.. I believe all the canoeists are looking forward to the particular day where the verdicts of our training will show.. Both nervous and excited as always before a race.. I have 27 competitors in the race tml and I hope I do give a good run for their money and nt break down half way due to a lack of endurance... Argh... Its rather sad that the T2 ladies category wont have any medals due to a lack of participants which def dampens the spirit of our T2 ladies, Pei yu and Mel specifically... But no worries! Enjoy yrselves and challenge the rest, maybe u can put those guys in the T2 to shame? Haha there's always the SCM next year which we can still try for... But I think that race will probably be the last time I row a T-boat since there are so many other juniors and its their turn to shine... Well, we shall leave later for later, nopoint worrying about something that hasnt occur yet...

Well will update more when I have the time.. Haha now time to pack my bag, so that I can meet her on time later haha

Posted by Clarence at 1:34 AM

Monday, November 2, 2009

A surge of disappointment at a last minute announcement when all this while I was under the impression that everything was going well.. Well, I guess a lack of time and effort was probably invaluable contribution to the end result... Nothing to be done about it I guess, I just hate the feeling of being left high to dry and all the wasted effort.... I just wished I was informed earlier about the announcement and not last minute.. Sighz....

31.10.09 Halloween Night

Went down for training as usual. Tried the K1 today and I think I was doing pretty well till I discovered that there was an issue with the damn rudder which resulted in me having to edge to the right in order to go left and that was no joke in the making... I was left in a precarious position everytime I tried to edge in order to go left... Damn rudder... But all in all, I made it back in 1 piece... Thank God for small favours....

Headed down to meet Wen yi for dinner at Vivo Marsche after having lunch with Henry, Travis, Caleab and Braddy at Beach Rd.... Finally got to eat the marvellous Rostti that they serve there... Pity the selection of food there was rather limited but we still had our fair share of good food I suppose. Watched love happens before going to find Nizam, Wan Ping, Yi Fang and Marcus who were working as Halloween Mascots. I must say I was pretty impressed by the costumes they had on!

Simply loving the doll in her hands!! haha So damn cute lah haha
Picture with the Halloween Horrors!
Headed down to Zam's house for an overnight stay with Pei yu, Crystal, Wan Ping, Henry, Trravis, Edwin, Marcus and Kevin. Loads of fun, joy and laughter through the night! Truly a memorable Halloween Night!! We should have more of these outings.


Testing out Henry's cam Smooth Complexion function... It really works!!

TAO POK!!!

Posted by Clarence at 8:25 AM

Friday, October 30, 2009

So its been 11 days since I started work... Its been quite a difficult time for me I feel, what with entering the team when it is just into its peak season... To make things worse, there have been several quirks within the budget system that the team needed to iron out and there really wasnt much that I could contribute since I have practically zero knowledge of the system and the IT side of the system... Though Choon pin has been quite patient in explaining and teaching me stuff whenever he's not bogged down by calls for assistance and tackling of system issues, I still feel that I'm not quick enough to grasp all the necessary knowledge and equip myself to the best of my ability... Its like being thrown into uncharted territory where I am left floundering till I am better able to acclimatize to the environment... Now it appears that I have to pick up access skills as well, but I dunno if I am able to pick it up... Been trying to play with the application whenever I'm free but I still dun seem to be able to better understand the application and how it works since it invloves some programming I think... But well, I sure hope I am able to pick all the infos and skills that I may require soon....

Pei yu finally got an offer... and an excellent offer indeed... Apparently she was offered a position at Deutsche bank as a grad intern! Haha so happy, yet envious of her.... Haha I always wanted to work in a foreign bank but no luck haha... Pei yu haha when u become perm rem to pull me in ah!!! Thanks in advance!! So now everyone in Da Clique is gainfully employed with Zam being the last in line since he has to wait till Dec to enlist... Only been in touch with Pei yu, Wini and Zam... The rest, I have absolutly no idea what they are up to... There has been no wind of news of them at all!! Sighz... So much for wanting to stay in contact after graduation...

If given the choice, would you turn back time?

Posted by Clarence at 9:36 AM