A term I learnt from my big boss recently. I think this is again one of those army terms ? Probably the guys will know better.
Anyway MBWA meant Management By Walking Around. My interpretation of his explanation was : to manage by walking around, "feeling the ground" so as to see, know, understand what's going on.
It was sort of like a wake up call to me. Though he wasn't referring to me when he talked about MBWA, but I thought it was very relevant to me. To manage a project, I have to be in touch with what's going on. I can't constantly hide in my cubicle and work through emails (which is what I'm most comfortable with ... which makes me think I previously should have continued being a programmer! haha!). I have to MBWA, I have to get out and see the people, talk to them and gather the latest news and info.
I tried that out yesterday with a small selected group of users who are friendly and kind. My first baby step.
A good lesson to end the year. *thumbs up*
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
Happy New Year
Since I'm likely not being able to do any posting on NY Eve, so like to wish everyone including myself a Happy New Year!
D Day
Lots of frustration when you have no say over timelines etc.
Anyway D day is 31 Dec.
Whether I can survive or be condemned would happen on Monday.
But seriously I'm calm about it. I just fighting fires and doing whatever I can.
My every waking hour is spent in the office. I go home just to eat and sleep.
Work long hours, no rewards nevermind. I still have to pay my own cab fare every night. Can't claim (i think). So it effectively means work harder, get paid lesser. Quite frustrated actually.
Anyway, this explains why I am in no mood to do anything nor talk to anyone. No mood to reply to any emails let alone check on those facebook notifications / requests etc. I couldn't care less what is going on around me. I lose energy to exercise. I just eating and pigging and not exercising much and just growing more obese. What's new yeah ???
I need a break fast. But Phase 2 is hot on the heels after D Day. Let's see what happens on Mon first. Maybe I would have to clear up my cubicle by 1 Jan. hhahahahha ... frankly, I wouldn't mind that at all. :P
Anyway D day is 31 Dec.
Whether I can survive or be condemned would happen on Monday.
But seriously I'm calm about it. I just fighting fires and doing whatever I can.
My every waking hour is spent in the office. I go home just to eat and sleep.
Work long hours, no rewards nevermind. I still have to pay my own cab fare every night. Can't claim (i think). So it effectively means work harder, get paid lesser. Quite frustrated actually.
Anyway, this explains why I am in no mood to do anything nor talk to anyone. No mood to reply to any emails let alone check on those facebook notifications / requests etc. I couldn't care less what is going on around me. I lose energy to exercise. I just eating and pigging and not exercising much and just growing more obese. What's new yeah ???
I need a break fast. But Phase 2 is hot on the heels after D Day. Let's see what happens on Mon first. Maybe I would have to clear up my cubicle by 1 Jan. hhahahahha ... frankly, I wouldn't mind that at all. :P
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Counting Run
Got home near 2am this morning and had difficulty sleeping (don't you have that problem once you passed the bedtime ?). Was hoping to catch up on my sleep before I go to the office at noon but alas, bio-clock roused me at 0640hrs! Arghhhhh! Couldn't sleep so after much contemplation, finally dragged myself out for a run.
I've wanted to do an LSD around the west (to BG, to MR or to Labrador Park) but with my lack of training all these ideas have to be shelved until (if ever!) I get my motivation for running back. So for now, I can only stick to the short runs along the canal near my place.
I had no watch, no ipod, nothing to entertain me for the run today (as I left everything in office). I didn't plan for a run considering I was at work til late. Life is always such a contradiction or irony. Week after week I would bring my sports barang home thinking I would do something over the weekend, but week after week I just lazed at home. The one week I didn't bring my stuff back, I actually got my act together to go for a run! -_-" Anyway, I digress :P
The morning air helped to clear my body of the toxins (or so I felt or like to think :P) and I just took a leisure jog to and fro, and covered 4km. Went for another round and I had to start counting my steps in between lamp posts to keep me going (hey, this method works!). On my return trip back, I changed to counting the number of trees lined by the side of the path.
I dunno how long it takes to cover this 8km but it doesn't matter. It felt good to be out and taking in the morning fresh air and getting some sunlight. What a good way to start the day (before the pigout MUAHAHAHAHA)
Hopefully I can get my act together and do an LSD soon.
Lost my heart rate monitor transistor about a month or two back at the gym. So now dun even have a HRM. Should I go get a replacement ? But seriously I don't really need one. So now my polar watch is doubling up as an expensive watch.
I've wanted to do an LSD around the west (to BG, to MR or to Labrador Park) but with my lack of training all these ideas have to be shelved until (if ever!) I get my motivation for running back. So for now, I can only stick to the short runs along the canal near my place.
I had no watch, no ipod, nothing to entertain me for the run today (as I left everything in office). I didn't plan for a run considering I was at work til late. Life is always such a contradiction or irony. Week after week I would bring my sports barang home thinking I would do something over the weekend, but week after week I just lazed at home. The one week I didn't bring my stuff back, I actually got my act together to go for a run! -_-" Anyway, I digress :P
The morning air helped to clear my body of the toxins (or so I felt or like to think :P) and I just took a leisure jog to and fro, and covered 4km. Went for another round and I had to start counting my steps in between lamp posts to keep me going (hey, this method works!). On my return trip back, I changed to counting the number of trees lined by the side of the path.
I dunno how long it takes to cover this 8km but it doesn't matter. It felt good to be out and taking in the morning fresh air and getting some sunlight. What a good way to start the day (before the pigout MUAHAHAHAHA)
Hopefully I can get my act together and do an LSD soon.
Lost my heart rate monitor transistor about a month or two back at the gym. So now dun even have a HRM. Should I go get a replacement ? But seriously I don't really need one. So now my polar watch is doubling up as an expensive watch.
Where am I headed ?
Wed - knocked off at 0045hrs
Fri - left at 0140hrs
all this thanks to some ridiculous deadline.
But I'm not the worst of the lot since the vendors are the worst hit.
Just feeling so tired ... and again wondering where I'm heading in this ...
And now I'm back in office on a Sat afternoon, wasn't feeling well this morning but no choice, got to come ... Right now I'm still waiting for my vendors to get the stuff fixed ... i'm just sitting here wasting my time. Oh actually I have loads to do, but I'm in no mood to work.
:P
I don't feel the holidays season at all ... though I have this fruit cake, gingerbread man etc from Marriott Hotel right in front of me.
Yawn ... here I am in office, while someone is enjoying in Genting lor ..... :P
Fri - left at 0140hrs
all this thanks to some ridiculous deadline.
But I'm not the worst of the lot since the vendors are the worst hit.
Just feeling so tired ... and again wondering where I'm heading in this ...
And now I'm back in office on a Sat afternoon, wasn't feeling well this morning but no choice, got to come ... Right now I'm still waiting for my vendors to get the stuff fixed ... i'm just sitting here wasting my time. Oh actually I have loads to do, but I'm in no mood to work.
:P
I don't feel the holidays season at all ... though I have this fruit cake, gingerbread man etc from Marriott Hotel right in front of me.
Yawn ... here I am in office, while someone is enjoying in Genting lor ..... :P
Monday, December 17, 2007
My New Beau
Two years ... that's how long we have been companions. We have never been apart for longer than a few hours. He is always there for me, reminding me about my tasks, my schedules and friends' birthdays and important dates.
He is always there to act as my "listening ear" when I just need to pen something down. He's the one who help to capture happy memories so that I can post them here ... I've scratched & bruised his face so many times that I have to give him a makeover several times over the past 2 years.
Sadly, he has aged and getting crankier. He has failed to wake me up for important functions (almost missed my flight if not for my bio-clock kicking in!) in the past and ignored phone calls and sms-es. The last straw came when I couldn't wake him up from his slumber ... I knew its time to say goodbye ....
__________________________
After many "frustrating" discussions with good friend about which new phone to get ... I finally got myself the HTC Touch Enhanced on Saturday. Actually HTC Touch wasn't my choice. My ideal would be HTC TyTN II. But since the latter costs a lot more (and I mean A LOT!), I guess I have to stick to the former. The former is sleeker, inferior in processor speed as compared to the TyTN II but guess I will have to live with it :P
And best of all, I paid only $21 for it! The price w contract was $398. With a trade-in of $200 (I almost couldn't trade in the old one because it wasn't able to power up properly and the customer officer said I couldn't trade in. I told her it is working fine and I don't see why I can't trade in for such a small defect and after consulting with someone else, she relented. WHEW!!! Both my friend & I heaved a BIG sigh of relief!). I also used my Citibank-M1 bonus points of $107 to offset the phone. Hence I only paid $21!!!
Am very proud of myself for being thrifty and not splurging on a new phone.
Though the processor is still slow, I am not worse off in terms of functionality. So I'm not complaining.
Let's play with the new beauty for a while more and see the verdict ...
:)
He is always there to act as my "listening ear" when I just need to pen something down. He's the one who help to capture happy memories so that I can post them here ... I've scratched & bruised his face so many times that I have to give him a makeover several times over the past 2 years.
Sadly, he has aged and getting crankier. He has failed to wake me up for important functions (almost missed my flight if not for my bio-clock kicking in!) in the past and ignored phone calls and sms-es. The last straw came when I couldn't wake him up from his slumber ... I knew its time to say goodbye ....
__________________________
After many "frustrating" discussions with good friend about which new phone to get ... I finally got myself the HTC Touch Enhanced on Saturday. Actually HTC Touch wasn't my choice. My ideal would be HTC TyTN II. But since the latter costs a lot more (and I mean A LOT!), I guess I have to stick to the former. The former is sleeker, inferior in processor speed as compared to the TyTN II but guess I will have to live with it :P
And best of all, I paid only $21 for it! The price w contract was $398. With a trade-in of $200 (I almost couldn't trade in the old one because it wasn't able to power up properly and the customer officer said I couldn't trade in. I told her it is working fine and I don't see why I can't trade in for such a small defect and after consulting with someone else, she relented. WHEW!!! Both my friend & I heaved a BIG sigh of relief!). I also used my Citibank-M1 bonus points of $107 to offset the phone. Hence I only paid $21!!!
Am very proud of myself for being thrifty and not splurging on a new phone.
Though the processor is still slow, I am not worse off in terms of functionality. So I'm not complaining.
Let's play with the new beauty for a while more and see the verdict ...
:)
Monday, December 10, 2007
Spa Botanica
Thanks to a kind friend, I had the chance to pamper myself and mom at Spa Botanica last Saturday.
As it was my first time there, I wasn't sure what to expect. Didn't know what facilities they have (except that they have a pool). When I made the booking two days ahead, the receptionists that I spoke to wasn't friendly. They weren't helpful in suggesting the kind of massages or therapies based on my needs and simply pointed me to the website -_-" so I was quite apprehensive about going actually. Was thinking that the staff there would be equally snobbish, so wasn't expecting much.
Thankfully we were pleasantly surprised as the staff that we met that day were all polite, helpful & friendly. They set us at ease and the environment & ambience definitely helped. We were asked to change into their robes and shortly after, mom was whisked away for her massage. I didn't wait that long before I was led to the second storey for my deep-tissue massage. Got to say it was painful and after a while I had to ask the masseur to go easy :P But it was a good massage nonetheless as I told her about my stiff right shoulder, which I somehow pulled something on Thur during my morning bodypump. It was sore and I was having problems with the whole range of shoulder movements. Though it was much better by Sat, but bet the massage would help to release some of the tightness that I've been experiencing. She said its the usual work hazard for many of us, hours in front of the PC. Definite cause for stiff shoulders.
The hour passed quickly and in no time I was done. Mom and I just relaxed and enjoyed the tea. The pool was actually very nice and inviting, too bad I didn't have my swim suit with me. Its a short pool but deep. The depth ranges from 1m to 2m ...
As the massages cost less than the value of the vouchers that I had, there was a balance of < $30. Previously over the phone the unfriendly recep did not offer any suggestions on what I could use the balance on, and simply said that I could only use the vouchers for treatments and nothing else, so I was resigned to the fact that I would be forfeiting the balance. So I was again pleasantly surprised during payment when the staff told me about my balance and asked whether I would like to shop at their shop and pick up something which could be used to offset the balance. So mom and I walked around the small shop but there weren't anything that we particularly wanted to buy. I don't like aromatherapy so the oils were definitely not something I would get. The rest of the products for the skin were way too expensive. We finally decided to just get their cleanser and while the staff was working on the cash register, I found this beaded hand pouch which I thought was nice and though pricey, it was only slightly above the balance that we had left. So decided to get the pouch instead. Was waiting for the staff to tell me the difference I had to pay (which was just a few bucks) but she just said it would be complimentary. Nice :) She was also a doll in helping to check on when the coach would arrive to bring us out to vivocity.
It was a very nice experience and mom truly enjoyed it. Its her first time in such a nice spa and she totally enjoyed herself. Am glad that I could bring her along and pamper her for once.
As it was my first time there, I wasn't sure what to expect. Didn't know what facilities they have (except that they have a pool). When I made the booking two days ahead, the receptionists that I spoke to wasn't friendly. They weren't helpful in suggesting the kind of massages or therapies based on my needs and simply pointed me to the website -_-" so I was quite apprehensive about going actually. Was thinking that the staff there would be equally snobbish, so wasn't expecting much.
Thankfully we were pleasantly surprised as the staff that we met that day were all polite, helpful & friendly. They set us at ease and the environment & ambience definitely helped. We were asked to change into their robes and shortly after, mom was whisked away for her massage. I didn't wait that long before I was led to the second storey for my deep-tissue massage. Got to say it was painful and after a while I had to ask the masseur to go easy :P But it was a good massage nonetheless as I told her about my stiff right shoulder, which I somehow pulled something on Thur during my morning bodypump. It was sore and I was having problems with the whole range of shoulder movements. Though it was much better by Sat, but bet the massage would help to release some of the tightness that I've been experiencing. She said its the usual work hazard for many of us, hours in front of the PC. Definite cause for stiff shoulders.
The hour passed quickly and in no time I was done. Mom and I just relaxed and enjoyed the tea. The pool was actually very nice and inviting, too bad I didn't have my swim suit with me. Its a short pool but deep. The depth ranges from 1m to 2m ...
As the massages cost less than the value of the vouchers that I had, there was a balance of < $30. Previously over the phone the unfriendly recep did not offer any suggestions on what I could use the balance on, and simply said that I could only use the vouchers for treatments and nothing else, so I was resigned to the fact that I would be forfeiting the balance. So I was again pleasantly surprised during payment when the staff told me about my balance and asked whether I would like to shop at their shop and pick up something which could be used to offset the balance. So mom and I walked around the small shop but there weren't anything that we particularly wanted to buy. I don't like aromatherapy so the oils were definitely not something I would get. The rest of the products for the skin were way too expensive. We finally decided to just get their cleanser and while the staff was working on the cash register, I found this beaded hand pouch which I thought was nice and though pricey, it was only slightly above the balance that we had left. So decided to get the pouch instead. Was waiting for the staff to tell me the difference I had to pay (which was just a few bucks) but she just said it would be complimentary. Nice :) She was also a doll in helping to check on when the coach would arrive to bring us out to vivocity.
It was a very nice experience and mom truly enjoyed it. Its her first time in such a nice spa and she totally enjoyed herself. Am glad that I could bring her along and pamper her for once.
Ricciotti & Brewerkz
Went Ricciotti at Riverwalk after work on Fri nite. By the time we got there it was already close to 9pm. The place was almost packed but we managed to get a seat in the open. Not a good spot but well. Both of us were more keen on the desserts and were prepared to skip the mains and go straight to the sinful stuff. We flipped through the menu but couldn’t quite decide what to order and hence signal a waitress over. Asked about what she would recommend since its our first time there and she promptly suggested Soffiato (warm choc cake with choc chip ice cream). Ok, what else ? What mains would she recommend ? Everything drew a blank from then on. She was completely clueless and she honestly told me so. So I asked her to send someone who knows over to help us. The next waiter who came was no better. Soffiato was still the recommended and after that it was again a blank. By then I was getting bitchy and after a few more queries which he finally replied with “Everything here is nice”, I gave up and just ordered the Soffiato. Forget the mains we thought. For all we know it isn’t worth it.
Soffiato came. Nothing fanciful, just a small rounded cake like thingy with a scoop of ice cream by the side. The ice cream tasted toooo milky to my liking. The cake was well, just a warm chocolate cake. Nothing amazing if you ask me. What’s the big deal ? Why could something so unsignificant be their signature dish ?
We then decided to try something else and ordered a Cannoli (tube shaped chocolate pastry stuffed with ricotta cheese, citrus fruits & pistachio nuts). We didn’t enjoy that, cheese just isn’t something I enjoy. The service there sucks really ... we would have expected more from a Garibaldi chain.
The only saving grace was that all desserts went at half price after 9pm. So was glad this unsatisfactory experience didn't cost us.
Thereafter we went to Brewerkz. Somehow my friend likes to go there though to me its just another drinking hole. While waiting for a table, we headed to the open area behind the building to watch those radio controlled kites (Go Fly Kite) fixed with multi-colored blinking light bulbs in action. The group there in similar GFK polo shirts were playing with the RC kites while distributing phamplets to random spectators like us. Its kinda nice watching these kites flying about but how fun is it after a while ? Doesn't it get boring after a while ? :P
Pig out some more at Brewerkz ... glad I managed to relax and unwind after yet another long work week.
Soffiato came. Nothing fanciful, just a small rounded cake like thingy with a scoop of ice cream by the side. The ice cream tasted toooo milky to my liking. The cake was well, just a warm chocolate cake. Nothing amazing if you ask me. What’s the big deal ? Why could something so unsignificant be their signature dish ?
We then decided to try something else and ordered a Cannoli (tube shaped chocolate pastry stuffed with ricotta cheese, citrus fruits & pistachio nuts). We didn’t enjoy that, cheese just isn’t something I enjoy. The service there sucks really ... we would have expected more from a Garibaldi chain.
The only saving grace was that all desserts went at half price after 9pm. So was glad this unsatisfactory experience didn't cost us.
Thereafter we went to Brewerkz. Somehow my friend likes to go there though to me its just another drinking hole. While waiting for a table, we headed to the open area behind the building to watch those radio controlled kites (Go Fly Kite) fixed with multi-colored blinking light bulbs in action. The group there in similar GFK polo shirts were playing with the RC kites while distributing phamplets to random spectators like us. Its kinda nice watching these kites flying about but how fun is it after a while ? Doesn't it get boring after a while ? :P
Pig out some more at Brewerkz ... glad I managed to relax and unwind after yet another long work week.
Monday, December 03, 2007
Highest bridge in S'pore links Mt. Faber and Telok Blangah Hill
I'm so excited when I saw this news on TV!
Can't wait for this to be completed and then I can do a run there :)
Can't wait for this to be completed and then I can do a run there :)
Weekend
Just another random posting considering I haven't had the time to blog for a while ...
Fri nite worked late due to some issues at work. Thankfully issue was resolved in time for the launch, but it meant holding a few vendors back from their company function. Someone asked whether it is necessary to hold them back since they have been working so hard, but my point was we have come so far, this is something that can/should be solved. So why not ?
Awww well *shrug*
In the still of the office I heard loud thumps coming from outside the window ... I suspected it was the sound of fireworks but was too busy trying to clear whatever work I could that it took me a while before I finally got my buttt off to check out the sound. I was happy to see that indeed it was fireworks and since there weren't anyone around, I just sat by the window enjoying the beautiful fireworks for a good few minutes before it ended. What's the occasion last Fri ? Why were there fireworks ah ?
On my way home happen to see two friends whom I haven't seen for a long time. Must be carbo-loading for the marathon on Sun *hiak hiak*
Managed to sleep in on Saturday and felt more rested. As any other weekends for the past couple of months, I always had grand plans about hitting the gym or going for a run during the weekends. But those plans never materialised haha. This past weekend wasn't an exception :P Sis and niece decided to pop over and we were all excited about receiving them. Just the night before I dreamt about my niece since I haven't seen her in a while! She just came back from HK from a school trip and even got me some HK wife biscuits. Isn't she a doll?? :)
I decided to go check out the Arena warehouse sale and convinced my niece to accompany me to check it out. Managed to get 2 (ugly but) cheap swimsuits for $20 each (what a steal!) and a pair of goggles. So at least I wouldn't have to worry about disintegrated swimwear (which happens to me oh-so-frequently!) for a while. Hooray!
I haven't been to the Henderson, Bukit Merah area in like ages! So was happy to be just walking around the area and reminiscing. Was telling my niece how I used to hang out there when I was in Sec school :P The place is now rather deserted ... but for someone like me who enjoys tranquility, I kinda enjoyed just walking around the neighbourhood :P
I then brought her to the Bukit Merah library and we spent a while there browsing and picking up the books we want.
I started reading this book Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office: 101 Unconscious Mistakes Women Make That Sabotage Their Careers and thought it was very interesting. Finished it yesterday and shall go get the book so that I can keep it.
Fri nite worked late due to some issues at work. Thankfully issue was resolved in time for the launch, but it meant holding a few vendors back from their company function. Someone asked whether it is necessary to hold them back since they have been working so hard, but my point was we have come so far, this is something that can/should be solved. So why not ?
Awww well *shrug*
In the still of the office I heard loud thumps coming from outside the window ... I suspected it was the sound of fireworks but was too busy trying to clear whatever work I could that it took me a while before I finally got my buttt off to check out the sound. I was happy to see that indeed it was fireworks and since there weren't anyone around, I just sat by the window enjoying the beautiful fireworks for a good few minutes before it ended. What's the occasion last Fri ? Why were there fireworks ah ?
On my way home happen to see two friends whom I haven't seen for a long time. Must be carbo-loading for the marathon on Sun *hiak hiak*
Managed to sleep in on Saturday and felt more rested. As any other weekends for the past couple of months, I always had grand plans about hitting the gym or going for a run during the weekends. But those plans never materialised haha. This past weekend wasn't an exception :P Sis and niece decided to pop over and we were all excited about receiving them. Just the night before I dreamt about my niece since I haven't seen her in a while! She just came back from HK from a school trip and even got me some HK wife biscuits. Isn't she a doll?? :)
I decided to go check out the Arena warehouse sale and convinced my niece to accompany me to check it out. Managed to get 2 (ugly but) cheap swimsuits for $20 each (what a steal!) and a pair of goggles. So at least I wouldn't have to worry about disintegrated swimwear (which happens to me oh-so-frequently!) for a while. Hooray!
I haven't been to the Henderson, Bukit Merah area in like ages! So was happy to be just walking around the area and reminiscing. Was telling my niece how I used to hang out there when I was in Sec school :P The place is now rather deserted ... but for someone like me who enjoys tranquility, I kinda enjoyed just walking around the neighbourhood :P
I then brought her to the Bukit Merah library and we spent a while there browsing and picking up the books we want.
I started reading this book Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office: 101 Unconscious Mistakes Women Make That Sabotage Their Careers and thought it was very interesting. Finished it yesterday and shall go get the book so that I can keep it.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Great ...
Just Great.
Got to the office at 7am to pick up my gym stuff ... and realised I didn't have my pass with me. So I'm stuck outside the office, can't get anyone to open the door for me. AND I MISSED MY MRN ME TIME CUM THERAPY (aka exercise).
Yes, that sure puts me in a lousy mood. Ended up eating at Maxwell. Pig out some more lor.
Got to the office at 7am to pick up my gym stuff ... and realised I didn't have my pass with me. So I'm stuck outside the office, can't get anyone to open the door for me. AND I MISSED MY MRN ME TIME CUM THERAPY (aka exercise).
Yes, that sure puts me in a lousy mood. Ended up eating at Maxwell. Pig out some more lor.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
How do you know?
Been so very busy during the weekdays, and I have no access to a PC during weekends. That explains why I've not been blogging.
Work is sapping me ... and I'm just so drained. Everything is NOW, drop-dead deadlines ... all due to some re-org and everyone wants something new implemented yesterday.
Even projects that have been in a stalemate suddenly started running ... its really bad timing ....
Anyway, I feel like i'm just being pushed around. I'm not focused and when things go wrong, I get blamed. And I myself feel bad. I keep questioning myself, blaming myself. "Must be I never put in my best", "Why didn't I push harder?". I feel like I'm not putting in my best, but is it really true ? Or just that I can't possibly know everything ? Or I can't possibly do everything? Or are they all just lame excuses ? everyone around me seem to be doing much better than me. Or again is it just my own self-esteem ? Am I being too hard on myself ? Or am I being too lax and giving myself all these lame excuses??
Someone recently told me the reason why she quit. When she dread whatever she is doing, and she knows she wouldn't put in her best. That's how I feel all the time. But so what ? I still have to be practical. I need to work, and in the meantime buck up or find something I will put my best foot forward. But what's that ? Or am I simply just having a lousy work attitude ? So no matter what job I do, if my attitude is lousy, I wouldn't do it well anyway.
Ok, enough venting. I have to get back to work.
Work is sapping me ... and I'm just so drained. Everything is NOW, drop-dead deadlines ... all due to some re-org and everyone wants something new implemented yesterday.
Even projects that have been in a stalemate suddenly started running ... its really bad timing ....
Anyway, I feel like i'm just being pushed around. I'm not focused and when things go wrong, I get blamed. And I myself feel bad. I keep questioning myself, blaming myself. "Must be I never put in my best", "Why didn't I push harder?". I feel like I'm not putting in my best, but is it really true ? Or just that I can't possibly know everything ? Or I can't possibly do everything? Or are they all just lame excuses ? everyone around me seem to be doing much better than me. Or again is it just my own self-esteem ? Am I being too hard on myself ? Or am I being too lax and giving myself all these lame excuses??
Someone recently told me the reason why she quit. When she dread whatever she is doing, and she knows she wouldn't put in her best. That's how I feel all the time. But so what ? I still have to be practical. I need to work, and in the meantime buck up or find something I will put my best foot forward. But what's that ? Or am I simply just having a lousy work attitude ? So no matter what job I do, if my attitude is lousy, I wouldn't do it well anyway.
Ok, enough venting. I have to get back to work.
Friday, November 02, 2007
Disturbed ...
I've been very busy at work (yes, u saw that right... what a surprise eh ??) lately. So much so I didn't have time to blog, not that I have anything much to blog.
Life is very much the same except that I'm busy busy busy, and I'm not sure why, extremely tired. My workouts are suffering tremendously because I just dun have the energy to spin, nor pump nor swim nor anything! I felt so drained.
The reason why I'm blogging is coz I skipped gym this lunchtime, and after lunch, and still disturbed over what I heard this morning, decided to just pen this down.
Was in the gym in the morning and one of the instructors told me she used to be 10kg overweight! Look at her now! So svelte & fit! You would have never known! The thing is she said she used to run, and also spin morning, noon and night. *fainted 1000 times over* Well, being an instructor, she still exercises 3 times (or more) each day. I used to think I only know one crazy fellow who would exercise 3 times (or more maybe?) a day. But recently as I get to talk to people @ the gym, seems like there are many people who see no problem doing that. And these are people holding day jobs just like myself!
Question to myself is, will I do that ? Can I do that ? I mean, is it not bordering on madness that people exercise (at high intensity mind you, not some stroll in the park) so hard 3 times (or more) each day ? Is that why I'm fated to remain fat because I wouldn't have that kind of energy and discipline to do that ? I keep thinking over and over why people can do that while I can't. Why am I such a slacker? I get sick and bored of the same exercise. Even like now, I dread going to spin class as the same routines will play in my head and I would just groan at the monotony. So how do they do that ? "Its in the mind", the lady instructor said.
Just yesterday I was talking to another friend about my ill-discipline in controlling my food intake. Its in the mind too she said.
Yes, I am very sure I lack the discipline, and the self control. How do I psych myself ? I know not yet. But I have to somehow train myself ....
I need to emulate these people. To be disciplined enough in whatever they do (not just exercise I'm talking about). But to be focused, to train oneself to perservere and not give up so easily or get bored so easily .... this is one tough training ahead for me. Perhaps its all this not being able to stick to routines that is causing me so much grief in my daily life ... I have got to change ... I have to be like them ... able to do the same thing over and over and over again. Prolly just like what some would argue, "you don't get bored eating right?". So based on the same premise, I shouldn't get bored with other aspects of my life - including my gym routines, and my life.
Yes, I'm perturbed, disturbed. But more importantly, I know I have a problem and I need to change. Maybe I'm being too easy on myself, I always give myself excuses, to give myself a way out. Whereas for the disciplined ones, there's no other way. Just one way, one way to the goal. That's what I lack.
Time to NOT pamper yourself so much, KJ. Gotto toughen up!
Life is very much the same except that I'm busy busy busy, and I'm not sure why, extremely tired. My workouts are suffering tremendously because I just dun have the energy to spin, nor pump nor swim nor anything! I felt so drained.
The reason why I'm blogging is coz I skipped gym this lunchtime, and after lunch, and still disturbed over what I heard this morning, decided to just pen this down.
Was in the gym in the morning and one of the instructors told me she used to be 10kg overweight! Look at her now! So svelte & fit! You would have never known! The thing is she said she used to run, and also spin morning, noon and night. *fainted 1000 times over* Well, being an instructor, she still exercises 3 times (or more) each day. I used to think I only know one crazy fellow who would exercise 3 times (or more maybe?) a day. But recently as I get to talk to people @ the gym, seems like there are many people who see no problem doing that. And these are people holding day jobs just like myself!
Question to myself is, will I do that ? Can I do that ? I mean, is it not bordering on madness that people exercise (at high intensity mind you, not some stroll in the park) so hard 3 times (or more) each day ? Is that why I'm fated to remain fat because I wouldn't have that kind of energy and discipline to do that ? I keep thinking over and over why people can do that while I can't. Why am I such a slacker? I get sick and bored of the same exercise. Even like now, I dread going to spin class as the same routines will play in my head and I would just groan at the monotony. So how do they do that ? "Its in the mind", the lady instructor said.
Just yesterday I was talking to another friend about my ill-discipline in controlling my food intake. Its in the mind too she said.
Yes, I am very sure I lack the discipline, and the self control. How do I psych myself ? I know not yet. But I have to somehow train myself ....
I need to emulate these people. To be disciplined enough in whatever they do (not just exercise I'm talking about). But to be focused, to train oneself to perservere and not give up so easily or get bored so easily .... this is one tough training ahead for me. Perhaps its all this not being able to stick to routines that is causing me so much grief in my daily life ... I have got to change ... I have to be like them ... able to do the same thing over and over and over again. Prolly just like what some would argue, "you don't get bored eating right?". So based on the same premise, I shouldn't get bored with other aspects of my life - including my gym routines, and my life.
Yes, I'm perturbed, disturbed. But more importantly, I know I have a problem and I need to change. Maybe I'm being too easy on myself, I always give myself excuses, to give myself a way out. Whereas for the disciplined ones, there's no other way. Just one way, one way to the goal. That's what I lack.
Time to NOT pamper yourself so much, KJ. Gotto toughen up!
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Cycling Marathon - Mission Accomplished
Yes, we did it! :)
All five of us, Charmane, Roonz, Bala, Teelee & I joined other five cycling teams and started our 7-hour spin challenge at 1015hrs. In front of us were the 7-hour GroupX challenge where the instructors from Fitness First (FF being the organiser of this charity event) led the participants in exercises ranging from Body Attack, Body Pump, Step, Combat, Yoga and the like.
I thought that with minimum resistance, I wouldn't have problems spinning for extended periods of time. But I wasn't prepared for the pain sitting on the bike and I felt the pain and lethargy setting in very early on in the marathon. I had to constantly alternate between standing climbs and seated spin throughout the challenge.
The challenge for myself in this event is to cycle as much as I can. Though most of the funds have been raised, but a good friend has offered to donate for the duration of the time I spent cycling. Ok, so you might say that no one (apart from my team members) will know how long I actually ride, but no. I have my integrity, and I wouldn't lie just to get a few extra bucks. It is also a personal challenge to myself. I'm never an athelete, and the only riding I do is during the spin classes in FF. So this is like a challenge to myself in finding out how long I can last on the bike. My target : 5 hours with 30mins rest in between.
It was good fun just being with the team, chatting and laughing and entertaining ourselves while spinning away. The team beside us, made us of one of my fellow gym mates and his friends, were also spinning away furiously beside us. My gym mate, whom we never spoke in these many months we attended the same class, was actually very friendly and jovial and joked with us on and off.
Helps to keep the boredom at bay.
Got to thank our many friends who came by to support us while we sweat away. THANKS to Kops, JT, Tao, Taz, Aichai & family ! Appreciate you folks taking the time off your precious Sat to come see us and cheer us on! *bow*Also wanted to thank my dear team members for readily agreeing to take part in this challenge (you people rock!) and for allowing a rookie like me to spin as and when I asked so that I can raise more $$ for CCF!!
I managed to spin a total of 5 hours and stopped at 1700hrs. Though there is still 30mins more to go before the end of the challenge, I decided to call it quits as my left leg was starting to really hurt by then and I didn't want to risk an injury. However, I'm glad that I managed to meet my target. Yay!The challenge ended at 1730hrs and all six teams did it! Although there was no doubt that we could complete the challenge, it still felt good.
And we each received a certificate of participation ...
We were supposed to wash up at the gym and wait for the party to start 2 hours later. However, most of us were beat so we decided to just have a quick dinner at the food court nearby before heading home to rest.
A very very big THANK YOU to all our supporters, and to the many of our friends for donating. We couldn't have done it without the support from all!
Its interesting how this whole thing came about. Just recently I was thinking to myself that I have yet to do a project for charity this year. Something which I said I would do following the wonderful experiences I had from the Go The Extra Mile project for HWA last year. It was shortly after that thought that I got to know about this Cycling Marathon. Its interesting how things just fall into place in just a few msn chats and in no time a team was formed. I'm also surprised & happy that I managed to collect over $800 in donations this round.
I'm glad I managed to do something in 2007 for charity. Definitely a highlight in 2007 for me.
All photos courtesy of Kops. Thanks for taking pics for us (as none of us brought our cameras along)
:)
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Unexpected
I received a call last night from an acquaintance whom I met 7 years ago during an overseas trip. As fellow Singaporeans in a foreign land attending the same conference invited by the vendor, we got along well. However, we never keep in contact after returning to Singapore. So you can imagine my surprise when this said acquaintance called me last night. I think he could distinctly sense my suspicion and uncertainty about the purpose of the call and had to reassure me he wasn't calling to sell me something (like insurance? haha). Yah, perhaps not now, but he might be staging something for the future "attack" ??
We exchanged pleasantries and did some catching up about our lives and despite sounding friendly, I was still guarded (hey who wouldn't??). I can't shake the notion that there is something more to this. The whole thing just seem so ....... unreal ? Maybe I'm just being the 小人 and eyeing him with my own prejudices about human nature :P
Will people really be so kind to call and catch up ? After a 7 years break ? I know I wouldn't. Its just not me. But that doesn't mean others wouldn't. Anyway, through the conversation I just told myself to relax, but somehow I also didn't want to let my guard down, to risk hacking away the defensive wall that I have put up. I guess I'm overly paranoid ? But I just hate feeling stupid thereafter, when I thought someone is being kind only to realise later he/she has his/her own hidden agenda. Then I felt so foolish and naive. Ah well, anyway, just some musings about something unexpected that happened.
And recently I also wondered ... when people ask you "how's your week so far" (or something along that line), they basically just wanted to to tell you about their week ? And not really keen in yours ? That's how I felt when I bumped into someone (that I dread) in the pantry and all she could do was rattle on about her week and stuff. She just found someone to absorb her ramble, and that person sadly, was me. :P
K, random musings ...
We exchanged pleasantries and did some catching up about our lives and despite sounding friendly, I was still guarded (hey who wouldn't??). I can't shake the notion that there is something more to this. The whole thing just seem so ....... unreal ? Maybe I'm just being the 小人 and eyeing him with my own prejudices about human nature :P
Will people really be so kind to call and catch up ? After a 7 years break ? I know I wouldn't. Its just not me. But that doesn't mean others wouldn't. Anyway, through the conversation I just told myself to relax, but somehow I also didn't want to let my guard down, to risk hacking away the defensive wall that I have put up. I guess I'm overly paranoid ? But I just hate feeling stupid thereafter, when I thought someone is being kind only to realise later he/she has his/her own hidden agenda. Then I felt so foolish and naive. Ah well, anyway, just some musings about something unexpected that happened.
And recently I also wondered ... when people ask you "how's your week so far" (or something along that line), they basically just wanted to to tell you about their week ? And not really keen in yours ? That's how I felt when I bumped into someone (that I dread) in the pantry and all she could do was rattle on about her week and stuff. She just found someone to absorb her ramble, and that person sadly, was me. :P
K, random musings ...
Cycling Marathon Latest Update
Hooray! Just got the confirmation that we are in!
Fund raising begins now ...
Hope everyone will be supportive of our efforts to raise $$ for CCF :)
Fund raising begins now ...
Hope everyone will be supportive of our efforts to raise $$ for CCF :)
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Ready to Go!
Hooorah!!!! We have formed our team!! *victory sign*
Thanks to the indian chief for helping to find us our 5th rider ... and also coming up with our team name .... Team Jiak :P
We are ready to go ... now let's just hope that our team got selected coz they only looking for 4 teams for this event.
*prays*
Thanks to the double Rs (you know who u r :)) for so promptly pledging your support & funds. Really really appreciate your altruistic & kind gesture! *BOW*
Thanks to the indian chief for helping to find us our 5th rider ... and also coming up with our team name .... Team Jiak :P
We are ready to go ... now let's just hope that our team got selected coz they only looking for 4 teams for this event.
*prays*
Thanks to the double Rs (you know who u r :)) for so promptly pledging your support & funds. Really really appreciate your altruistic & kind gesture! *BOW*
Monday, October 15, 2007
Cycling Marathon
3 stationary bikes. 5 riders. 7 hours. $500 (min).
A few of us would be riding for charity this coming 27 Oct from 10am to 5:30pm.
We will be raising a minimum of $500 and we are still lacking one rider to join us in this meaningful event.
None of us know what is in store for the 7 hours, except that we will ride and all proceeds will go to the Children's Cancer Foundation. I'm lucky to have found 3 other like-minded friends to join me in this "marathon" of sorts, and I'm in awe of how readily they agreed to help out. No questions asked. Just "Ok!" or "On!". I like such decisive-ness! I myself am not so decisive. I have to learn from them!
Hope we will be able to raise the min $500 for the team. We are already prepared to fork out $100 each in the event we couldn't raise the sum.
But the most pressing need now is to find ourselves one more team member to join us in this charity event. If anyone is keen, pls come forward. Just drop me an email or meebo me (just chat on the meebo box on the right hand frame) :)
A few of us would be riding for charity this coming 27 Oct from 10am to 5:30pm.
We will be raising a minimum of $500 and we are still lacking one rider to join us in this meaningful event.
None of us know what is in store for the 7 hours, except that we will ride and all proceeds will go to the Children's Cancer Foundation. I'm lucky to have found 3 other like-minded friends to join me in this "marathon" of sorts, and I'm in awe of how readily they agreed to help out. No questions asked. Just "Ok!" or "On!". I like such decisive-ness! I myself am not so decisive. I have to learn from them!
Hope we will be able to raise the min $500 for the team. We are already prepared to fork out $100 each in the event we couldn't raise the sum.
But the most pressing need now is to find ourselves one more team member to join us in this charity event. If anyone is keen, pls come forward. Just drop me an email or meebo me (just chat on the meebo box on the right hand frame) :)
Weekend Down Memory Lane ...
A Friday dinner turned into an unexpected 2N stay at the ol' place.
Had a long overdue, anticipated, much desired home cooked dinner. Needless to say, it was healthy and YUMMILICIOUS! Vege & toufu soup with thick slabs of steamed cod. What else can KJ asks for ? The green bean soup dessert makes me a happier gal. :D
Woke up feeling happy because I've been thinking about having breakfast at Ghim Moh for the longest time and I finally got my wish after this long. Walked to the market with mom and found the food centre thronged with people. Many of the stalls were doing a roaring business and I had difficulty deciding what to buy. Not so much due to the vast variety of food but it was just tough to find a decent stall that doesn't have a long queue! There even was a shop selling chee cheong fun with this LCD screen playing some advert of their CCF! win lor ... CCF only leh -__-"
Finally settled for some homemade bao which are yummy (the chicken bao was oh-so-YUMMY with the chunks of juicy chicken - so unlike those disgusting ball of minced meat of unknown origin in those mass produced buns. The red bean bao - which was oh-so-tiny but oh-so-delish! the paste just ooozes out when you break it into two ... HEAVEN!) Only bought 1 each as I wanted to try other stuff from other stalls. Unfortunately, it was way too crowded for comfort so ended up just buying prawn noodles for mom and mjk for myself. The MJK no longer tastes as good as before. Its smaller in size *tsk tsk* and the loose peanuts filling just doesn't stick to the kueh and they just sort of made a big mess when you try to bite into it ... u taste more of the kueh then the peanuts, which have either been dropped back into the plastic bag, or onto the table. There was also way too much sugar in the peanuts mix making it taste more like sugar than peanuts and hence it lacks the crunchy peanuts taste. The kueh however is still as nice and soft. Next time can I just ask the uncle for MJK kosong ? :P We ended our breakfast with a bowl of ah balling. The green tea tang yuan was overpowering and taste too much of artificial flavouring. Mental note never to order that flavour again (auntie said is a new flavour). I still like the sesame and peanuts paste best. Shall stick to those in future.
While buying some groceries in the nearby supermart, we met my uncle & auntie. Wow, what a coincidence! They actually called my mom out for breakfast but she was already out with me, so they came over to our place after their shopping to chit chat.
The rest of the day passed by peacefully, just eating, sleeping, watching tv (its a long time since I watch ch 8 and u and cna!!! I have to say they really have boring shows!!! CNA saved the day with Japan Hour and I Do! Let's eat ... where I enjoyed some good tv time with mommy haha)
Next morning, a last minute decision brought us to Commonwealth. The place has changed a lot. It is now buzzing with activities what with the newly opend Sheng Shiong and a food court right beside it. But no, mom and I were not there to eat at the food court. We wanted to reminisce by having our brekkie in the old food centre. But alas, when we got there, realised that the food centre is really quiet. There were only a few stalls open and the yummy fried fritters stall wasn't open for business yet. We finally decided on having porridge only to have the owner exclaimed that they were all sold out -__-". No choice, we ended up at the newer food centre for some laksa, yam cake and chee cheong fun. The laksa was quite nice. Best of all it had the makansutra certificate and yet there wasn't a very long queue and the service was damn fast! Sometimes i wonder whether the stall owners deliberately slow down their pace so that the queue gets longer to form this fake impression that they are very popular hence making more people queue up for their food -_-"
Anyway, while we were about done, an older lady joined us at our table. Mom easily struck up a conversation with her (that's typical of my amicable, friendly mom) who happens to be teochew too and we happily chatted for the duration of her meal of porridge. She is a spritely old lady of 70 plus, full of wisdom and positivity. It was a good chat with her telling us many of the life's simple yet important lessons. Lessons which I think my mom really need to learn and remember. In a way, meeting this old lady was almost a God-sent. Almost like heaven planned this for us because just that morning, we were having a rather serious talk about some stuff and I could tell mom was troubled and worried. But after hearing from the old lady, she sort of relaxed and agreed that she had to learn to let go. Let's hope she remembers that!
While walking about the area, realised that the place, like us, have aged. We went to this traditional bakery which we used to frequent many years back and chatted with the owner a bit. The business has deterioriated ever since some of the blocks were vacated and the residents shifted to the newer flats. The newly opened Sheng Shiong and food court didn't help and kept most of the crowd away from them, which was older and further in from the main road. They used to get some business from the church goers in the weekends but with the newer establishments, that was gone too. Kinda sad to see this old neighbourhood slowly wasting away ..... just like how some older people feel .... well, the shop owner was hoping that few months later the crowd would return after the novelty of the new establishments wear off ...let's hope so :) I sure do not wish for the authorities to tear down these old neighbourhood. We need some of these to keep our heritage ... our memories ...
The picture above - newer blocks form a backdrop against the older structures ...
The old food centre - now losing its shine and popularity but still retaining its old charm ...
Dinner was at this other food court, again surrounded by all these aged two-storey buildings. This is more like a senior citizens neighbourhood ... I wonder how long these buildings will stand before they are demolished ...
Its a weekend full of eats ... and rest ... and also lots of thinking .... actually feeling very heavy hearted over some of the stuff I have to think about ... kinda stressed out. I'm worried but yes, I know worrying doesn't help the situation ... Deep breath KJ, deep breath ...
Had a long overdue, anticipated, much desired home cooked dinner. Needless to say, it was healthy and YUMMILICIOUS! Vege & toufu soup with thick slabs of steamed cod. What else can KJ asks for ? The green bean soup dessert makes me a happier gal. :D
Woke up feeling happy because I've been thinking about having breakfast at Ghim Moh for the longest time and I finally got my wish after this long. Walked to the market with mom and found the food centre thronged with people. Many of the stalls were doing a roaring business and I had difficulty deciding what to buy. Not so much due to the vast variety of food but it was just tough to find a decent stall that doesn't have a long queue! There even was a shop selling chee cheong fun with this LCD screen playing some advert of their CCF! win lor ... CCF only leh -__-"
Finally settled for some homemade bao which are yummy (the chicken bao was oh-so-YUMMY with the chunks of juicy chicken - so unlike those disgusting ball of minced meat of unknown origin in those mass produced buns. The red bean bao - which was oh-so-tiny but oh-so-delish! the paste just ooozes out when you break it into two ... HEAVEN!) Only bought 1 each as I wanted to try other stuff from other stalls. Unfortunately, it was way too crowded for comfort so ended up just buying prawn noodles for mom and mjk for myself. The MJK no longer tastes as good as before. Its smaller in size *tsk tsk* and the loose peanuts filling just doesn't stick to the kueh and they just sort of made a big mess when you try to bite into it ... u taste more of the kueh then the peanuts, which have either been dropped back into the plastic bag, or onto the table. There was also way too much sugar in the peanuts mix making it taste more like sugar than peanuts and hence it lacks the crunchy peanuts taste. The kueh however is still as nice and soft. Next time can I just ask the uncle for MJK kosong ? :P We ended our breakfast with a bowl of ah balling. The green tea tang yuan was overpowering and taste too much of artificial flavouring. Mental note never to order that flavour again (auntie said is a new flavour). I still like the sesame and peanuts paste best. Shall stick to those in future.
While buying some groceries in the nearby supermart, we met my uncle & auntie. Wow, what a coincidence! They actually called my mom out for breakfast but she was already out with me, so they came over to our place after their shopping to chit chat.
The rest of the day passed by peacefully, just eating, sleeping, watching tv (its a long time since I watch ch 8 and u and cna!!! I have to say they really have boring shows!!! CNA saved the day with Japan Hour and I Do! Let's eat ... where I enjoyed some good tv time with mommy haha)
Next morning, a last minute decision brought us to Commonwealth. The place has changed a lot. It is now buzzing with activities what with the newly opend Sheng Shiong and a food court right beside it. But no, mom and I were not there to eat at the food court. We wanted to reminisce by having our brekkie in the old food centre. But alas, when we got there, realised that the food centre is really quiet. There were only a few stalls open and the yummy fried fritters stall wasn't open for business yet. We finally decided on having porridge only to have the owner exclaimed that they were all sold out -__-". No choice, we ended up at the newer food centre for some laksa, yam cake and chee cheong fun. The laksa was quite nice. Best of all it had the makansutra certificate and yet there wasn't a very long queue and the service was damn fast! Sometimes i wonder whether the stall owners deliberately slow down their pace so that the queue gets longer to form this fake impression that they are very popular hence making more people queue up for their food -_-"
Anyway, while we were about done, an older lady joined us at our table. Mom easily struck up a conversation with her (that's typical of my amicable, friendly mom) who happens to be teochew too and we happily chatted for the duration of her meal of porridge. She is a spritely old lady of 70 plus, full of wisdom and positivity. It was a good chat with her telling us many of the life's simple yet important lessons. Lessons which I think my mom really need to learn and remember. In a way, meeting this old lady was almost a God-sent. Almost like heaven planned this for us because just that morning, we were having a rather serious talk about some stuff and I could tell mom was troubled and worried. But after hearing from the old lady, she sort of relaxed and agreed that she had to learn to let go. Let's hope she remembers that!
While walking about the area, realised that the place, like us, have aged. We went to this traditional bakery which we used to frequent many years back and chatted with the owner a bit. The business has deterioriated ever since some of the blocks were vacated and the residents shifted to the newer flats. The newly opened Sheng Shiong and food court didn't help and kept most of the crowd away from them, which was older and further in from the main road. They used to get some business from the church goers in the weekends but with the newer establishments, that was gone too. Kinda sad to see this old neighbourhood slowly wasting away ..... just like how some older people feel .... well, the shop owner was hoping that few months later the crowd would return after the novelty of the new establishments wear off ...let's hope so :) I sure do not wish for the authorities to tear down these old neighbourhood. We need some of these to keep our heritage ... our memories ...The picture above - newer blocks form a backdrop against the older structures ...
The old food centre - now losing its shine and popularity but still retaining its old charm ...
Dinner was at this other food court, again surrounded by all these aged two-storey buildings. This is more like a senior citizens neighbourhood ... I wonder how long these buildings will stand before they are demolished ...
Its a weekend full of eats ... and rest ... and also lots of thinking .... actually feeling very heavy hearted over some of the stuff I have to think about ... kinda stressed out. I'm worried but yes, I know worrying doesn't help the situation ... Deep breath KJ, deep breath ...
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Running = 5km
Yes, that's my weekly mileage now.
No motivation to run. Feel so sian just the thought of going out to run.
I struggled last weekend when I attempted a run. I had to huff and puff my way home ... legs were like lead. Total distance covered ? Less than 7km. Disgusting.
So I'm not running .... I've reverted to being a gym rat.
Too bad.
No motivation to run. Feel so sian just the thought of going out to run.
I struggled last weekend when I attempted a run. I had to huff and puff my way home ... legs were like lead. Total distance covered ? Less than 7km. Disgusting.
So I'm not running .... I've reverted to being a gym rat.
Too bad.
Multigrain Rice
Just got this multi-grain rice from Sheng Siong last night, and sis helped me to cook it today.
Turns out to be a treat! Its made up of five types of grains though I'm not sure what they are :P
Definitely a good substitute for the plain white rice or brown rice.
:)
Yumz!
What's the fuss ?
I wasn't in the least bit keen to join another social networking community online what with friendster and all. What's the deal really ?
Anyway, a friend sent an invite recently and the newspapers also dedicated a whole one page of the Sunday Lifestyle section on it. So I decided to just spend some time playing with it, so as not to be too out of touch with what's popular out there.
I feel silly sending drinks to friends, sending hot potatoes to get them out of my hands, playing scissors, paper, stone, biting friends and turning them into vampires (??), decorating their garden, scribbling on their superwall ... ok ok, u know the drift ... definitely better than I do since I'm a newbie in Facebook! :P ....
I am selective who I send the above to tho, coz I think some of them will just find me totally BO LIAO for doing that! So I only send to those who had sent me similar invites/requests ... in an attempt not to seem overly childish :P
But I have to say this Facebook gives me time away from work. It doesn't take more than a few seconds to enter into a food fight with someone, so it helps to offer that momentary distraction from the drone of everyday life. Other than that, I haven't find the real appeal yet. Maybe I'll get hook to it too, maybe sooner rather than later ?
I dunno.
But until then ... buy me another margarita and throw me another basket of that KFC ! :)
I wasn't in the least bit keen to join another social networking community online what with friendster and all. What's the deal really ?
Anyway, a friend sent an invite recently and the newspapers also dedicated a whole one page of the Sunday Lifestyle section on it. So I decided to just spend some time playing with it, so as not to be too out of touch with what's popular out there.
I feel silly sending drinks to friends, sending hot potatoes to get them out of my hands, playing scissors, paper, stone, biting friends and turning them into vampires (??), decorating their garden, scribbling on their superwall ... ok ok, u know the drift ... definitely better than I do since I'm a newbie in Facebook! :P ....
I am selective who I send the above to tho, coz I think some of them will just find me totally BO LIAO for doing that! So I only send to those who had sent me similar invites/requests ... in an attempt not to seem overly childish :P
But I have to say this Facebook gives me time away from work. It doesn't take more than a few seconds to enter into a food fight with someone, so it helps to offer that momentary distraction from the drone of everyday life. Other than that, I haven't find the real appeal yet. Maybe I'll get hook to it too, maybe sooner rather than later ?
I dunno.
But until then ... buy me another margarita and throw me another basket of that KFC ! :)
Random
No desire to blog lately. None.
Was doing some random housekeeping of the pics on my dopod and found some yummies that I thought I would just put it up as a random post for memories sake. (So long didn't blog and I encountered problems with the picture layout ... can't arrange them! argh)
4 Sep
New Harbour Cafe & Bar
Weekday drinks sesh with Al at this little place near my workplace. We wanted to go Tuckshop after reading about it somewhere ... but the place was crowded and noisy (filled with youngsters) and we would have to wait for a table. Wanting some place quiet for a peaceful meal, we walked about the area and found this interesting, quiet place (which the shop name escapes me at the moment) that sells beer and finger food. Beer was good (ok, I dunno much about beer so left the ordering to the alcoholic). I was in this fries-craze phase lately so ordered their chips. They came in this dim sum container. The chips were YUMMILICIOUS! There weren't many patrons, just a few of us so definitely a good place to chill and talk.
7 Sep
Had dinner at the Jerry's Bar & Grill. Been told that they serve great food, and their fiery wings (or whatever you call them) are to die for. So gamely ordered that plus a few other dishes including their burger. Not one who fancies burger, clearly that wasn't something I would have ordered. But I guessed I have been missing out on the burger coz I really adored it! Its not those fast-food chain burgers I'm used to. I'm now a burger convert, with the juicy sauce permeating the insides of the burger and making the burger soft to the bite and yet juicy when your teeth sinks into the insides of the burger, with the meat chunks. Its just heavenly.
Verdict for the wings - ok lah. Its spicy, but nothing to rave about. Friend wasn't impressed.
12 Sep
Prego!
A user at work invited me and another colleague to lunch at .... Prego. Yes! Prego! Suaku me has never been there and of course I was luffed at by colleagues who had dined there many times -_-" ah well, doesn't matter. My skin has thickened in the course of the years hehe
Not one who fancy italian food, pastas, spaghetti, liguini, rivoli blah blah ... they are just carbo to me.
The only thing I bothered to take a shot of was the dessert. Nicely put together.
Was doing some random housekeeping of the pics on my dopod and found some yummies that I thought I would just put it up as a random post for memories sake. (So long didn't blog and I encountered problems with the picture layout ... can't arrange them! argh)
4 Sep
New Harbour Cafe & Bar
Weekday drinks sesh with Al at this little place near my workplace. We wanted to go Tuckshop after reading about it somewhere ... but the place was crowded and noisy (filled with youngsters) and we would have to wait for a table. Wanting some place quiet for a peaceful meal, we walked about the area and found this interesting, quiet place (7 Sep
Had dinner at the Jerry's Bar & Grill. Been told that they serve great food, and their fiery wings (or whatever you call them) are to die for. So gamely ordered that plus a few other dishes including their burger. Not one who fancies burger, clearly that wasn't something I would have ordered. But I guessed I have been missing out on the burger coz I really adored it! Its not those fast-food chain burgers I'm used to. I'm now a burger convert, with the juicy sauce permeating the insides of the burger and making the burger soft to the bite and yet juicy when your teeth sinks into the insides of the burger, with the meat chunks. Its just heavenly.Verdict for the wings - ok lah. Its spicy, but nothing to rave about. Friend wasn't impressed.
12 Sep
Prego!
A user at work invited me and another colleague to lunch at .... Prego. Yes! Prego! Suaku me has never been there and of course I was luffed at by colleagues who had dined there many times -_-" ah well, doesn't matter. My skin has thickened in the course of the years heheNot one who fancy italian food, pastas, spaghetti, liguini, rivoli blah blah ... they are just carbo to me.
The only thing I bothered to take a shot of was the dessert. Nicely put together.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Slack
Nope, didn't run last weekend. Not even a short one. Yes. Slack. Super Slack. Basically just binge and grow FATTER. What's new right ?
Anyway, went for mrn spin. Normally go for the lunchtime spin but gym is undergoing some maintenance work since last week and the number of shower cubicles in the ladies were reduced to only 2 miserable ones. Can imagine the long queue during peak hours!!! In order not to suffer the frustration, decided to just spin in the mrn (crowd isn't so bad in the mrns).
There were only 2 of us when the class started!!! So the instructor got us to move our bikes so that we face the mirror, and we can see and correct our posture while we spin. Wah! First time seeing my own reflection as I spin. Really disgusted with the image looking back at me. Stocky tree trunk thighs ... bulky arms ... FAT FAT FAT ... URGHHHH!
Nonetheless, very nice spin. I always like a change to routine so this little change in spin class helps keep things fresh though the tracks are nothing new. With the instructor spinning beside me, I was better able to keep pace with him. Just need to focus on one of his legs and follow accordingly. Left right left right left right. Almost like marching. Good. I like.
Ok, time to slack again.
Let's hope i can force myself to go out for a short run tmr mrn. Target : 4km. Yes, I'll be good and not up my mileage after the siesta. :)
Anyway, went for mrn spin. Normally go for the lunchtime spin but gym is undergoing some maintenance work since last week and the number of shower cubicles in the ladies were reduced to only 2 miserable ones. Can imagine the long queue during peak hours!!! In order not to suffer the frustration, decided to just spin in the mrn (crowd isn't so bad in the mrns).
There were only 2 of us when the class started!!! So the instructor got us to move our bikes so that we face the mirror, and we can see and correct our posture while we spin. Wah! First time seeing my own reflection as I spin. Really disgusted with the image looking back at me. Stocky tree trunk thighs ... bulky arms ... FAT FAT FAT ... URGHHHH!
Nonetheless, very nice spin. I always like a change to routine so this little change in spin class helps keep things fresh though the tracks are nothing new. With the instructor spinning beside me, I was better able to keep pace with him. Just need to focus on one of his legs and follow accordingly. Left right left right left right. Almost like marching. Good. I like.
Ok, time to slack again.
Let's hope i can force myself to go out for a short run tmr mrn. Target : 4km. Yes, I'll be good and not up my mileage after the siesta. :)
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Test Run
After a break of a long 37 days from running (ever since the Wedding Run on National Day), with only 2 treadmill runs, I finally pulled myself together to force myself to go for a run on Sat mrn.
Didn't want to do a long one not knowing how my legs are feeling, so decided to just do the usual route to Upper Thomson and back. Started with a faster than usual pace, I bet the long rest did a lot of good to my legs. It didn't feel so heavy and sluggish, there was a little spring in the legs. Cool. But I got tired quickly possibly from the pace and also the long break. Decided to change course 20+mins into the run and ran to Lower Seletar Reservoir Park instead.
Was a simple run, didn't want to explore any new routes. Just wanted to be out and testing my legs.
Finished the run in 1hr 50mins. Total distance about 16km. Slow, but I'm not complaining.
Reminder to self : Stretch, stretch & more stretching
Didn't want to do a long one not knowing how my legs are feeling, so decided to just do the usual route to Upper Thomson and back. Started with a faster than usual pace, I bet the long rest did a lot of good to my legs. It didn't feel so heavy and sluggish, there was a little spring in the legs. Cool. But I got tired quickly possibly from the pace and also the long break. Decided to change course 20+mins into the run and ran to Lower Seletar Reservoir Park instead.
Was a simple run, didn't want to explore any new routes. Just wanted to be out and testing my legs.
Finished the run in 1hr 50mins. Total distance about 16km. Slow, but I'm not complaining.
Reminder to self : Stretch, stretch & more stretching
Monday, September 03, 2007
Drinking Problem
My new problem ... that comes in a package.
What it claims to do ...
Thanks to one kind soul who bought this for me ...
I appreciate the kind gesture. Really. :)
I'm so looking forward to drinking from it. Its something that I can use everyday at work, something that will help to lift my spirits, warm my heart & brings a smile to my face each time i bring my lips to the mug.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Just for Laugh
A hypothetical situation where 20 CEOs board an airplane and are told that the flight that they are about to take is the first-ever to feature pilotless technology: It is an uncrewed aircraft.
Each one of the CEOs is then told, privately, that their company's software is running the aircraft's automatic pilot system. Nineteen of the CEOs promptly leave the aircraft, each offering a different type of excuse.
One CEO alone remains on board the jet, seeming very calm indeed. Asked why he is so confident in this first uncrewed flight, he replies : "If it is the same software that runs my company's IT systems, this plane won't even take off." !!!!
That is called Confidence!!!
Each one of the CEOs is then told, privately, that their company's software is running the aircraft's automatic pilot system. Nineteen of the CEOs promptly leave the aircraft, each offering a different type of excuse.
One CEO alone remains on board the jet, seeming very calm indeed. Asked why he is so confident in this first uncrewed flight, he replies : "If it is the same software that runs my company's IT systems, this plane won't even take off." !!!!
That is called Confidence!!!
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Arghhhhhhh
The only times I managed to run for the past 2 weeks were when I chased after the bus!
Both times my leg hurt :(
This is really really frustrating ......
And to think that SBR is few days away and the physiotherapist that I'm seeing shook his head when I told him about my desire to run this sunday .... "You will suffer", he said.
Haizzz .... there goes my joy in running (yet again) ....
and its affecting my spin too coz I feel the pain, and my swim ... and my walk ....
Must I lay off completely ???
I think I ought to see a chinese sinseh about my ankle, feels like a mild sprain .... though therapist said I might have a mild case of achilles tendonitis ... -_-"
Aiyo .... I'm just a casual runner ... dun even train seriously .... y am i afflicted with all these injuries !?!?!? *bang head*
Both times my leg hurt :(
This is really really frustrating ......
And to think that SBR is few days away and the physiotherapist that I'm seeing shook his head when I told him about my desire to run this sunday .... "You will suffer", he said.
Haizzz .... there goes my joy in running (yet again) ....
and its affecting my spin too coz I feel the pain, and my swim ... and my walk ....
Must I lay off completely ???
I think I ought to see a chinese sinseh about my ankle, feels like a mild sprain .... though therapist said I might have a mild case of achilles tendonitis ... -_-"
Aiyo .... I'm just a casual runner ... dun even train seriously .... y am i afflicted with all these injuries !?!?!? *bang head*
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Slack Week
Super Duper Slack Week ....
I cut down on my exercise this week due to the pain on my leg ... Spin on Mon & Wed, swam on Mon. By Wed the pain was enough to make me feel totally wiped out during the spin ... I knew I had to rest ...
But I'm glad I had a pretty good sociable week ....
Tues
Met up with Al, my long-time friend, for dinner and to get something from him. Had dinner at New York New York, AMK Hub. Weekday and yet got to queue for dinner! -__-"
Food turned out to be quite lousy, with staff who doesn't know the difference between wedges and fries, and who gave me the bill when I didn't ask for it, only for me to realise it was a bill for another table, with the change in it! *shake head*
Only saving grace was their mud pie. That was the only thing that tasted nice. At least Al enjoyed it.
Wed
Spent a relaxing and wonderful afternoon with mom. Had lunch @ Victor's Kitchen, followed by retail therapy and lots of easy chit chat during the shopping spree ..
Also had dinner at one of the places that I've been wanting to go for ages - Curry Flavour.
We both loved the curry! I'm also quite surprised that mom enjoyed miso soup! Mom isn't a Jap food fan and I thought she would find miso soup a tad too odd for the taste buds. Boy, was I wrong! :P
Was a good afternoon off for me ...
Thur
Met up with a friend whom I have not met in years! Ever since she got married and moved to Paris. She is now back for good, and very much living like a tai-tai (just without the airs). Its very good to hear her voice after so long. She is someone whom is so full of zest, so easy going and happy, its almost contagious. We had dinner at Clarke Quay while catching up ... always nice to hear her stories ... and she just has so much to tell ... while I'm always the boring one just happy to sit back and listen to her stories ;P
Fri
Home cook dinner! Yumz!
Sun
I'm going to bring mom to see the movie 881 tomorrow. Yah, quite surprised that I would want to watch that show, but saw in the news many old folks seem to enjoy that show, so thought it would be a good chance to bring mom to catch that show. Anyway, its been decades since she last step into a theatre i think. Let's see whether that movie is any good ...
Leg still hurt though ... losing the momentum to exercise and haven't got my lazy butt off to try and run. But on the other hand I also do not wish to aggravate it any further ... not sure when I will resume my regimen ... but I better at least go for a swim or something before i lose all motivation. I even went to the doc's to get some muscle relaxant. Not sure it would help, but at least the mild pull/pain wouldn't bug me as much ...
I cut down on my exercise this week due to the pain on my leg ... Spin on Mon & Wed, swam on Mon. By Wed the pain was enough to make me feel totally wiped out during the spin ... I knew I had to rest ...
But I'm glad I had a pretty good sociable week ....
Tues
Met up with Al, my long-time friend, for dinner and to get something from him. Had dinner at New York New York, AMK Hub. Weekday and yet got to queue for dinner! -__-"
Food turned out to be quite lousy, with staff who doesn't know the difference between wedges and fries, and who gave me the bill when I didn't ask for it, only for me to realise it was a bill for another table, with the change in it! *shake head*
Only saving grace was their mud pie. That was the only thing that tasted nice. At least Al enjoyed it.
Wed
Spent a relaxing and wonderful afternoon with mom. Had lunch @ Victor's Kitchen, followed by retail therapy and lots of easy chit chat during the shopping spree ..
Also had dinner at one of the places that I've been wanting to go for ages - Curry Flavour.
We both loved the curry! I'm also quite surprised that mom enjoyed miso soup! Mom isn't a Jap food fan and I thought she would find miso soup a tad too odd for the taste buds. Boy, was I wrong! :P
Was a good afternoon off for me ...
Thur
Met up with a friend whom I have not met in years! Ever since she got married and moved to Paris. She is now back for good, and very much living like a tai-tai (just without the airs). Its very good to hear her voice after so long. She is someone whom is so full of zest, so easy going and happy, its almost contagious. We had dinner at Clarke Quay while catching up ... always nice to hear her stories ... and she just has so much to tell ... while I'm always the boring one just happy to sit back and listen to her stories ;P
Fri
Home cook dinner! Yumz!
Sun
I'm going to bring mom to see the movie 881 tomorrow. Yah, quite surprised that I would want to watch that show, but saw in the news many old folks seem to enjoy that show, so thought it would be a good chance to bring mom to catch that show. Anyway, its been decades since she last step into a theatre i think. Let's see whether that movie is any good ...
Leg still hurt though ... losing the momentum to exercise and haven't got my lazy butt off to try and run. But on the other hand I also do not wish to aggravate it any further ... not sure when I will resume my regimen ... but I better at least go for a swim or something before i lose all motivation. I even went to the doc's to get some muscle relaxant. Not sure it would help, but at least the mild pull/pain wouldn't bug me as much ...
Friday, August 17, 2007
Sian
Second day of inactivity. No gym, NOTHING.
And my calf still hurts ... ankle feels odd too ... WTF !
And my calf still hurts ... ankle feels odd too ... WTF !
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Monday, August 13, 2007
Uh-Oh
Think I'm injured again as I feel the same pain when I run now ...
Tried to run ytd and well, I struggled for 1km before I had to stop, rest and stretch ...
I admitted defeat 1 km later as I didn't see the need to push and aggravate it anymore than I should
Was seen by someone while walking home (was a long walk back), but I didn't know until that someone sms to ask me how was my run that morning ...
I will hence lay off once again ... for how long I'm not sure .... quite tempted to hang up my shoes once and for all ...
Time to kiao kah ...
Wun be blogging for a while ...
Tried to run ytd and well, I struggled for 1km before I had to stop, rest and stretch ...
I admitted defeat 1 km later as I didn't see the need to push and aggravate it anymore than I should
Was seen by someone while walking home (was a long walk back), but I didn't know until that someone sms to ask me how was my run that morning ...
I will hence lay off once again ... for how long I'm not sure .... quite tempted to hang up my shoes once and for all ...
Time to kiao kah ...
Wun be blogging for a while ...
Friday, August 10, 2007
Rest & Jiak
Feeling really tired by last evening. Slept before 9 and didn't even finish watching the NDP :P
Felt so tired and my left leg is not good. Very weak, with pain on my shins and ankle ... I feel the weakness compared to the right .... so decided to just skip my morning gym today. No, in fact, I shall lay off for today ... and possibly whole weekend ....
Rest I shall. I must be discipline to rest too haha
Last minute ended up having breakfast at Kovan. I have always seen a long queue at the Mee Jiang Kueh stall though I didn't recall it to be any good. Been wanting to try it again to see what is so great about the MJK so decided to head there for breakfast since I'm not going to the gym.
The MJK is really not fantastic. The kueh is soggy in the inside (that's not what it should feel like! yucks ...) and the sticky peanut is nothing to rave about. The peanut wasn't generously spread across the mjk and it doesn't oozes out from the kueh opening when you bite into it. Disappointing. The kaya version isn't any better too. Frankly, I don't see what's the fuss! The ones at Maxwell or Ghim Moh are much better! If I ever need a MJK fix near home, I'll just buy the one at the Pinle branch in Kovan.
Felt so tired and my left leg is not good. Very weak, with pain on my shins and ankle ... I feel the weakness compared to the right .... so decided to just skip my morning gym today. No, in fact, I shall lay off for today ... and possibly whole weekend ....
Rest I shall. I must be discipline to rest too haha
Last minute ended up having breakfast at Kovan. I have always seen a long queue at the Mee Jiang Kueh stall though I didn't recall it to be any good. Been wanting to try it again to see what is so great about the MJK so decided to head there for breakfast since I'm not going to the gym.
The MJK is really not fantastic. The kueh is soggy in the inside (that's not what it should feel like! yucks ...) and the sticky peanut is nothing to rave about. The peanut wasn't generously spread across the mjk and it doesn't oozes out from the kueh opening when you bite into it. Disappointing. The kaya version isn't any better too. Frankly, I don't see what's the fuss! The ones at Maxwell or Ghim Moh are much better! If I ever need a MJK fix near home, I'll just buy the one at the Pinle branch in Kovan.
TLR Wedding Run
Our penghulu of SGRunners, TLR, would be finally tying the knot with his beloved FD this coming Sunday. 
To commemorate such an important event for such an important man in our SGRunners kampung, Tiwazz (think is him since he started the post?) had organised a Wedding Run just for TLR.(Picture : The Lonely Runner - not for long :D)
Seeing that the distance posted on the forum was 8-10km, I decided to sign up for this run. More to be a part of this run to help celebrate such a joyous event with TLR, and also because I thought 8-10km would be manageable for me. And considering that it would be a fun run, I suppose the pace wouldn't kill me :P
It was a cosy turn-out of a handfull of us including Tiwazz, Charlotte, Dasher, Alvo, Meteor, Roentgen, JT, SV and Aichai. Haven't seen Aichai for months so its really good to see him again! The run didn't start til 7:30am while we waited for Tiwazzto set up the "accessories" for TLR and also for the sky to clear from the early morning downpour. Everyone was joking about skipping the run and heading straight for breakfast but of course, we couldn't possibly let ourselves down without a run could we? :P
TLR was really embarrassed and awkward about running with a "Just Married" tag on his bum and several balloons and tin cans strung together to form a train behind him while he ran ... but he still good spiritedly went along with us ... except that he would run along with the cans in hand each time we pass by a more populated area so as not to attract tooo much attention haha
Suggestions streamed in about where to run (so as to run past crowded places :P) with Dasher leading the way guiding TLR and us on the direction and Roentgen running around snapping away with his swanky new Canon Ixus 850IS. It was a short distance but somehow many of us were feeling very tired from the run. I for one, with my injured leg acting up again, was feeling quite unwell for the run but realised even JT, Charlotte & Aichai were feeling the strain too. Possibly the talking, the frequent start & stop made the run more tiring ... (Picture of TLR leading the pack past Holland Village)
We returned to the start point in about 1hr later, covering an avg of 8km, according to the many footpods among us and was joined by FD.
We yakked some more, took some group photos and left for breakfast at the nearby halal kopitiam. A detailed account, with photos can be found at Roentgen's blog.
My very first SGRunners run in almost 10 months! Wow! Time really flies. Its good to finally be able to join the group runs again and see familiar faces. Hope I would be able to join more of such runs .... for now, I've got to lay off again. Lately feeling a lot of strain on my left leg. Doesn't bode well and I have to rest if I still want to run SBR in 2 weeks time.
Sunday, August 05, 2007
LSD with Corrinne :P
Woke up without the phone alarm and realised that my phone had hung once again (argh!!!). Thankfully it was just past 6am (thank my lucky stars) and quickly changed and wanted to head out for my LSD. Stomach still felt darn full from the extreme pig out yesterday and feeling really guilty and disgusted with myself. While getting ready my bro-in-law appeared in front of me and asked to join me for my run! Scared the skin out of me -__-"
So we headed out and I showed him how to stretch properly before we started our run at Gerald Dr right at the petrol kiosk. The sky was just brightening and the air fresh. Its so good to be out taking a stroll .... BIL isn't fit (but still commendable that he wanted to start to work out!) and so I just followed his pace while we jogged with me yakking away to help keep his mind off stuff. Its interesting that I noticed so many unfamiliar structures that I never did previously. We walked at certain segments to let BIL catch his breath and just took things slow while we trotted and chit chat ... it was good to have someone to talk to :) I asked BIL to head back 30 mins into our run so that he doesn't overdo it ... based on the map we covered about 1.82km! Didn't seem that long! But it is really a good distance that a non-runner covered! That's a good start I would say :) We parted ways at the junction of YCK Rd and CTE where BIL turned back while I start my run.
Weather is still very cooling and nice and I think the 30 mins warm up helped to warm up my engine and I felt good to start my run. Today I didn't want to spend time cracking my head thinking where to run but I'm alright because my mind would be occupied listening to two new albums on my ipod ... so boredom wouldn't kick in for today's run (yipppeeee!) *super broad smile* With my ipod plugged in, I just headed straight, intending to hit Upper Thomson Road to Tagore Lane where my fav stretch of tree-lined road is and just carried on. Intent is to u-turn at the 1 hour mark so that I can cover by timing of 2hrs+.
Apart from a very tight left calf which I had to constantly stretch at each traffic stop break, the run was surprisingly smooth today and I didn't feel the lethargy even at the usual 30mins mark. I passed The Prata Place that ieatishootipost recently blogged about and Nee Soon camp. Aiya, once again my plan was thwarted when I reached the junction of Sembawang Road & Yishun Ave. Instead of u-turning, I turned right into Yishun Ave and ran towards Lower Seletar Reservoir Park. Reached the park and decided to run a little further towards Yishun Ave 2 when I saw across from the Yishun Sports Stadium was the Bottle Tree Park! Its really funny how things always turn out unexpected. BIL was just telling me about this place earlier while running just now and I thought I wouldn't check it out today, but would do that in my next LSD ... So was feeling very happy that somehow chance, and legs just brought me to this place and I got to explore a new place without expecting to!
The Bottle Tree Park looks very new, and the toilet was thankfully clean (prolly from under usage). They even locked some of the cubicles. Interesting that they even had shower facilities ! similar to those you see at ECP - those open air shower heads. The park had a basket ball court, a fishing pond (several ah peks already fishing by the pond... not sure what's the fun fishing in a small pond with the mrt train track right beside ... awww well ...*shrug* :P), two cafes (one right beside the pond so it would be a nice place to hang out for families ... already thinking of bringing my monsters there sometime hehe ... and the other cafe is tucked further up the stretch of road, but not sure whether it is open for business yet). They also had a small nursery but not sure what they are planting ...
The run from here on felt laborious. Legs started to feel like lead and I lost the momentum I had in the first one hour. I wondered whether the 30 mins warm up, even though at an extreme relaxed pace, contributed to my build-up lethargy now. Nonetheless I just trotted on, slowly but surely, and determined to return to the ending point, hoping to cover 10mins more than my usual run since I haven't up my mileage for ages.
I stopped at the same petrol kiosk right outside Gerald Dr for a much needed water break, walked for a good 4 minutes before i continued my run. Today I ended my run not at the kiosk, but did a small loop back to my place.
Total distance covered for today's route: 19.11km (excluding warm-up)
Total time taken : 2hr 20mins
I seriously think there is something wrong with the distance calculation at mapmyrun. Not possible that I have covered 19km in 2hrs 20mins when I was going at such a slow pace.
Last week I thought I had covered longer but ended up the distance shown was much shorter than I expected. And today, the opposite happened. I can only say something is wrong with mapmyrun :P
Also saw Gentle out for his morning bike with two of his kakis. So happy to see a familiar face during the run, really helped to spur me to carry on with my run! Good to see you around, Ironman Gentle! :)
My constant companion for my runs is my trusty ipod. And today, I have Corrinne keeping me company with her Beautiful Seed album ... and I'm so in love with Five Loaves & Two Fishes ...sadly, I have to say I'm not very impressed (almost a little disappointed) with her new album.
So we headed out and I showed him how to stretch properly before we started our run at Gerald Dr right at the petrol kiosk. The sky was just brightening and the air fresh. Its so good to be out taking a stroll .... BIL isn't fit (but still commendable that he wanted to start to work out!) and so I just followed his pace while we jogged with me yakking away to help keep his mind off stuff. Its interesting that I noticed so many unfamiliar structures that I never did previously. We walked at certain segments to let BIL catch his breath and just took things slow while we trotted and chit chat ... it was good to have someone to talk to :) I asked BIL to head back 30 mins into our run so that he doesn't overdo it ... based on the map we covered about 1.82km! Didn't seem that long! But it is really a good distance that a non-runner covered! That's a good start I would say :) We parted ways at the junction of YCK Rd and CTE where BIL turned back while I start my run.
Weather is still very cooling and nice and I think the 30 mins warm up helped to warm up my engine and I felt good to start my run. Today I didn't want to spend time cracking my head thinking where to run but I'm alright because my mind would be occupied listening to two new albums on my ipod ... so boredom wouldn't kick in for today's run (yipppeeee!) *super broad smile* With my ipod plugged in, I just headed straight, intending to hit Upper Thomson Road to Tagore Lane where my fav stretch of tree-lined road is and just carried on. Intent is to u-turn at the 1 hour mark so that I can cover by timing of 2hrs+.
Apart from a very tight left calf which I had to constantly stretch at each traffic stop break, the run was surprisingly smooth today and I didn't feel the lethargy even at the usual 30mins mark. I passed The Prata Place that ieatishootipost recently blogged about and Nee Soon camp. Aiya, once again my plan was thwarted when I reached the junction of Sembawang Road & Yishun Ave. Instead of u-turning, I turned right into Yishun Ave and ran towards Lower Seletar Reservoir Park. Reached the park and decided to run a little further towards Yishun Ave 2 when I saw across from the Yishun Sports Stadium was the Bottle Tree Park! Its really funny how things always turn out unexpected. BIL was just telling me about this place earlier while running just now and I thought I wouldn't check it out today, but would do that in my next LSD ... So was feeling very happy that somehow chance, and legs just brought me to this place and I got to explore a new place without expecting to!
The Bottle Tree Park looks very new, and the toilet was thankfully clean (prolly from under usage). They even locked some of the cubicles. Interesting that they even had shower facilities ! similar to those you see at ECP - those open air shower heads. The park had a basket ball court, a fishing pond (several ah peks already fishing by the pond... not sure what's the fun fishing in a small pond with the mrt train track right beside ... awww well ...*shrug* :P), two cafes (one right beside the pond so it would be a nice place to hang out for families ... already thinking of bringing my monsters there sometime hehe ... and the other cafe is tucked further up the stretch of road, but not sure whether it is open for business yet). They also had a small nursery but not sure what they are planting ...
The run from here on felt laborious. Legs started to feel like lead and I lost the momentum I had in the first one hour. I wondered whether the 30 mins warm up, even though at an extreme relaxed pace, contributed to my build-up lethargy now. Nonetheless I just trotted on, slowly but surely, and determined to return to the ending point, hoping to cover 10mins more than my usual run since I haven't up my mileage for ages.
I stopped at the same petrol kiosk right outside Gerald Dr for a much needed water break, walked for a good 4 minutes before i continued my run. Today I ended my run not at the kiosk, but did a small loop back to my place.
Total distance covered for today's route: 19.11km (excluding warm-up)Total time taken : 2hr 20mins
I seriously think there is something wrong with the distance calculation at mapmyrun. Not possible that I have covered 19km in 2hrs 20mins when I was going at such a slow pace.
Last week I thought I had covered longer but ended up the distance shown was much shorter than I expected. And today, the opposite happened. I can only say something is wrong with mapmyrun :P
Also saw Gentle out for his morning bike with two of his kakis. So happy to see a familiar face during the run, really helped to spur me to carry on with my run! Good to see you around, Ironman Gentle! :)
My constant companion for my runs is my trusty ipod. And today, I have Corrinne keeping me company with her Beautiful Seed album ... and I'm so in love with Five Loaves & Two Fishes ...sadly, I have to say I'm not very impressed (almost a little disappointed) with her new album.
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Pig Out!!!!
I'm glad I managed to get my sis and mom out today to have a ladies' pig out at their favourite buffet haunt - Sakura @ Clementi Woods.
After the late night from the Corrinne May concert, I decided to sleep in and skip my LSD (SLACKER!!!! :P). So quickly rounded up the two most important female figures in my life to catch up over lunch. So happy both agreed !
This is my first time at Sakura @ Clementi Woods. Have heard so much about this place from mom and sis but have never got a chance to visit til today. Was in awe when sis brought me around ... they have 2 floors worth of food (this is a real glutton's paradise!!!) and I was just excitedly snapping away until one of the staff gently told me no pictures allowed :P by then I had already captured most of what I wanted anyway haha ...
On the upper level they have the sashimi (tuna, salmon, cuttlefish etc.), sushi, grilled stuff (chicken, salmon, beef etc.), dessert, fruits, pizza, spagetti etc.
On the lower floor they had the cooked stuff like fried rice, different types of cooked fish like salmon, dory, unagi etc, vege, prawns, satay, stir fried mushrooms etc, deep fried prawns, nuggets, samosas, laksa, chicken, oysters, salad, baked scallop, ice cream, chinese dessert, dim sum drinks etc.
Ok, for an over $20 per head lunch buffet, you really cannot expect the food to be too good. But its good enough for us ... not all the dishes are good (the laksa is a definite can skip) but the food is fresh ... Think I get my $$ worth just eating the sashimi and all the fish dishes .... today I really overdose on fish! Think I must cut down on fish intake liao hahaha
It was a good meal, and even better being able to be out to catch up over a hearty meal with the family.
My plan to run in the late evening after returning from the buffet never materialised because I felt tooo stuffed and heavy from the meal that I couldn't run! Think would puke if I run! hahahah
Pig lor! And I still ate somemore for dinner ... really champion ...
After the late night from the Corrinne May concert, I decided to sleep in and skip my LSD (SLACKER!!!! :P). So quickly rounded up the two most important female figures in my life to catch up over lunch. So happy both agreed !
This is my first time at Sakura @ Clementi Woods. Have heard so much about this place from mom and sis but have never got a chance to visit til today. Was in awe when sis brought me around ... they have 2 floors worth of food (this is a real glutton's paradise!!!) and I was just excitedly snapping away until one of the staff gently told me no pictures allowed :P by then I had already captured most of what I wanted anyway haha ...
On the upper level they have the sashimi (tuna, salmon, cuttlefish etc.), sushi, grilled stuff (chicken, salmon, beef etc.), dessert, fruits, pizza, spagetti etc.
On the lower floor they had the cooked stuff like fried rice, different types of cooked fish like salmon, dory, unagi etc, vege, prawns, satay, stir fried mushrooms etc, deep fried prawns, nuggets, samosas, laksa, chicken, oysters, salad, baked scallop, ice cream, chinese dessert, dim sum drinks etc.Ok, for an over $20 per head lunch buffet, you really cannot expect the food to be too good. But its good enough for us ... not all the dishes are good (the laksa is a definite can skip) but the food is fresh ... Think I get my $$ worth just eating the sashimi and all the fish dishes .... today I really overdose on fish! Think I must cut down on fish intake liao hahaha
It was a good meal, and even better being able to be out to catch up over a hearty meal with the family.
My plan to run in the late evening after returning from the buffet never materialised because I felt tooo stuffed and heavy from the meal that I couldn't run! Think would puke if I run! hahahah
Pig lor! And I still ate somemore for dinner ... really champion ...
Beautiful Seed
I attended Corrinne May's concert on Fri night.
Its been such a long time since I was last at Clementi and didn't realise that the interchange has shifted to a new location some 200m from the original site, while the previous site is now under heavy construction.
Its so nice to be going back to NUS after so many years ... hasn't changed much, but then again, seems like so much has changed. Such a paradox. Got to NUS University Cultural Centre (UCC). My first time at the UCC. It just looks like a big auditorium to me, nothing much. We got ourselves Corrinne's latest CD titled Beautiful Seed (yay!) which come to think of it, was slated previously to be launched in May .. hmmm ... deadline slip haha ...
I enjoyed Corrinne's concert but somehow I wasn't as moved with her new songs as I was with her older two albums. She still has a wonderful voice although I feel that she wasn't able to carry some of her notes as high as she wanted at some point. Situation was possibly exacerbated by the overly loud music that drowned her voice at times -___-" Though I felt I enjoyed her xmas concert even more, this one didn't fall too short .... I was very happy when she sung some of her older tracks which included my fav Fly Away. I've heard it like hundreds of times (no, not exaggerating ... and this is still one track I listen to during my runs) but I still get moved when she sung it live. It was just so moving and somehow this song always reminds me of Colin Raye's Love Me.
There is less commentaries from her this time compared to her xmas concert but I do appreciate her giving some brief introductions to some of her songs to explain what the song is about. These 3 songs left deeper impressions in me ...
:)
Its been such a long time since I was last at Clementi and didn't realise that the interchange has shifted to a new location some 200m from the original site, while the previous site is now under heavy construction.
Its so nice to be going back to NUS after so many years ... hasn't changed much, but then again, seems like so much has changed. Such a paradox. Got to NUS University Cultural Centre (UCC). My first time at the UCC. It just looks like a big auditorium to me, nothing much. We got ourselves Corrinne's latest CD titled Beautiful Seed (yay!) which come to think of it, was slated previously to be launched in May .. hmmm ... deadline slip haha ...
I enjoyed Corrinne's concert but somehow I wasn't as moved with her new songs as I was with her older two albums. She still has a wonderful voice although I feel that she wasn't able to carry some of her notes as high as she wanted at some point. Situation was possibly exacerbated by the overly loud music that drowned her voice at times -___-" Though I felt I enjoyed her xmas concert even more, this one didn't fall too short .... I was very happy when she sung some of her older tracks which included my fav Fly Away. I've heard it like hundreds of times (no, not exaggerating ... and this is still one track I listen to during my runs) but I still get moved when she sung it live. It was just so moving and somehow this song always reminds me of Colin Raye's Love Me.
There is less commentaries from her this time compared to her xmas concert but I do appreciate her giving some brief introductions to some of her songs to explain what the song is about. These 3 songs left deeper impressions in me ...
- Shelter - about telling someone that you will be there for him/her
- On My Way - about finding your way ... that you will get there ... both literally and figuratively ... you go figure. How she explained about getting lost while driving and getting herself a GPS just sounded so much like me :P
- Five Loaves and Two Fishes - she first sang this song during her xmas concert and I just love it. Its inspired by a Christian story ... which a friend later kindly explained that in the story, a young boy offered whatever he had, five loaves and two fishes, to thousands of hungry people. This was passed around and everyone just took a little and miraculously it fed all of them. In short its about not thinking that what little you do will not matter coz it does.
:)
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Happy Birthday, Loti!
Here's wishing Loti a very very Happy Birthday!
May your each passing year be a better one compared to the previous!
May you enjoy peace, happiness and good health always! :)
May your each passing year be a better one compared to the previous!
May you enjoy peace, happiness and good health always! :)
Monday, July 30, 2007
Birthday Celebrations
Birthday celebration for Loti & I was at Margarita's @ Dempsey Hill. Wow wow!!! Just read yesterday's paper and realised that this is one HIP place to be !! That reservations must be made 2 weeks in advance and the owner had to turn away guests due to the lack of food in the kitchen! The last time I was there was many many years ago. Have tried both the one at Faber Drive & East Coast. Also read in the papers about not so good service at the Dempsey branch just few weeks back, so was surprised that they received a positive review so shortly after that earlier report.
Thanks to Roentgen who gave Loti, Angel & me a lift to Dempsey Hill. When we got there, Teelee, Taz & Renoh were already there viewing some pictures. So happy to see the bois !! :)
Margarita's@ Dempsey is HUGE!!! Loti told me that it once was an army barracks, hence explained the size. It has a really tall ceiling ... the place was simply decorated & the dim lights made the place cosy (but definitely not good for photo taking! :P)
We spent quite a bit of time yakking and didn't place our order until this stern looking waiter beside me asked me whether we are ready to order, and that to order before the kitchen couldn't handle the load -___-" Wah, first time I have heard such a demand! How "refreshing"! We hastily browsed the menu and tried to make out what to order amidst the tortillas, burritos & fajitas.
Poor Teelee was suddenly called back for mobilisation exercise! What a downer and had to leave without dinner. The dinner was alright. The food was served in the reverse order it was ordered! JT's & Tigger's dishes came shortly after it was ordered though they came late and placed their orders last haha ... Mine came unfashionably late though I was the first to place the order ... but I didn't really mind as I was just enjoying the company and oggling at the food in the others' plates :P Angel wasn't that impressed with her food, and me too. It wasn't that fantastic really. Perhaps mexican food just isn't out thing ... Angel said it is high class taco bell hahah ....
The gang got Loti & I a very very yummy cake from Angie The Choice. It was very soft and delicious and we all enjoyed the cake tremendously. As I had been raving to Loti about Margarita's tiramisu, Loti was keen to still try the tiramisu after the cake. So we ordered one tiramisu for the whole gang. However, the tiramisu turned out to be a HUGE disappointment! It wasn't how I had remembered it to be (apart from the look) and the tiramisu wasn't well put together. Loti scooped up a whole chunk of the ladies finger ... it was still dry and not soaked with the alcohol/kahlua mixture. Very very disappointing ...
Cool dude Teelee managed to rush back from his mobilisation and joined us back at the restaurant. We had left one big slice of cake for him and he steadily cleaned it off. THANKS for re-joining us at the dinner! Great to have you back to join in the fun! :)
Many many THANKS to Roentgen for taking time to organise this birthday dinner bash for Loti & I. Know that he is very very busy lately with work and all, and yet still managed to make a reservation at one of the popular restaurants in town right now, and getting everyone together ... really appreciate it lots!!! And THANKS to Angel, JT, Renoh, Loti, Teelee, Taz, Roentgen, Little Tigger for spending your precious Sunday evening to celebrate for Loti and I, not forgetting the beautiful card & gifts! *BOW* The card is now pinned on my whiteboard just to cheer me up on my daily work-day. THANKS people! :)
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