Another BNI Morning

Attended another 4 hour course today, this is suppose to be the beginner's course but I'm only taking it now cause it was the only slot available, hence I took the more advance courses on Friday first.

The course is more of a little bit of everything, but it was still pretty long, not as in depth though it was a good stepping stone to getting started. =)

Was pretty tired 2 hours in and resorted to caffeine and sugar during break time to stay awake.

Full Day Courses and Meetings

I've been packed to the brim with meetings and courses this Friday, so much so that I only got into the office at 8pm to get some work done.

To top it off, I had to nurse a flu, so you can say it's been a pretty hectic day.

Back in Class

Back on course. It's going to be three days of lessons in Suntec.

Hope it doesn't get too dry.

Tyre Change

I can't recall the last time I did a solo tyre change...gosh! Am kinda glad I knew how after so long.

The whole ordeal took about 20-25 minutes, I wished I had a more efficient jack but it still worked fine.

Got to find time this week to get the tyre replaced.

Moral Of The Story

To the passing blog reader, whoever may stumble upon this post some day.

I believed that

• to trust is the biggest gift you could give
• there is good in people
• bad only happens to those who go looking for it
• people learn from mistakes they have personally experienced

These are the rules I chose to live by.

If these are the same rules you follow as well, here's news for you.

They don't work. Tested and proven.

Back Woes and Pro Tips.

I realised I had yet to blog about this.

A few days back on Sunday, I strained my back while buying food for Babe for dinner back home. It was quite bad, felt like that time when I slipped my disc. I stood still for some time under a HDB block before inching a little to move again. Once I got home, I frantically searched for my back brace and put it on. Ironically, a few days back my dad had asked if I still needed it and I told him no and to pack it away. Yikes.

I later found out that it was my coughing which was the result of my flu which had subsided that was the possible culprit. The constant coughing tensed the back which resulted in overworking the muscles, ultimately causing it to give way.

I had since been trying to sort it out by doing stretched and planks, later learnt from Colin that planking probably wasn't the brightest thing to do (whoops!). Guess I'll wait till the back gets better before I do anything strenuous. Also learnt from him that with my slip disc, my back wasn't already in a favourable condition, hence when sick, it would likely act up faster than the average person. Was previously advised by Colin and Al to stretch regularly given the intensity and regularity of our exercises but did not realise how important it would affect the back, some things you never learn until it happens, guess I should have started sooner eh?

Also got advice from Nick who's a sports medic for the Singapore Olympic Team on whether it was advisable to run over the weekend. Was suggested to stay away from fast pace or attacking the slopes and to monitor my hamstring and hip flexor, apparently I shouldn't have run below 5 minutes pace earlier today, if the hip flexor and hamstring suddenly were to tighten and provide no dampening from the impact of my strides, it could have resulted in a snapped back. Guess I was itchy from skipping out on Wednesday's run.

Was then passed this ball not just for the lower back, but to stretch the assisting surrounding muscles (hip flexor, hamstring, butt area, thighs etc) so as to ensure they stayed flexible. It's not as good as the stuff Colin and Al have but it'll have to do. I'm not looking forward to it...*ack!*

Also finally stocked up on tablets. I noted my previous purchase in December of last year lasted till June this year...6 months! Guess 2 is enough, I'll save it for the longer runs. Might pick another from Calvin if Jasmine doesn't get it in the end.

Why I Hate School But Love Education

We are always taught that learning is fun. And truth be told it is when you pick the right thing you want. Shatec and UNLV were some of the best years I've had studying. I can't really say the same for Pri and Sec.

While I don't think I am in the right position to judge whether the education system is flawed, I think we can agree that it isn't perfect.

Here's a rapper's thoughts on the school system in Britain, it's more spoken word than a rap, so it's quite easy to listen to.

Two videos, one on Education vs School, another on Exams.

"If there was a family tree, hard work and education will be related, but school will probably be a distant cousin" - one of my favorite lines in the first video.

Just food for thought. Night everyone. =)

Passed!

Worried for nothing, it was pretty easy, only mistakes I made were the two I anyhow whacked, phew!

Defensive Riding 2

Class two out of three. Hurry get it out of the way before my main theory paper.

Defensive Riding

Rushed out of the office to take a lesson cause it was the only one this week.

Going to rush back to the office again later to continue clearing my stuff.

Evaluation Passed!

After not riding for nearly 3 weeks, I'm kinda glad I didn't screw up, and figured it was best not to be too worried about the point system and just ride.

That decision paid off. =)

Don't Assume

Note to self, you missed something important today cause you failed to take a closer look at it.

Lesson learnt.

Nailed It

Just got back from my bike lessons, completed the first leg, contemplating whether to cheong tomorrow or chill and go into reservist first.

Circuit Rundown Passed

Two more evaluations, need to consider whether to just whack the evaluation or go for revision first.

Double Filet

Quick early dinner, headed back to the office to clear a few things, then it's off to lessons!

S Course & Crank Course

Passed!

E Braking Passed!

Another lesson competed =)

Code Hard Everyday

Code.org has a new PSA video explaining the importance of coding, which gives you a fresh perspective as to why it should be taken seriously.

I think I didn't pick it up in school back then cause I was under the impression that everyone was learning it...but now.

Emergency Braking

Did not perform as well as I'd hope, going for another lesson this Friday.

Almost had it, but the traffic was so slow I didn't have enough time to do a few more tries =(

Still, better to fail in school than on the road.

Plank n Cone

Passed!