Ok, so I've been feeling damn CRAPPY, damn MOODY, damn FRUSTRATED, damn GRUMPY, damn DEPRESSED, damn *#*&#&^@&%)( for the past week (and more) due to my not being able to run. Got to apologise to my dear kakis for putting up with me, and trying their best to cheer me up. Thanks people, u know who u r. Sorry that I haven't been joining u all coz I really am just not in the mood rite now ...
Anyway, reason for this blog entry isn't about my stupid moods but more about this story. Plugged from ieatishootipost.
And while I am at the topic of death, which is inevitable whether u think about it or not ... u might want to take a look at the Advance Medical Directive Act. This was incidentally mentioned in The Straits Times yesterday. Some of you might find this topic to be ultra morbid and might just spit out a "CHOI!", but well, I tot it is something we ought to think about ... to relieve our loved ones of the need to make a decision on our behalf, if/when the time comes when we're no longer able to express our wishes ...
Sorry if u r here expecting some light reading ... *bow*
Well, for light reading, check out my current fav food blog.
Have a great day! :)
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Monday, October 23, 2006
HILARIOUS!!!!!
haha ... u have got to watch this .... must have your speaker on ok ?
Go to the 42nd min onwards
if u r having a bad day, watching this will definitely cheer u up! :)
hahahahaha
Go to the 42nd min onwards
if u r having a bad day, watching this will definitely cheer u up! :)
hahahahaha
Restaurant Review
Not sure whether I'm allowed to do this ... to just link to someone else's blog without permission ...
anyway, found this in one of the food blogs ....
can always check this out before heading to the restaurant ...
anyway, found this in one of the food blogs ....
can always check this out before heading to the restaurant ...
A short note ...
So I haven been running and I'm not sure how much longer before I can start running again ... pain is still there when I walk.
So in the meantime, don't think I'll be bloggin much. Nothin much to blog mah -_-" Unless you want me to blog about my gripe in missin out in all the fun, Wedding Run being one of them. Couldn't go coz there is no way I could limp 10km, its just not worth risking and aggravating the injury. But am glad everyone had fun, and did something for the lovely couple.
Congratulations to Meteor & Alvo!
Anywayz, happy holidays to all!
So in the meantime, don't think I'll be bloggin much. Nothin much to blog mah -_-" Unless you want me to blog about my gripe in missin out in all the fun, Wedding Run being one of them. Couldn't go coz there is no way I could limp 10km, its just not worth risking and aggravating the injury. But am glad everyone had fun, and did something for the lovely couple.
Congratulations to Meteor & Alvo!
Anywayz, happy holidays to all!
Friday, October 20, 2006
My First Physio Session ...
Was limping a little even while walking, and my calves were tight. VEry tight.
Just out of my meeting after 6pm and received an sms from an angel. She has decided to go for her physio session since the haze was bad and she decided not to run (Well done gal for the discipline NOT to run in the haze!! U did the right thing!) This angel, by the name of Divey, has kindly asked her physio to "have a look" at my problems and he has kindly agreed. THANKS Divey for "jiao gor-ing" me !!
I thought long and hard whether to go (coz I already made prior arrangements with family to have dinner) and decided I better go have some professional opinion about my problems so had to make the difficult decision to fly my family aeroplane *sound of jet plane flew past*
Met this young physiotherapist (Leslie), who happens to be younger than me *faintz*, at his clinic. He observed and analysed my feet, the way I walk, I stand and even my shoes. He checked my legs by massaging and checking on where my pain points are. With these tests, he diagnosed that I have mild flat feet on my left foot!! I was like "huh???" but ... but ... but .... I have been told I have normal arch by 3 different people (2 podiatrists & 1 salesperson - the mizuno salesman that seem to know a lot about shoes ... )! Anyhow he patiently explained to me (with pictures some more!) my mild flat foot resulting in some tendon or something having to pull up the arch to support it, thus causing my shin pain. He reiterated that I have flat feet coz he said most flat footers have VEry big calves -__-". He repeated not less than twice. Inside me I was like "DO I HAVE VERY BIG CALVES???? REALLY :(((((" Anyway, several suggested methods to counter the pain I'm experiencing would be :
So started the physio session, didn't know exactly what to expect just that it might be painful. Normally I will only try to press down on my shins occasionally to try and massage and dispel the pain. So was a little worried about the pain I'm subjecting myself to .. haha
To cut the whole thing short,
the pain ....
was ....
EXCRUCIATING
towards the end of the therapy when he was like using all his might to massage the shin area. I was like close to tears!!! Divey looked so worried seeing me wincing (sorry gal! :P) but I was just in too much pain to reassure her I'm actually fine hahahah
After the session, I realised I couldn't walk without limping even more and I was warned by both of them I might be even more sore the next day, and it might last for 24 hours (or in my case, even longer - Leslie disclaimed) -_-"
But seriously, my calves feel less tight after the massage. And today I feel alright enough (darn! no MC!!) to go to work. Albeit I have to walk a little slower, but in all I feel alright. Heng!
Next session with Leslie would be the following Wed.
I'm just glad when he said what I'm experiencing is "muscular". Muscular pains should be fine. Its when the pain is with the bones that I ought to be REAlly worried!
Just hope this ebb in my running will be over real soon. I miss being able to run normally without all these pain plaguing me.
Wish me luck!
LimpinJazzy
Just out of my meeting after 6pm and received an sms from an angel. She has decided to go for her physio session since the haze was bad and she decided not to run (Well done gal for the discipline NOT to run in the haze!! U did the right thing!) This angel, by the name of Divey, has kindly asked her physio to "have a look" at my problems and he has kindly agreed. THANKS Divey for "jiao gor-ing" me !!
I thought long and hard whether to go (coz I already made prior arrangements with family to have dinner) and decided I better go have some professional opinion about my problems so had to make the difficult decision to fly my family aeroplane *sound of jet plane flew past*
Met this young physiotherapist (Leslie), who happens to be younger than me *faintz*, at his clinic. He observed and analysed my feet, the way I walk, I stand and even my shoes. He checked my legs by massaging and checking on where my pain points are. With these tests, he diagnosed that I have mild flat feet on my left foot!! I was like "huh???" but ... but ... but .... I have been told I have normal arch by 3 different people (2 podiatrists & 1 salesperson - the mizuno salesman that seem to know a lot about shoes ... )! Anyhow he patiently explained to me (with pictures some more!) my mild flat foot resulting in some tendon or something having to pull up the arch to support it, thus causing my shin pain. He reiterated that I have flat feet coz he said most flat footers have VEry big calves -__-". He repeated not less than twice. Inside me I was like "DO I HAVE VERY BIG CALVES???? REALLY :(((((" Anyway, several suggested methods to counter the pain I'm experiencing would be :
- Taping - he showed me how to tape up my left foot before my runs
- Orthotics - for my running shoes
- Physio
- Buy shoes with motion-control
So started the physio session, didn't know exactly what to expect just that it might be painful. Normally I will only try to press down on my shins occasionally to try and massage and dispel the pain. So was a little worried about the pain I'm subjecting myself to .. haha
To cut the whole thing short,
the pain ....
was ....
EXCRUCIATING
towards the end of the therapy when he was like using all his might to massage the shin area. I was like close to tears!!! Divey looked so worried seeing me wincing (sorry gal! :P) but I was just in too much pain to reassure her I'm actually fine hahahah
After the session, I realised I couldn't walk without limping even more and I was warned by both of them I might be even more sore the next day, and it might last for 24 hours (or in my case, even longer - Leslie disclaimed) -_-"
But seriously, my calves feel less tight after the massage. And today I feel alright enough (darn! no MC!!) to go to work. Albeit I have to walk a little slower, but in all I feel alright. Heng!
Next session with Leslie would be the following Wed.
I'm just glad when he said what I'm experiencing is "muscular". Muscular pains should be fine. Its when the pain is with the bones that I ought to be REAlly worried!
Just hope this ebb in my running will be over real soon. I miss being able to run normally without all these pain plaguing me.
Wish me luck!
LimpinJazzy
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Crappy Run
Having a hard time thinking of a name for my run this morning. Very disappointed, disturbed run....
This is a run that almost didn't happen. Blame it on the weak mind, and lack of discipline & motivation (why am I losing the motivation to run??? :_( ). Alarm sounded at 4am, but I was feeling soo sian I didn't want to run. Tossed and turned for a good 15mins, and finally pulled myself up. I recalled what Taz told me just last night, that I will feel better after a run. And I have read in many articles saying the same thing. That on days when I just dun feel like running, just promise urself to head out, run a little. Most of the time I will feel better after starting the run.
Unfortunately, that didn't happen for me ...
Been having the same problems with my left leg since Wed and woke up feeling pain on my left calf. Tight. *worried* With my ipod, money, keys and personal alarm (thanks to my bro who bought this for me knowing that i sometimes run alone), I started my run at about 4:40am.
Started real slowly, limping for the first few steps. Didn't want to take the same HSP route I did several weeks (or months) back, so decided to head in the complete opposite direction.
Didn't feel good throughout the run, legs just feel very tired and checked my HR and realised I didn't even hit 72% of my max HR!! Just goes to show how slow I was going due to my incompetent legs. Felt very crappy and the route didn't help because there were way too many slopes for me. As usual, I just headed straight, passing by several prata/muslim cafes along the way. At some point I even stopped to walk coz I just dun feel good enough. *scream inside me* Finally reached Serangoon MRT about 30 mins into the run. Ok, at least now I know for sure how to run to Serangoon MRT from my place. Slowly proceeded on to Kovan (seems never-ending somehow) before hitting the usual stretch that I run (Serangoon Park Connector) that leads me back to Ponggol Park. The usual route would be to run to Ponggol, before returning to Sengkang then my place. But my legs were just not behaving and I decided to just terminate the run. Walked to the kpt (kopitiam) opposite Ponggol Park, bought myself a drink before slowly trotting home. It was only at the last few hundred meters when I spotted this mother & young son duo out for their morning run. The mother was really competitive and refused to let me overtake her -_-" egging her son on to SPRINT! wah lau eh ... pity me lah, I'm already half dead really! :P
Reached back my place 1 hr 30mins later feeling all defeated. I'm not sure what is wrong with me and my legs, but all doesn't seem to bode well. Am more worried now, and reviewing what Aichai mentioned to me, I just hope its nothing very serious. Should I really just lay off running for now ?? But its almost ridiculous just thinking about it. hey, I'm not even a hard-core runner. I don't run fast, I don't do intervals and I don't run super long distances! I don't even run daily! So why am i have this problem ???
ARGH!!!
*pull hair*
Though I feel crap about the run, I still am glad that at least I went out to do a short run/limp/walk. Lift my spirits a little .... at least just a teenie weenie bit ....
and Thank Heavens Its Thur Already ....
TrichotillomaniacJazzy
This is a run that almost didn't happen. Blame it on the weak mind, and lack of discipline & motivation (why am I losing the motivation to run??? :_( ). Alarm sounded at 4am, but I was feeling soo sian I didn't want to run. Tossed and turned for a good 15mins, and finally pulled myself up. I recalled what Taz told me just last night, that I will feel better after a run. And I have read in many articles saying the same thing. That on days when I just dun feel like running, just promise urself to head out, run a little. Most of the time I will feel better after starting the run.
Unfortunately, that didn't happen for me ...
Been having the same problems with my left leg since Wed and woke up feeling pain on my left calf. Tight. *worried* With my ipod, money, keys and personal alarm (thanks to my bro who bought this for me knowing that i sometimes run alone), I started my run at about 4:40am.
Started real slowly, limping for the first few steps. Didn't want to take the same HSP route I did several weeks (or months) back, so decided to head in the complete opposite direction.
Didn't feel good throughout the run, legs just feel very tired and checked my HR and realised I didn't even hit 72% of my max HR!! Just goes to show how slow I was going due to my incompetent legs. Felt very crappy and the route didn't help because there were way too many slopes for me. As usual, I just headed straight, passing by several prata/muslim cafes along the way. At some point I even stopped to walk coz I just dun feel good enough. *scream inside me* Finally reached Serangoon MRT about 30 mins into the run. Ok, at least now I know for sure how to run to Serangoon MRT from my place. Slowly proceeded on to Kovan (seems never-ending somehow) before hitting the usual stretch that I run (Serangoon Park Connector) that leads me back to Ponggol Park. The usual route would be to run to Ponggol, before returning to Sengkang then my place. But my legs were just not behaving and I decided to just terminate the run. Walked to the kpt (kopitiam) opposite Ponggol Park, bought myself a drink before slowly trotting home. It was only at the last few hundred meters when I spotted this mother & young son duo out for their morning run. The mother was really competitive and refused to let me overtake her -_-" egging her son on to SPRINT! wah lau eh ... pity me lah, I'm already half dead really! :P
Reached back my place 1 hr 30mins later feeling all defeated. I'm not sure what is wrong with me and my legs, but all doesn't seem to bode well. Am more worried now, and reviewing what Aichai mentioned to me, I just hope its nothing very serious. Should I really just lay off running for now ?? But its almost ridiculous just thinking about it. hey, I'm not even a hard-core runner. I don't run fast, I don't do intervals and I don't run super long distances! I don't even run daily! So why am i have this problem ???
ARGH!!!
*pull hair*
Though I feel crap about the run, I still am glad that at least I went out to do a short run/limp/walk. Lift my spirits a little .... at least just a teenie weenie bit ....
and Thank Heavens Its Thur Already ....
TrichotillomaniacJazzy
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Zebra Crossing
Below is a road safety message brought to you by kickjazz .....
There is this zebra crossing right outside my office building. To allow human traffic to cross the little road where vehicles dropped off passengers. This stretch is normally manned by two security guards during the peak hours, but somehow only one is on duty today.
Was crossing the zebra crossing and listening to my ipod and suddenly felt this SUV driving speedily towards me on my right. I was actually in my own tots and that really jolted me awake. (#(@)#(&(&*&#$*@^&%^@ caught a glimpse of the driver - a woman ang mo driver who doesn't seem at all apologetic that she almost knocked me down!
Was a bit startled. Thought I might be flung off if she decided not to stop the SUV. Well, at least I could be excused from work ? haha ...
Though when it happened everything seemed normal, think no one around me felt anything amiss (maybe I was just being paranoid or drama-mama). But while replaying the whole scenario in my head, i was indeed a little shaken.
I have also nearly been knocked down by a vehicle (when running) coz the driver decided not to stop at the crossing though he saw me & friends about to cross it! There are many unattentive (maybe deep in their own tots) or just plain reckless ("I am sure I can past the crossing before the fellow crosses it" mentality).
Anyway, point is. Pls do not take the zebra crossing for granted. It is no doubt your right of way. But when accidents do happen, we can blame the driver, but whatever damage is done is irreversible. Look out for oncoming traffic, and even when you are crossing it.
There is this zebra crossing right outside my office building. To allow human traffic to cross the little road where vehicles dropped off passengers. This stretch is normally manned by two security guards during the peak hours, but somehow only one is on duty today.
Was crossing the zebra crossing and listening to my ipod and suddenly felt this SUV driving speedily towards me on my right. I was actually in my own tots and that really jolted me awake. (#(@)#(&(&*&#$*@^&%^@ caught a glimpse of the driver - a woman ang mo driver who doesn't seem at all apologetic that she almost knocked me down!
Was a bit startled. Thought I might be flung off if she decided not to stop the SUV. Well, at least I could be excused from work ? haha ...
Though when it happened everything seemed normal, think no one around me felt anything amiss (maybe I was just being paranoid or drama-mama). But while replaying the whole scenario in my head, i was indeed a little shaken.
I have also nearly been knocked down by a vehicle (when running) coz the driver decided not to stop at the crossing though he saw me & friends about to cross it! There are many unattentive (maybe deep in their own tots) or just plain reckless ("I am sure I can past the crossing before the fellow crosses it" mentality).
Anyway, point is. Pls do not take the zebra crossing for granted. It is no doubt your right of way. But when accidents do happen, we can blame the driver, but whatever damage is done is irreversible. Look out for oncoming traffic, and even when you are crossing it.
Even a little haze is bad for health
For those who missed this article in The Straits Times today, I thought the article is informative, especially for us who like to jog outdoors (even in the haze!!!). And for those who are contemplating to run even amid the thick haze ("because SCSM is less than 2 months away!!"), pls reconsider ..... the long term side effects might be worse ...
I have extracted key points (verbatim) herein. Pls read ....
In summary, check the air quality outside before you decide to go for a run outdoors. Health is more important than your training schedule. Think the treadmills will be super overworked this period :P
The papers said that the haze might stay for a couple of weeks ... arghhhh!!!
I have extracted key points (verbatim) herein. Pls read ....
- The haze here mainly comprises minute particles of ash - called particulate matter - that are 10 microns or smaller. Meterologists call these particles PM10. The PSI readings take into account five pollutants but they have this month been much the same as the PM10 level in the air.
- Breathin in too much PM10 increases the risk of heart attacks and heart failure, lung cancer and strokes. It can also make people more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections.
- An ongoing American Cancer Society study of 500K people has found that :
- deaths from lung cancer go up by 8%
- death heart disease by 6%
- death from other causes by 4%
for every 10 microgram increase of PM10 in the air. - A quick check with some doctors in NUH found that most felt there was less harm in not exercising outdoors for a couple of weeks than exposing the body to the long-terms effects of the haze
- A Health Ministry spokesman yesterday said long-term exposure to air pollution was known to have an impact on mortality associated with heard & lung diseases
In summary, check the air quality outside before you decide to go for a run outdoors. Health is more important than your training schedule. Think the treadmills will be super overworked this period :P
The papers said that the haze might stay for a couple of weeks ... arghhhh!!!
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Monkeys, Slopes & the Zoo ...
Alarm rang at 5:30am. Almost decided to sleep in but thankfully there was an sms from last night that I didn't read. So read it and that helped to stir me from my dreamy state.
Ate, changed and was taking my own sweet time until I realised daylight has shone through the clouds and it was getting brighter outside. The haze seemed to be bad and after ensuring I have my ipod, water, keys, money & ezlink card, I rushed out of the house telling myself I should at least do a short run before the haze thickens.
My left leg sadly was still not feeling too good. Every step hurt somewhat and I was worried about whether my LSD could materialise. *grumble grumble* After some light stretching, I started my run. Not good, was limping a little due to the pain on my left leg. Wondering to myself what exactly was the problem and why was I suddenly plagued with this pain when I hadn't been doing anything drastic. I kept to slow pace and run/walk for my runs and I haven't up my mileage significantly. I have done whatever I thought necessary to prevent any injuries but now I felt another injury in the making.
Not knowing where to run as this was an impromptu LSD, I decided to stick to an easy route where there are less traffic (less pollution since the haze is bad enough) and so decided to just head to YCK, towards Casuarina & beyond. The first run/walk segment and I was already panting coz of the gradual slope right at the start. I limped everytime I re-start each run segment, cursing inwardly at the pain. Really frustrating to run in this condition and throughout the run, I was wondering whether I would be able to carry on.
About 30 mins into the run, I finally felt better and regained a bit of my confidence to carry on with the run. Passed by ST Electronics, Apple Computer. Was contemplating turning into the minor road (as indicated in the street directory) but decided against it. Didn't want to be amongst all the workers in the industrial estate on a Sunday morning (paranoia taking over), better stick to the main roads I reckoned.
Finally reached the Teacher's Estate, turned right and passed Casuarina. I came to my favourite stretch of road - at Upper Thomson. The trees lined each side of the roads neatly, with their uppermost branches & leaves touching one another, provided shade to the road underneath. On days when the sun is out, you can actually see streaks of the sun rays shining through the gaps formed by the leaves, illuminating the road. This quiet road just looked so serene, so calming, almost divine.
The DR in me was actually toying with the idea of running to MR and back, but being the DR, who just continued to run straight ahead, I actually ended up near Nee Soon camp -__-" (reminds me of the Fri nite run few weeks back when we ran to the boys' camp!). Thankfully before reaching the camp, I saw a signboard that says "Singapore Zoo". I was recharged knowing that I could be exploring a new route! Without another thought, I crossed the road into Meng Suan Road, effectively turning out of Sembawang (and bading farewell to Nee Soon camp). Soon, I see several runners overtaking me (actually at my speed, even ah peks and ah mms can overtake me ba :P). I guessed they must be from the MR group but of course I didn't have a chance to confirm. I decided to just follow behind them and soon I saw them turned into Upper Seletar Reservoir. Hmm, is that the way to Mandai ? Anyway, since I have never ran into USR, I decided to just follow them. Apparently this is a very popular route for runners because I saw many runners running into and out of USR. Had a short bio-break (first time I need a bio-break in an LSD! Must be the barley that I took the morning) before continuing on. There was a slope leading up to USR and I was panting by the time I got there, but what greeted me on top brought warmth to my heart. I saw the Overviewing Tower, the landmark of USR. Brought back childhood memories (and I'm sure to many others) as this is where families will bring their kids for a weekend morning stroll. Too bad I did not have a camera with me to take a pic of the place. The reservoir with its vast body of water seemed so serene in the early morning, the only thing that mar the scene is the haze, blurring the nature reserve that populated the opposite end of the reservoir.
Left USR and decided to continue my journey to Mandai. Passed the Nee Soon Flyover and trotted on along Mandai Road. I spotted many monkeys along the pavement and had to siam them by running along the road. Still passed many runners who were possibly on the return leg of the run. Gestured a Hi to one friendly elderly runner (who btw, was running effortlessly) and passed this very fit & tone looking lady runner in purple zoot attire. She was very friendly and I think she recognised me from earlier on at USR as she overtook me, and she gave me a very bright and warm smile. Shwee! One guy later overtook me and turned around to ask whether I was afraid of monkeys (coz minutes before he was behind me and must have seen me avoided the monkeys by running on the edge of the road). He later asked whether I was going to the Zoo and I replied "I will try to!", before he waved and said "See you later!" and left. These runners are really strong!
I later saw this same guy u-turned at the bus stop and we smiled & waved goodbye. Hmmm, apparently they are not going INTO the zoo. I recalled Divey telling me that it is another 4km to go into the zoo entrance, but I figured since I was already so close, it just wasn't an option to give up and not run ALL THE WAY to the zoo! Its an LSD afterall and I had not covered sufficient distance anyway. So I proceeded on, saw many cyclists along the way, even one big group of them waiting at the bus-stop opposite. The road into the zoo is LONGGGG but cooling. Very nice stretch to run actually except that there are just way too many slopes for my comfort!! Passed the place I would never want to go (Mandai Crematorium), OrchidVille. The road seem never-ending and if not for the huge welcoming signs hanging from the lampost, I wouldn't be sure I was running towards the Zoo. Finally reached the zoo entrance 2hrs++ into the run. The zoo wasn't open for the day yet (hence it was really deserted).
I was feeling very lethargic by then and was mentally calculating the distance I should have covered by now (about 16km I figured) and at least 8km more to go. I decided to end the run at about 3hrs 20+mins and wished that my legs would not give way before that. Thankfully the run out of the zoo seemed sooo much shorter and I heaved a huge sigh of relief when I passed the bus-stop where I bade farewell with the 2 runners previously. I carried on with my run/walk though the resolve to stick to it was waning. I was feeling very tired, pon chet, and at some segments i was doing 7mins run and 3 mins walk. My water supply was getting dangerously low and there were no 7-11 or provision shops nearby. To add to that, I was getting very hungry. Thoughts of power gel came to mind. Maybe that's what Roentgen meant when he insisted that I had to take some powergel and isotonic drink everytime we do LSD. Is my lack of refueling the reason why I was feeling so tired ? I was comparing my last 3 LSDs to this current one and I could feel a significant drop in energy this time round. My legs were threatening to give way, I was physically and mentally tired and I didn't feel like the past LSDs where my enthusiasm and energy was still pretty high at the end of the LSD. I was getting desperate and I had fleeting thoughts of downing Peel Fresh Orange Juice, energy bar & plain water. As I jogged, I just hoped that I could reach Sembawang (or the stretch before Sembawang where I recalled there is a coffee shop) soon enough to refuel. When I finally reached the coffee shop, I was just soo relieved. Bought myself a can of 100+ (surprise rite ? since I always refuel with plain water) and a bottle of water (to refill my water bottle).
Rested there for a good 10 mins, watching the patrons tucking into their dim sum breakfast, and seeing that there is a yong tau fu stall, I was just soooo tempted to end my run and have my breakfast there!! Mustering resolve I had left (not to mention discipline to complete the run!), I left the coffee shop and continued my SLOW run back. My run/walk segments became more erratic, I was feeling really tired and my legs were threatening to give way. Again, this is the first time I actually feel all the lactic acid building up in my legs, that I might just fall into a long kao !! I had to keep my spirits up and trotted on. Finally I could continue no further and stopped my LSD at 3hrs 20mins. I figured I should have run about 24km and that is all I set out to achieve anyway. I was still far from home (shortly passed the air con Prata Place) and I decided to just walk to cool down before deciding how to get home. I have 2 options : bus or cab. Bus - I was drenched in my own sweat and taking a bus didn't really appeal to me. Didn't want to wet the seats and didn't want to stand in a bus looking all wet and smelling bad! So I just walked and hoped to jump into a cab but alas! there weren't a cab in sight! I walked a good 40+ mins (or possibly more) before I successfully hailed a cab at Yio Chu Kang road! I could hear the loud sigh of relief inside me when I got into a cab, knowing that my LSD is near and I could finally have a good meal real soon.
I ran a total of 3hrs 20 mins today. Based on the street directory, I covered about 25.8km (should be less ba). Including the time I walked before I managed to get a cab, my LSD time is 4hrs 10+mins.
A very tiring run today, but I'm glad I managed to run/walk to the Zoo, passing by the many places that I like, including the tree-lined road in Upper Thomson Road, Upper Seletar Reservoir. What a wonderful way to spend a Sunday morning.
Ok, now I need to go catch up on my sleep.
KahSngJazzy
Ate, changed and was taking my own sweet time until I realised daylight has shone through the clouds and it was getting brighter outside. The haze seemed to be bad and after ensuring I have my ipod, water, keys, money & ezlink card, I rushed out of the house telling myself I should at least do a short run before the haze thickens.
My left leg sadly was still not feeling too good. Every step hurt somewhat and I was worried about whether my LSD could materialise. *grumble grumble* After some light stretching, I started my run. Not good, was limping a little due to the pain on my left leg. Wondering to myself what exactly was the problem and why was I suddenly plagued with this pain when I hadn't been doing anything drastic. I kept to slow pace and run/walk for my runs and I haven't up my mileage significantly. I have done whatever I thought necessary to prevent any injuries but now I felt another injury in the making.
Not knowing where to run as this was an impromptu LSD, I decided to stick to an easy route where there are less traffic (less pollution since the haze is bad enough) and so decided to just head to YCK, towards Casuarina & beyond. The first run/walk segment and I was already panting coz of the gradual slope right at the start. I limped everytime I re-start each run segment, cursing inwardly at the pain. Really frustrating to run in this condition and throughout the run, I was wondering whether I would be able to carry on.
About 30 mins into the run, I finally felt better and regained a bit of my confidence to carry on with the run. Passed by ST Electronics, Apple Computer. Was contemplating turning into the minor road (as indicated in the street directory) but decided against it. Didn't want to be amongst all the workers in the industrial estate on a Sunday morning (paranoia taking over), better stick to the main roads I reckoned.
Finally reached the Teacher's Estate, turned right and passed Casuarina. I came to my favourite stretch of road - at Upper Thomson. The trees lined each side of the roads neatly, with their uppermost branches & leaves touching one another, provided shade to the road underneath. On days when the sun is out, you can actually see streaks of the sun rays shining through the gaps formed by the leaves, illuminating the road. This quiet road just looked so serene, so calming, almost divine.
The DR in me was actually toying with the idea of running to MR and back, but being the DR, who just continued to run straight ahead, I actually ended up near Nee Soon camp -__-" (reminds me of the Fri nite run few weeks back when we ran to the boys' camp!). Thankfully before reaching the camp, I saw a signboard that says "Singapore Zoo". I was recharged knowing that I could be exploring a new route! Without another thought, I crossed the road into Meng Suan Road, effectively turning out of Sembawang (and bading farewell to Nee Soon camp). Soon, I see several runners overtaking me (actually at my speed, even ah peks and ah mms can overtake me ba :P). I guessed they must be from the MR group but of course I didn't have a chance to confirm. I decided to just follow behind them and soon I saw them turned into Upper Seletar Reservoir. Hmm, is that the way to Mandai ? Anyway, since I have never ran into USR, I decided to just follow them. Apparently this is a very popular route for runners because I saw many runners running into and out of USR. Had a short bio-break (first time I need a bio-break in an LSD! Must be the barley that I took the morning) before continuing on. There was a slope leading up to USR and I was panting by the time I got there, but what greeted me on top brought warmth to my heart. I saw the Overviewing Tower, the landmark of USR. Brought back childhood memories (and I'm sure to many others) as this is where families will bring their kids for a weekend morning stroll. Too bad I did not have a camera with me to take a pic of the place. The reservoir with its vast body of water seemed so serene in the early morning, the only thing that mar the scene is the haze, blurring the nature reserve that populated the opposite end of the reservoir.
Left USR and decided to continue my journey to Mandai. Passed the Nee Soon Flyover and trotted on along Mandai Road. I spotted many monkeys along the pavement and had to siam them by running along the road. Still passed many runners who were possibly on the return leg of the run. Gestured a Hi to one friendly elderly runner (who btw, was running effortlessly) and passed this very fit & tone looking lady runner in purple zoot attire. She was very friendly and I think she recognised me from earlier on at USR as she overtook me, and she gave me a very bright and warm smile. Shwee! One guy later overtook me and turned around to ask whether I was afraid of monkeys (coz minutes before he was behind me and must have seen me avoided the monkeys by running on the edge of the road). He later asked whether I was going to the Zoo and I replied "I will try to!", before he waved and said "See you later!" and left. These runners are really strong!
I later saw this same guy u-turned at the bus stop and we smiled & waved goodbye. Hmmm, apparently they are not going INTO the zoo. I recalled Divey telling me that it is another 4km to go into the zoo entrance, but I figured since I was already so close, it just wasn't an option to give up and not run ALL THE WAY to the zoo! Its an LSD afterall and I had not covered sufficient distance anyway. So I proceeded on, saw many cyclists along the way, even one big group of them waiting at the bus-stop opposite. The road into the zoo is LONGGGG but cooling. Very nice stretch to run actually except that there are just way too many slopes for my comfort!! Passed the place I would never want to go (Mandai Crematorium), OrchidVille. The road seem never-ending and if not for the huge welcoming signs hanging from the lampost, I wouldn't be sure I was running towards the Zoo. Finally reached the zoo entrance 2hrs++ into the run. The zoo wasn't open for the day yet (hence it was really deserted).
I was feeling very lethargic by then and was mentally calculating the distance I should have covered by now (about 16km I figured) and at least 8km more to go. I decided to end the run at about 3hrs 20+mins and wished that my legs would not give way before that. Thankfully the run out of the zoo seemed sooo much shorter and I heaved a huge sigh of relief when I passed the bus-stop where I bade farewell with the 2 runners previously. I carried on with my run/walk though the resolve to stick to it was waning. I was feeling very tired, pon chet, and at some segments i was doing 7mins run and 3 mins walk. My water supply was getting dangerously low and there were no 7-11 or provision shops nearby. To add to that, I was getting very hungry. Thoughts of power gel came to mind. Maybe that's what Roentgen meant when he insisted that I had to take some powergel and isotonic drink everytime we do LSD. Is my lack of refueling the reason why I was feeling so tired ? I was comparing my last 3 LSDs to this current one and I could feel a significant drop in energy this time round. My legs were threatening to give way, I was physically and mentally tired and I didn't feel like the past LSDs where my enthusiasm and energy was still pretty high at the end of the LSD. I was getting desperate and I had fleeting thoughts of downing Peel Fresh Orange Juice, energy bar & plain water. As I jogged, I just hoped that I could reach Sembawang (or the stretch before Sembawang where I recalled there is a coffee shop) soon enough to refuel. When I finally reached the coffee shop, I was just soo relieved. Bought myself a can of 100+ (surprise rite ? since I always refuel with plain water) and a bottle of water (to refill my water bottle).
Rested there for a good 10 mins, watching the patrons tucking into their dim sum breakfast, and seeing that there is a yong tau fu stall, I was just soooo tempted to end my run and have my breakfast there!! Mustering resolve I had left (not to mention discipline to complete the run!), I left the coffee shop and continued my SLOW run back. My run/walk segments became more erratic, I was feeling really tired and my legs were threatening to give way. Again, this is the first time I actually feel all the lactic acid building up in my legs, that I might just fall into a long kao !! I had to keep my spirits up and trotted on. Finally I could continue no further and stopped my LSD at 3hrs 20mins. I figured I should have run about 24km and that is all I set out to achieve anyway. I was still far from home (shortly passed the air con Prata Place) and I decided to just walk to cool down before deciding how to get home. I have 2 options : bus or cab. Bus - I was drenched in my own sweat and taking a bus didn't really appeal to me. Didn't want to wet the seats and didn't want to stand in a bus looking all wet and smelling bad! So I just walked and hoped to jump into a cab but alas! there weren't a cab in sight! I walked a good 40+ mins (or possibly more) before I successfully hailed a cab at Yio Chu Kang road! I could hear the loud sigh of relief inside me when I got into a cab, knowing that my LSD is near and I could finally have a good meal real soon.
I ran a total of 3hrs 20 mins today. Based on the street directory, I covered about 25.8km (should be less ba). Including the time I walked before I managed to get a cab, my LSD time is 4hrs 10+mins.
A very tiring run today, but I'm glad I managed to run/walk to the Zoo, passing by the many places that I like, including the tree-lined road in Upper Thomson Road, Upper Seletar Reservoir. What a wonderful way to spend a Sunday morning.
Ok, now I need to go catch up on my sleep.
KahSngJazzy
Saturday, October 14, 2006
And what was to be an LSD ...
Arranged to do an LSD in ECP with the HSP folks. Whole week has gone by without me having time to plan / ask about any LSD. Thankfully at the very last minute, Taz helped to arrange for one at ECP. THANK YOU SO MUCH, Taz!!! *bow*
Teelee picked me, Taz & JT (THANKS Teelee!!) up before meeting Divey at ECP. Day didn't start out well for me as I was feeling tired and my tummy wasn't behaving. Feeling all bloated and my tummy was churning sporadically. We started our run and I could just feel this tightness and muscle pull on my left calves and my left shin was acting up with every step I took, no matter how slow I was. I had a bad feeling about the run and hence asked Divey to go ahead without me. I tried the run/walk (8min run/2min walk) right from the start but after like 30 mins, the pains, aches and tiredness just didn't subside. In fact, it got worse after every walk break and I would have difficulty re-gaining the run without feeling the pain. My feet was hurting too (could it be my shoes ???) , my toes were aching with each step and all I could think of was "Can I go on ? How am I to complete my LSD in this condition??". I struggled like an old lady for 58 mins and as my walk break came to a close 2 mins after (1 hr into the start of the LSD), I was just unable to carry on the run. The body just refuse to start my run segment. So I carried on walking .... and walking .... 5 mins .... 10 mins .... my mind was drifting off and the next time I checked my watch, I was already walking for a good 20+ mins.
There were lots of runners out today doing their morning run. Many seem to be running in groups, possibly training for the upcoming SCSM (can you imagine that it is just less than 2 months away ?? Time truly flies, we are so close to the end of the year ..... ). I just kept on strolling with my bottle in hand. People jogging past must be wondering what is this cha bo doing all decked out in running attire, with bottle in hand, and ... NOT running ??!! haha ... darn! Anyway, I reasoned that there is no point in forcing myself to run when I'm just physically unfit to run today. The body conditions are just not right today and I wouldn't get a "quality run" even if I push myself to carry on. So I just walked all the way to the Bedok Jetty and u-turned back to the starting point at MacDonalds. Returned in 2+ hours and waited around for the rest to return.
Divey was doing really well and was the second to come back followed by JT shortly after. These 2 power gals had done about 22km. Taz went for a 32km run while Teelee ran all the way to the ferry terminal and back (distance unknown - possibly 40km???). This run truly reminds me of the LSD walk @ HSP many months back (think it was in June?) where I felt the same way! The legs were just tooo tired to run and I ended up walking the entire distance back. Just hope such cases don't happen too often! *prays hard*
We then had our brunch at MacDonalds before heading back home. I think I'm just too tired. Going to just rest for the day and hopefully my body is fit enough to run tomorrow morning. I shall pray for a better tomorrow. Wouldn't be arranging for any LSD with anyone since I cannot be sure my condition tomorrow and do not wish to make any committment that I likely will not be able to keep.
Throughout the run, all sorts of negative thoughts invaded my mind. I was trying hard not to let these negativity overcome me. Walking alone near to the beach helps as the breeze & the sound of the waves do help to calm me down somewhat. I enjoy looking out to the sea and just being lost in my own thoughts. It is times like these that I am forced to face some of the issues head on, inside my head. In usual circumstances, it is always easy to shelve the thoughts into a deep dark corner inside my brain. It is easy to just not think about them, especially when I am busy enjoying myself with friends be it running, chilling out or whatever. However, this morning, I have no where to hide, no where to escape to. I was all alone without my ipod to seek solace, but it does help me to live with being alone and hearing myself. No, unfortunately I didn't manage to get my thoughts sorted out (they are still as warped!!! haha), but yes, I think facing myself and my thoughts this morning helps to align myself a little. I have a chance to tell my mind that "Yes, I hear you. I know these are some matters I have to sort out soon" so that probably these issues will not bug me incessantly. I think as time passes, I realise that some questions/thoughts can never be answered, at least not when I am looking for an answer! Questions like "What is my purpose in life ?", "What would I like to do in my life ? my career?" Well, some of them I think it might take me a whole lifetime to find the answers (if at all!), so I think it is better to put the time to better use by just doing what I like, enjoying the NOW and hopefully one day, the answers will come to me ?
All in all, a dismal LSD since I hardly covered 8km, but at least I managed to breathe in some fresh air, look out into the sea, get some sun on my already chao da body and I also set myself a target. A target to go for my certification exam by mid Jan 07. I just hope I have the steam and motivation to study and go for the test by then. The reason why I blog about this deadline (I was contemplating to NOT talk about this so that I wouldn't be pressured) is so that I will have to stick to it, and of course for you to remind me about it :P
Ok, time to kiao kah & rest my tired body. I'm wondering why I'm constantly tired. "Chronic Fatigue" - Divey mentioned. Hmmm, sounds VEry much like me! I'm perpetually tired. Maybe I ought to seek professional help. :)
FatigueJazzy
Teelee picked me, Taz & JT (THANKS Teelee!!) up before meeting Divey at ECP. Day didn't start out well for me as I was feeling tired and my tummy wasn't behaving. Feeling all bloated and my tummy was churning sporadically. We started our run and I could just feel this tightness and muscle pull on my left calves and my left shin was acting up with every step I took, no matter how slow I was. I had a bad feeling about the run and hence asked Divey to go ahead without me. I tried the run/walk (8min run/2min walk) right from the start but after like 30 mins, the pains, aches and tiredness just didn't subside. In fact, it got worse after every walk break and I would have difficulty re-gaining the run without feeling the pain. My feet was hurting too (could it be my shoes ???) , my toes were aching with each step and all I could think of was "Can I go on ? How am I to complete my LSD in this condition??". I struggled like an old lady for 58 mins and as my walk break came to a close 2 mins after (1 hr into the start of the LSD), I was just unable to carry on the run. The body just refuse to start my run segment. So I carried on walking .... and walking .... 5 mins .... 10 mins .... my mind was drifting off and the next time I checked my watch, I was already walking for a good 20+ mins.
There were lots of runners out today doing their morning run. Many seem to be running in groups, possibly training for the upcoming SCSM (can you imagine that it is just less than 2 months away ?? Time truly flies, we are so close to the end of the year ..... ). I just kept on strolling with my bottle in hand. People jogging past must be wondering what is this cha bo doing all decked out in running attire, with bottle in hand, and ... NOT running ??!! haha ... darn! Anyway, I reasoned that there is no point in forcing myself to run when I'm just physically unfit to run today. The body conditions are just not right today and I wouldn't get a "quality run" even if I push myself to carry on. So I just walked all the way to the Bedok Jetty and u-turned back to the starting point at MacDonalds. Returned in 2+ hours and waited around for the rest to return.
Divey was doing really well and was the second to come back followed by JT shortly after. These 2 power gals had done about 22km. Taz went for a 32km run while Teelee ran all the way to the ferry terminal and back (distance unknown - possibly 40km???). This run truly reminds me of the LSD walk @ HSP many months back (think it was in June?) where I felt the same way! The legs were just tooo tired to run and I ended up walking the entire distance back. Just hope such cases don't happen too often! *prays hard*
We then had our brunch at MacDonalds before heading back home. I think I'm just too tired. Going to just rest for the day and hopefully my body is fit enough to run tomorrow morning. I shall pray for a better tomorrow. Wouldn't be arranging for any LSD with anyone since I cannot be sure my condition tomorrow and do not wish to make any committment that I likely will not be able to keep.
Throughout the run, all sorts of negative thoughts invaded my mind. I was trying hard not to let these negativity overcome me. Walking alone near to the beach helps as the breeze & the sound of the waves do help to calm me down somewhat. I enjoy looking out to the sea and just being lost in my own thoughts. It is times like these that I am forced to face some of the issues head on, inside my head. In usual circumstances, it is always easy to shelve the thoughts into a deep dark corner inside my brain. It is easy to just not think about them, especially when I am busy enjoying myself with friends be it running, chilling out or whatever. However, this morning, I have no where to hide, no where to escape to. I was all alone without my ipod to seek solace, but it does help me to live with being alone and hearing myself. No, unfortunately I didn't manage to get my thoughts sorted out (they are still as warped!!! haha), but yes, I think facing myself and my thoughts this morning helps to align myself a little. I have a chance to tell my mind that "Yes, I hear you. I know these are some matters I have to sort out soon" so that probably these issues will not bug me incessantly. I think as time passes, I realise that some questions/thoughts can never be answered, at least not when I am looking for an answer! Questions like "What is my purpose in life ?", "What would I like to do in my life ? my career?" Well, some of them I think it might take me a whole lifetime to find the answers (if at all!), so I think it is better to put the time to better use by just doing what I like, enjoying the NOW and hopefully one day, the answers will come to me ?
All in all, a dismal LSD since I hardly covered 8km, but at least I managed to breathe in some fresh air, look out into the sea, get some sun on my already chao da body and I also set myself a target. A target to go for my certification exam by mid Jan 07. I just hope I have the steam and motivation to study and go for the test by then. The reason why I blog about this deadline (I was contemplating to NOT talk about this so that I wouldn't be pressured) is so that I will have to stick to it, and of course for you to remind me about it :P
Ok, time to kiao kah & rest my tired body. I'm wondering why I'm constantly tired. "Chronic Fatigue" - Divey mentioned. Hmmm, sounds VEry much like me! I'm perpetually tired. Maybe I ought to seek professional help. :)
FatigueJazzy
Weekend!!!
Friday 6:40pm!!! Pang Kang liao!!! Weekend!
So relieved that I finally get out of work. Met Divey to return her some stuff and she was very sweet and insisted on walking with me to Far East Square (where I'm suppose to meet up an old friend for dinner).
We ended up at Far East Square food court, where the Annie's Ice Kachang is. We got excited at the thought of being able to try the ice kachang again and was delighted when the shop was indeed open (it was close to 7pm). I asked the owner whether he is still open for business and he nodded his head (HOORAY!) so we gamely ordered a bowl of ice kachang. We wanted to try it again after the dismal Annie's Ice Kachang at Tanjong Pagar market. Read all about it here.
As we tucked into the ice, we were just in awe of how fine the ice was and how delicious the ice kachang (the red bean, corn & generous peanuts toppings) was. Confirmed that the ice kachang at this shop is MUCH better! In retrospect we really didn't think the Tanjong Pagar one was worth the ranking we gave, so we agreed to downgrade it to 21.1km.
Later, I met up with a long time friend (Allan) for dinner. Walked up and down Far East Square and couldn't decide on what to eat. Almost went into this Korean restaurant but we will come up reeking of the Korean BBQ. Was tempted to try the self-rolled popiah but it was really expensive (6 rolls for $18!!), I just find it ridiculous to pay so much for popiah. Finally we ended up at this Vietnamese restaurant for a dinner set meal for 2 with fried spring roll, vietnamese spring roll, mango salad, fried rice & chicken noodle. All for the price of $28. Pretty yummy. Good to see Allan again after so long, been wanting to meet up but just didn't manage to til last night. It was really impromptu. Just 30mins before knock-off he sms me about dinner and the arrangement was made over sms. I think I do better with impromptu meet-ups :P So much less hassle and more spontaneous haha
Left for home before 10pm because I was really beat. The whole week has really wore me out. Nice way to end my longg and dreary week. Had a good dinner with my old friend, and even got tons of pressies at the end of the night. Allan was in US for biz trip few months back (Yeah! few months! Just showed how long we had last met up!) and got me tons of NIKE stuff. THANKS Allan!!! :)
So relieved that I finally get out of work. Met Divey to return her some stuff and she was very sweet and insisted on walking with me to Far East Square (where I'm suppose to meet up an old friend for dinner).
We ended up at Far East Square food court, where the Annie's Ice Kachang is. We got excited at the thought of being able to try the ice kachang again and was delighted when the shop was indeed open (it was close to 7pm). I asked the owner whether he is still open for business and he nodded his head (HOORAY!) so we gamely ordered a bowl of ice kachang. We wanted to try it again after the dismal Annie's Ice Kachang at Tanjong Pagar market. Read all about it here.
As we tucked into the ice, we were just in awe of how fine the ice was and how delicious the ice kachang (the red bean, corn & generous peanuts toppings) was. Confirmed that the ice kachang at this shop is MUCH better! In retrospect we really didn't think the Tanjong Pagar one was worth the ranking we gave, so we agreed to downgrade it to 21.1km.
Later, I met up with a long time friend (Allan) for dinner. Walked up and down Far East Square and couldn't decide on what to eat. Almost went into this Korean restaurant but we will come up reeking of the Korean BBQ. Was tempted to try the self-rolled popiah but it was really expensive (6 rolls for $18!!), I just find it ridiculous to pay so much for popiah. Finally we ended up at this Vietnamese restaurant for a dinner set meal for 2 with fried spring roll, vietnamese spring roll, mango salad, fried rice & chicken noodle. All for the price of $28. Pretty yummy. Good to see Allan again after so long, been wanting to meet up but just didn't manage to til last night. It was really impromptu. Just 30mins before knock-off he sms me about dinner and the arrangement was made over sms. I think I do better with impromptu meet-ups :P So much less hassle and more spontaneous haha
Left for home before 10pm because I was really beat. The whole week has really wore me out. Nice way to end my longg and dreary week. Had a good dinner with my old friend, and even got tons of pressies at the end of the night. Allan was in US for biz trip few months back (Yeah! few months! Just showed how long we had last met up!) and got me tons of NIKE stuff. THANKS Allan!!! :)
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Feel Good Run
Another day on course, brain not working (how do the others do it so effortlessly? i dunno). After an intensive 2 hours and 8 tests later, I was just too zombified to continue working. Left work at 6+ without clearing a single email and met up with Divey for a run. A last minute arrangement after confirming that the sky was clear enough to run.
We started off earlier than the usual CBD run (about 10-15 mins before 7pm) and saw quite a number of runners all going for their run. Think the hazeless clear sky gets those itching for a run to bank on this opportunity to run.
We ran the usual CBD route, but instead of going to the boring Marina Jetty, we turned into the Marina City Park, to the sun-dial, and up the Sheares Bridge. Since we started early, the Marina route was still pretty bright and getting up the Sheares Bridge was easy. As we were running at Esplanade, Divey spotted Cokiee running towards. Wow, this guy runs 3 times in a row! We were calling out to him but Cokiee was like in his own world and didn't realise we were talking to him until seconds before he passed us -_-". Divey then recalled that tonight is the RL run and the next thing we saw IMD (hoooray!!!! megahunk!! :P), sv and many others. We even saw this live band performing outside of Esplanade, but not quite sure what kind of music they were playing though Divey seems to enjoy it. Heard someone called out "kickjazz!". Turned around and saw Dasher with friend standing nearby checking out the band. I waved to him before continuing our final stretch back to CBD. It was great running in Esplanade (as compared to the usual Marina South Park). There are more things to see here, managed to look out at the beautiful skyline (Fullerton hotel and all the tall buildings behind it), the air was cool and the breeze made the run so much more relaxing and enjoyable. Besides, able to see the many SGRunners that somehow I haven't seen for a while (has it been so long ? Or have they just become so much a part of me ?) just puts a smile on my face. I always feel a sense of warmth & a feeling of being very blessed whenever I am able to run with friends, and bump into friends along the way. This happened during the Demoralising Run when I met Mythos, and tonight again when I see so many of the SGRunners (Cokiee, sv, IMD, Dasher, Mrs Tekko etc.)
Divey & I finally returned back to my office building 1hr 13mins later. Not having teelee (the human footpod around) nor a real footpod (Divey wasn't wearing hers), we were not sure about the distance we have covered. Both of us reckoned that we were running a little faster than usual (aiya, both of us thought the other was picking up pace when both of us were actually just trying to keep up with the other!!! It took us about 30 mins into the run before we asked each other whether the pace tonight was somewhat faster than usual! *faintzzzz*). Our best bet would be something between 10 and 11km. That's a comfortable distance for me considering I already did about 18km the day before. Definitely an acceptable distance for Divey considering she already ran in the morning! *faintz*
All in all, a very good and relaxing run. Its all thanks to the haze that we start to take more notice about our environment, and the air around us. Not to take things (and people) for granted. I was happy and glad that the sky was clear last night, there wasn't a burnt smell lingering in the air. Divey commented that she was able to run better and feel better. The view of the skyline was awesome (not the clearest, not the best, but definitely much much better than when PSI was above 100!!!). These are things we ought to give thanks to :)
After shower, Divey was so kind that she insisted on accompanying me for dinner. Having a strong craving for hot soup, we headed for Lau Pa Sat. I ordered fish slice soup + mee sua and Divey one popiah. We then had a very very lousy Cheng Tng from LPS. The ingredients were sooooo STALE that it actually tasted very bad! We left most of the ingredients untouched. What a disappointment! The ingredients tasted so bad I was worried I might get a tummyache!
A BIG THANK YOU to Divey gal for accompanying me for the run & dinner tonight! It was a very enjoyable and relaxing run and dinner. :)
Back to my earlier mention about giving thanks to clear air. In a more philosophical mood now ..I wanted to say that we should also be reminded to be thankful for the people around us. And thankful for what we have.
I am thankful that
We started off earlier than the usual CBD run (about 10-15 mins before 7pm) and saw quite a number of runners all going for their run. Think the hazeless clear sky gets those itching for a run to bank on this opportunity to run.
We ran the usual CBD route, but instead of going to the boring Marina Jetty, we turned into the Marina City Park, to the sun-dial, and up the Sheares Bridge. Since we started early, the Marina route was still pretty bright and getting up the Sheares Bridge was easy. As we were running at Esplanade, Divey spotted Cokiee running towards. Wow, this guy runs 3 times in a row! We were calling out to him but Cokiee was like in his own world and didn't realise we were talking to him until seconds before he passed us -_-". Divey then recalled that tonight is the RL run and the next thing we saw IMD (hoooray!!!! megahunk!! :P), sv and many others. We even saw this live band performing outside of Esplanade, but not quite sure what kind of music they were playing though Divey seems to enjoy it. Heard someone called out "kickjazz!". Turned around and saw Dasher with friend standing nearby checking out the band. I waved to him before continuing our final stretch back to CBD. It was great running in Esplanade (as compared to the usual Marina South Park). There are more things to see here, managed to look out at the beautiful skyline (Fullerton hotel and all the tall buildings behind it), the air was cool and the breeze made the run so much more relaxing and enjoyable. Besides, able to see the many SGRunners that somehow I haven't seen for a while (has it been so long ? Or have they just become so much a part of me ?) just puts a smile on my face. I always feel a sense of warmth & a feeling of being very blessed whenever I am able to run with friends, and bump into friends along the way. This happened during the Demoralising Run when I met Mythos, and tonight again when I see so many of the SGRunners (Cokiee, sv, IMD, Dasher, Mrs Tekko etc.)
Divey & I finally returned back to my office building 1hr 13mins later. Not having teelee (the human footpod around) nor a real footpod (Divey wasn't wearing hers), we were not sure about the distance we have covered. Both of us reckoned that we were running a little faster than usual (aiya, both of us thought the other was picking up pace when both of us were actually just trying to keep up with the other!!! It took us about 30 mins into the run before we asked each other whether the pace tonight was somewhat faster than usual! *faintzzzz*). Our best bet would be something between 10 and 11km. That's a comfortable distance for me considering I already did about 18km the day before. Definitely an acceptable distance for Divey considering she already ran in the morning! *faintz*
All in all, a very good and relaxing run. Its all thanks to the haze that we start to take more notice about our environment, and the air around us. Not to take things (and people) for granted. I was happy and glad that the sky was clear last night, there wasn't a burnt smell lingering in the air. Divey commented that she was able to run better and feel better. The view of the skyline was awesome (not the clearest, not the best, but definitely much much better than when PSI was above 100!!!). These are things we ought to give thanks to :)
After shower, Divey was so kind that she insisted on accompanying me for dinner. Having a strong craving for hot soup, we headed for Lau Pa Sat. I ordered fish slice soup + mee sua and Divey one popiah. We then had a very very lousy Cheng Tng from LPS. The ingredients were sooooo STALE that it actually tasted very bad! We left most of the ingredients untouched. What a disappointment! The ingredients tasted so bad I was worried I might get a tummyache!
A BIG THANK YOU to Divey gal for accompanying me for the run & dinner tonight! It was a very enjoyable and relaxing run and dinner. :)
Back to my earlier mention about giving thanks to clear air. In a more philosophical mood now ..I wanted to say that we should also be reminded to be thankful for the people around us. And thankful for what we have.
I am thankful that
- I'm healthy (though FAT) and happy (well, at least I try to most of the time).
- I've a wonderful mom & sis and family (who puts up with all my stupidity, nonsense, idiosyncracies, bad temper etc. and the list goes on)
- I've wonderful friends who care about my well-being. (Who check on me occassionally, who knows what to say when I'm down, who is just THERE for me when I need them) I know that if I were down and I call for help, I know who to call and that they will be there for me as long as it is within their capability to do so.
- I've SGRunners (who has SOOOO many wonderful people with SOOOO many positive traits of their own. I have found all these traits in the short span of time that I have known SGRunners : humourous, considerate, kind, cheerful, fun-loving, understanding, altruistic, generous, strong, motivated, disciplined, patient - and the list goes on) There are just so many things that I can learn from them.
- last but not least, I'm thankful that today is FRIDAY. :)
Busy week
A busy week at work because I'm on course the whole week. The course is really intensive and leave me no time to day dream nor check my emails even in between breaks. However, I like this course very much as this is one course that I have been hoping to take but been procrastinating. Thankfully procrastination pays off here else I would have plonked in $4K for this course if I were to take it on my own!!
Anyway, this explains why I've been so busy too ...
Missed the CBD run on Tues due to my less-than-satisfactory mood on Tues and also coz of the haze .... Received this very unpleasant work email early on Tues morning that got me really demoralised and down-hearted. Threw me off course completely, especially since it was sent by the top management. Haizzzz .. such is life. But well, I have gotten over it by now ... The haze was very bad on tuesday though and it just seemed to get worse as the day progresses. By the time it was 5+pm, and as i looked out the window, the buildings across looked so hazy ...
Ended up working til 8+pm that night .. bummer
Managed to squeeze in a run on Wed morning to make up for my missing the CBD run. The haze is normally not as thick nor bad in the mornings, so I figured I will have to do more early morning runs for the next couple of days (hopefully not weeks!!! *prays hard*). But whether I have the discipline to wake up early to run so often is another thing altogether. If anyone wants to run early in the morning in CBD, or to run from HSP to CBD, plss let me know in advance (if u dun mind me tagging along at a slow pace that is!!!)
At the work front, feeling damn crap. The course, although very interesting, is making me lose all confidence in myself. I feel TOTALLY STUPID & RETARDED in the course. We have to take loads of mock tests during the course (about 6 to 9 tests per day!) and I scored soooo badly yesterday (not that the other days I was doing really well) while the rest of my course mates were cruising along scoring very well! What is wrong with me??? Why is my stupid brain sooooo slow in comprehending the concepts ???? Why am I not getting the concepts right?!?!? WHY WHY WHY!? Just feel really crappy, and with the loads of work piling up and the tons of emails I have got to clear, I just feel even more demoralised, dejected and unhappy. A very lousy Wednesday for me. Meeting up with Divey & Roentgen for lunch provided such a respite from the unhappiness I was going through. (Roentgen ? Lunch ? Coz Roentgen was on leave on Wednesday and just had to try the Annie's Ice Kacang that we so often mentioned and so arranged to have lunch with us so that he could try the famous ice kacang. Unfortunately, the ice kacang at Tanjong Pagar market was really a disappointment. So not worth the hype. But nevermind, let's leave this to be covered in the food blog. Akan Datang)
Alright, I have vented enough for now. I just hope today will be kinder to me. Really hate this "I-AM-FREAKING-STUPID-AND-RETARD" feeling that is eating me up. Just hope my little RETARD brain can work a little better today .... pray hard for me
Gosh, I can't wait for the weekend to be here ....
RETARD&STRESSEDJazzy
Anyway, this explains why I've been so busy too ...
Missed the CBD run on Tues due to my less-than-satisfactory mood on Tues and also coz of the haze .... Received this very unpleasant work email early on Tues morning that got me really demoralised and down-hearted. Threw me off course completely, especially since it was sent by the top management. Haizzzz .. such is life. But well, I have gotten over it by now ... The haze was very bad on tuesday though and it just seemed to get worse as the day progresses. By the time it was 5+pm, and as i looked out the window, the buildings across looked so hazy ...
Ended up working til 8+pm that night .. bummer
Managed to squeeze in a run on Wed morning to make up for my missing the CBD run. The haze is normally not as thick nor bad in the mornings, so I figured I will have to do more early morning runs for the next couple of days (hopefully not weeks!!! *prays hard*). But whether I have the discipline to wake up early to run so often is another thing altogether. If anyone wants to run early in the morning in CBD, or to run from HSP to CBD, plss let me know in advance (if u dun mind me tagging along at a slow pace that is!!!)
At the work front, feeling damn crap. The course, although very interesting, is making me lose all confidence in myself. I feel TOTALLY STUPID & RETARDED in the course. We have to take loads of mock tests during the course (about 6 to 9 tests per day!) and I scored soooo badly yesterday (not that the other days I was doing really well) while the rest of my course mates were cruising along scoring very well! What is wrong with me??? Why is my stupid brain sooooo slow in comprehending the concepts ???? Why am I not getting the concepts right?!?!? WHY WHY WHY!? Just feel really crappy, and with the loads of work piling up and the tons of emails I have got to clear, I just feel even more demoralised, dejected and unhappy. A very lousy Wednesday for me. Meeting up with Divey & Roentgen for lunch provided such a respite from the unhappiness I was going through. (Roentgen ? Lunch ? Coz Roentgen was on leave on Wednesday and just had to try the Annie's Ice Kacang that we so often mentioned and so arranged to have lunch with us so that he could try the famous ice kacang. Unfortunately, the ice kacang at Tanjong Pagar market was really a disappointment. So not worth the hype. But nevermind, let's leave this to be covered in the food blog. Akan Datang)
Alright, I have vented enough for now. I just hope today will be kinder to me. Really hate this "I-AM-FREAKING-STUPID-AND-RETARD" feeling that is eating me up. Just hope my little RETARD brain can work a little better today .... pray hard for me
Gosh, I can't wait for the weekend to be here ....
RETARD&STRESSEDJazzy
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Joining the HIP crowd
Yeah, haven't been blogging much because I haven't been able to find time to. After just ONE day of being a "tai tai", I had to pay my dues (somehow) and was left with no time for anything else including blogging. So I will just get my myself up-to-speed with my blog by having a summary of what went on in my life for the past week ...
Anyway, after the foot reflexology, I had this nagging pain on my left toe and had to miss the Mid Autumn Lantern Run on Fri (6 Oct) nite. *Cry cry*. But managed to go back home and rest my body, though I didn't get to sleep early ... You can read more about the run here and here and here...
Saturday (7 Oct)
Met up with Divey & Roentgen at Vivocity for the movie Little Miss Sunshine. Woo hoo! The day of the soft launch and we, being in the HIP crowd (hahaha), managed to have a look around Vivocity. Very big but unfortunately not many of the shops are open yet. The only few miserable eateries there were thronged with people, so we ended up having our lunch at the Harbourfront food court (wanted to eat at Spizza but horrors of horrors, they told us they were closed for lunch!! -_-" and apparently this isn't the normal practice for all their branches because the next day we passed by Spizza at the Killiney branch and they were still open for business at 3+pm!)
Little Miss Sunshine was an entertaining movie. A movie about how each member of the family has their own issues to handle (don't we all yah?) and though I wouldn't say they resolved their issues by the end of the movie, but a trip that they took helped to bring them all closer together (as a family) and also maybe to learn a little bit more about themselves and their family. A good show, with lots of laughs.
The Vivocity theatre is nothing much to rave about though. The seats were too upright and just doesn't give that comfy feeling sitting on it. The theatre we were in was a tad small though, but it didn't spoil the experience of the movie lah. No complaints there.
Junie later joined us for dinner at .... Patara Fine Thai @ Tanglin Mall. Wah! Super upmarket siah .... the food is good, YUMMILICIOUS but definitely jiak buay bah for a glutton like me! So after lots of discussions and consulting the Makansutra book in Roentgen's car, we finally decided to head to Bedok food centre for more food! :P We ordered the cheng tng from the Hollywood desserts stall, some chwee kueh and popiah. The cheng tng is not as fantastic (I prefer the one at Changi Village - the one with sweet potato!! YUMZ!) but the chwee kueh & popiah are good!
Sunday (8 Oct)
We were all worried about whether the run could proceed what with the deterioriating air quality (the PSI on Sat hit 150!). So several of us agreed the night before to meet online at 6am to confirm whether the run was on at BG (even engaging Roentgen for the sight and smell air-quality-test!) After lots of out-of-topic chatting, online-poll etc., we finally decided that the haze looks in control enough for us to run at BG (our alternate run route would be in Changi where we gathered the air would be slightly better amidst the greenery).
The turnout at BG was small this time round, I bet the haze drove many indoors ? Majority of the group (speedsters mostly!) covered about 17km (with some others like Charlotte who already covered additional mileage BEFORE the BG Run *faint*) in time for the talk that Tekko had so kindly organised. When Divey, Junie, Roentgen & I returned from our run (long after the rest have cooled off!), I saw Tekko looking good just arrived with boxes of bao for all of us so that the group can munch on something while listening to the talk. WOW! What a considerate & generous guy Tekko is!! *Thunderous applause* Roentgen & I needed to cover additional mileage. Me coz I have to make up for my lost run on Fri nite and Roentgen because he would be flying off for his holiday and needed the extra mileage. So off we & Junie went. Doing an additional 12km, with Roentgen leading the way. Junie & Roentgen even "threatened" to run all the way to Little India (to soak in the sights -__-") much to my repeated protests :P
By the time the 3 of us returned (I was really pon chet by then!!!) 3hrs 40mins and 28.5km later, the gang just finished their talk. We showered and left for Adam food centre (as the nearby Food Haven was closed) for our brunch. Food was dismal and the drinks (the gang ordered fruit juice and I a lime juice) were TOTALLY DISAPPOINTING!!! A total rip off ! My lime juice tasted like plain water. We were sooo not patronising that shop ever again! (for those who are thinking of going to Adam Food Centre, be wary of the fruit juice stalls. Taz highly recommends the Sugarcane Plant shop and Roentgen highly recommends the dessert stall (cheng tng) right beside this Sugarcane Plant). I will definitely want to go back there to try the dessert! :)
Anyway, after the foot reflexology, I had this nagging pain on my left toe and had to miss the Mid Autumn Lantern Run on Fri (6 Oct) nite. *Cry cry*. But managed to go back home and rest my body, though I didn't get to sleep early ... You can read more about the run here and here and here...
Saturday (7 Oct)
Met up with Divey & Roentgen at Vivocity for the movie Little Miss Sunshine. Woo hoo! The day of the soft launch and we, being in the HIP crowd (hahaha), managed to have a look around Vivocity. Very big but unfortunately not many of the shops are open yet. The only few miserable eateries there were thronged with people, so we ended up having our lunch at the Harbourfront food court (wanted to eat at Spizza but horrors of horrors, they told us they were closed for lunch!! -_-" and apparently this isn't the normal practice for all their branches because the next day we passed by Spizza at the Killiney branch and they were still open for business at 3+pm!)
Little Miss Sunshine was an entertaining movie. A movie about how each member of the family has their own issues to handle (don't we all yah?) and though I wouldn't say they resolved their issues by the end of the movie, but a trip that they took helped to bring them all closer together (as a family) and also maybe to learn a little bit more about themselves and their family. A good show, with lots of laughs.
The Vivocity theatre is nothing much to rave about though. The seats were too upright and just doesn't give that comfy feeling sitting on it. The theatre we were in was a tad small though, but it didn't spoil the experience of the movie lah. No complaints there.
Junie later joined us for dinner at .... Patara Fine Thai @ Tanglin Mall. Wah! Super upmarket siah .... the food is good, YUMMILICIOUS but definitely jiak buay bah for a glutton like me! So after lots of discussions and consulting the Makansutra book in Roentgen's car, we finally decided to head to Bedok food centre for more food! :P We ordered the cheng tng from the Hollywood desserts stall, some chwee kueh and popiah. The cheng tng is not as fantastic (I prefer the one at Changi Village - the one with sweet potato!! YUMZ!) but the chwee kueh & popiah are good!Sunday (8 Oct)
We were all worried about whether the run could proceed what with the deterioriating air quality (the PSI on Sat hit 150!). So several of us agreed the night before to meet online at 6am to confirm whether the run was on at BG (even engaging Roentgen for the sight and smell air-quality-test!) After lots of out-of-topic chatting, online-poll etc., we finally decided that the haze looks in control enough for us to run at BG (our alternate run route would be in Changi where we gathered the air would be slightly better amidst the greenery).
The turnout at BG was small this time round, I bet the haze drove many indoors ? Majority of the group (speedsters mostly!) covered about 17km (with some others like Charlotte who already covered additional mileage BEFORE the BG Run *faint*) in time for the talk that Tekko had so kindly organised. When Divey, Junie, Roentgen & I returned from our run (long after the rest have cooled off!), I saw Tekko looking good just arrived with boxes of bao for all of us so that the group can munch on something while listening to the talk. WOW! What a considerate & generous guy Tekko is!! *Thunderous applause* Roentgen & I needed to cover additional mileage. Me coz I have to make up for my lost run on Fri nite and Roentgen because he would be flying off for his holiday and needed the extra mileage. So off we & Junie went. Doing an additional 12km, with Roentgen leading the way. Junie & Roentgen even "threatened" to run all the way to Little India (to soak in the sights -__-") much to my repeated protests :P
By the time the 3 of us returned (I was really pon chet by then!!!) 3hrs 40mins and 28.5km later, the gang just finished their talk. We showered and left for Adam food centre (as the nearby Food Haven was closed) for our brunch. Food was dismal and the drinks (the gang ordered fruit juice and I a lime juice) were TOTALLY DISAPPOINTING!!! A total rip off ! My lime juice tasted like plain water. We were sooo not patronising that shop ever again! (for those who are thinking of going to Adam Food Centre, be wary of the fruit juice stalls. Taz highly recommends the Sugarcane Plant shop and Roentgen highly recommends the dessert stall (cheng tng) right beside this Sugarcane Plant). I will definitely want to go back there to try the dessert! :)
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
A day in the life of a Tai Tai ...
Decided to escape from one day of work ... and book myself into a spa.
Was doing some research on the Internet early in the morning morning (while the rest of my Singapore is getting ready for work/school) to hunt for good spa deals. Found a few and they are mainly for a 1 or 2 hour spa retreat and costs like $250+++. Thankfully for Charlotte who told me about this spa @ Paragon that her friend had been to.
At a price of $176, Ananda @ Paragon offers the following in their Deluxe Day Package:
I called them up and got to know about this 30% discount that ends today! Wow! Am I lucky or am I lucky? Got to the place at about 10:30am and wow, place is big and quiet. I was shown into the ladies area and asked to change.
Not one who frequented a spa (only been to a massage once or twice), I was totally lost as to what I was suppose to do. I think the staff there (whom I ended up asking what I'm suppose to do, where I'm suppose to go) was really amused that I could be so ignorant that I actually caught her laughing to herself (when I turned around to look at my surrounding) -___-" But that's ok lah, as I age I just get more and more thick skin. Such reaction from others don't faze me no more :P
So finally tried out the jacuzzi. It was very relaxing!! But I started to get uncomfy after like 15 mins so left to try the sauna (lasted for like less than 10mins) and the steamroom. I had the entire spa place to myself (HEAVEN!!!) and just had the peace and quiet there, being in my own thoughts, sorting out my messy brain. Doing some "housekeeping" of my thoughts, dumping some of the old thoughts and basically just stone.
Next I proceeded to the lounge area (see the pictures) where a movie was playing. Aside from this other lone person (a guy - and I was thinking the place is for females only!!! Seems a little odd walking around in my robe with some strangers in the same room!!! *faint*), I was the only person around. Shiok!!! I plonked myself down in one of those couches and immediately someone came over to cover my legs with a blanket and asked me for my order (for food). Made my order (see below for the menu) and settled down comfortably with my book in hand. Unfortunately my bliss was short-lived as it was quickly interrupted with the emergence of 3 women (haiz, 3!?!? confirm noisy one lah!) yakking away, ordering variety of food to try etc. -_-" They were showing the movie Face Off, which I was completely disinterested in (hello, how dated can they be ? Should at least show some latest blockbuster ba?? Big minus point), so continued with my book until it was time for my foot reflexology session (an additional treatment that I requested). The reflexologist came over and gave my feet a good massage (painful at times of course! and actually woke me up from my slumber! OUCH!!). This was then followed by a body massage. By the time I returned to the lounge, was rather disappointed to see that the lounge is half filled. There were a group of men seated around a table discussing (work), so it wasn't half as tranquil as the morning. I just tried to read my book and fell asleep for a while before i woke up with an aching butt (well, goes to show the couch wasn't all that comfy!!). Tried to read somemore, order more food (FAT!!!) and even got online to chat on my pocket MSN. Also to cancel my running that night with my running mates as I was basically too nuah the whole day. After all the pampering, the last I would want to do is to go for a run and negate all the goodness that I have had showered on my body (excuses excuses! :P). Thankfully my running mates were all very very understanding and didn't beat me up for it (and yes, I did say the run is tentative lah :P) and was even influenced by my nuah-ness and all decided not to run and instead to meet up for dinner instead (hooray!) at The PS Cafe @ Paragon. We even managed to lure 2 others to foresake their Thur run/exercise and to join us for the dinner (*evil luff*).
Menu
Soup
Cucumber Soup
Salad
Crab Stick Salad with Thai Dressing
Lychee & Prawn Salad with French Dressing
Starter
Kaige Tempura
Fried Wanton
Main Course
Nasi Lemak
Peanut Porridge
Cantonese Style Fried Noodles
Dessert
Brownie
Mix Fruit
Mooncake
Hagen Daz Ice Cream
Chocolate
Midnight Cookies
Beverages
Fruit Juice
Milo
PS: Note that I listed these out from memory. Just showed how good my memory is when it comes to food! :P
Check out the food blog soon for Part II of my day - Dinner at The PS Cafe
Yumzzz!
TaiTaiJazzy
Was doing some research on the Internet early in the morning morning (while the rest of my Singapore is getting ready for work/school) to hunt for good spa deals. Found a few and they are mainly for a 1 or 2 hour spa retreat and costs like $250+++. Thankfully for Charlotte who told me about this spa @ Paragon that her friend had been to.
At a price of $176, Ananda @ Paragon offers the following in their Deluxe Day Package:
- 45 mins spa (choice of shiatsu / Aromatherapy body massage)
- Use of their spa facilities (shower, jacuzzi, steam room, sauna)
- Free-flow of food (will list down the menu later)
- Free movies
I called them up and got to know about this 30% discount that ends today! Wow! Am I lucky or am I lucky? Got to the place at about 10:30am and wow, place is big and quiet. I was shown into the ladies area and asked to change.
Not one who frequented a spa (only been to a massage once or twice), I was totally lost as to what I was suppose to do. I think the staff there (whom I ended up asking what I'm suppose to do, where I'm suppose to go) was really amused that I could be so ignorant that I actually caught her laughing to herself (when I turned around to look at my surrounding) -___-" But that's ok lah, as I age I just get more and more thick skin. Such reaction from others don't faze me no more :P
So finally tried out the jacuzzi. It was very relaxing!! But I started to get uncomfy after like 15 mins so left to try the sauna (lasted for like less than 10mins) and the steamroom. I had the entire spa place to myself (HEAVEN!!!) and just had the peace and quiet there, being in my own thoughts, sorting out my messy brain. Doing some "housekeeping" of my thoughts, dumping some of the old thoughts and basically just stone.
Next I proceeded to the lounge area (see the pictures) where a movie was playing. Aside from this other lone person (a guy - and I was thinking the place is for females only!!! Seems a little odd walking around in my robe with some strangers in the same room!!! *faint*), I was the only person around. Shiok!!! I plonked myself down in one of those couches and immediately someone came over to cover my legs with a blanket and asked me for my order (for food). Made my order (see below for the menu) and settled down comfortably with my book in hand. Unfortunately my bliss was short-lived as it was quickly interrupted with the emergence of 3 women (haiz, 3!?!? confirm noisy one lah!) yakking away, ordering variety of food to try etc. -_-" They were showing the movie Face Off, which I was completely disinterested in (hello, how dated can they be ? Should at least show some latest blockbuster ba?? Big minus point), so continued with my book until it was time for my foot reflexology session (an additional treatment that I requested). The reflexologist came over and gave my feet a good massage (painful at times of course! and actually woke me up from my slumber! OUCH!!). This was then followed by a body massage. By the time I returned to the lounge, was rather disappointed to see that the lounge is half filled. There were a group of men seated around a table discussing (work), so it wasn't half as tranquil as the morning. I just tried to read my book and fell asleep for a while before i woke up with an aching butt (well, goes to show the couch wasn't all that comfy!!). Tried to read somemore, order more food (FAT!!!) and even got online to chat on my pocket MSN. Also to cancel my running that night with my running mates as I was basically too nuah the whole day. After all the pampering, the last I would want to do is to go for a run and negate all the goodness that I have had showered on my body (excuses excuses! :P). Thankfully my running mates were all very very understanding and didn't beat me up for it (and yes, I did say the run is tentative lah :P) and was even influenced by my nuah-ness and all decided not to run and instead to meet up for dinner instead (hooray!) at The PS Cafe @ Paragon. We even managed to lure 2 others to foresake their Thur run/exercise and to join us for the dinner (*evil luff*). Menu
Soup
Cucumber Soup
Salad
Crab Stick Salad with Thai Dressing
Lychee & Prawn Salad with French Dressing
Starter
Kaige Tempura
Fried Wanton
Main Course
Nasi Lemak
Peanut Porridge
Cantonese Style Fried Noodles
Dessert
Brownie
Mix Fruit
Mooncake
Hagen Daz Ice Cream
Chocolate
Midnight Cookies
Beverages
Fruit Juice
Milo
PS: Note that I listed these out from memory. Just showed how good my memory is when it comes to food! :P
Check out the food blog soon for Part II of my day - Dinner at The PS Cafe
Yumzzz!
TaiTaiJazzy
Mooncakes ...
Mooncakes from Li Bai, Raffles Hotel, Raffles The Plaza, Marriot Hotel - i have had the privilege to sample from these hotels. But I have to say, although I have a very sweet tooth, I still have not acquired the taste of all these high class mooncakes. I find them too rich, too dense, and toooo exotic in taste to my liking.
I still like my traditional, cheapo mooncakes that can be easily bought from some of those age-old traditional cake shops. Few weeks back The Sunday Times Lifestyle section had a feature on the top few traditional mooncake shops, but I lost the article. Thankfully with a stroke of luck, while talking to cfred, he helped me track down the same article online!!! THANKS cfred!!!!
So here it is, the traditional mooncakes. Thanks to aichai who so kindly bought the CBD runners 2 boxes of the Da Zhong Guo mooncakes. THANKS aichai!! I have tried the top of the list. Will try to buy the teochew ones from Far East Square, Geylang Lor 27 and Beach road. I just love these mooncakes. Anyone else interested ? :)
MooncakeSiaoJazzy
I still like my traditional, cheapo mooncakes that can be easily bought from some of those age-old traditional cake shops. Few weeks back The Sunday Times Lifestyle section had a feature on the top few traditional mooncake shops, but I lost the article. Thankfully with a stroke of luck, while talking to cfred, he helped me track down the same article online!!! THANKS cfred!!!!
So here it is, the traditional mooncakes. Thanks to aichai who so kindly bought the CBD runners 2 boxes of the Da Zhong Guo mooncakes. THANKS aichai!! I have tried the top of the list. Will try to buy the teochew ones from Far East Square, Geylang Lor 27 and Beach road. I just love these mooncakes. Anyone else interested ? :)
MooncakeSiaoJazzy
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Expectation
Got this in my mailbox.
"When I expect to get something, I stop wanting it and begin NEEDING it in order to be happy."
I have learnt that expectation is such a DANGEROUS state of mind. When I start to expect, the whole frame of mind changes. From being appreciative of someone else's efforts (for doing something), it becomes expected behaviour. And when he/she does not live up to this expectation, everything just go downhill. Disappointment, anger, disgust, disillusionment, jaded, bleak .. and I get sucked into this realm of negativity.
So ... have to constantly remind ourselves not to expect. Be thankful if something turns out right (or at least what you think is right), and shrug off any nagative thoughts when it doesn't.
Is that easy to do ? I'm not sure, but worth a try :)
"When I expect to get something, I stop wanting it and begin NEEDING it in order to be happy."
I have learnt that expectation is such a DANGEROUS state of mind. When I start to expect, the whole frame of mind changes. From being appreciative of someone else's efforts (for doing something), it becomes expected behaviour. And when he/she does not live up to this expectation, everything just go downhill. Disappointment, anger, disgust, disillusionment, jaded, bleak .. and I get sucked into this realm of negativity.
So ... have to constantly remind ourselves not to expect. Be thankful if something turns out right (or at least what you think is right), and shrug off any nagative thoughts when it doesn't.
Is that easy to do ? I'm not sure, but worth a try :)
Angel of Blessing
A group of volunteers will be embarking on a short mission trip to raise funds and help in building homes for the needy in Batam this December. They need to raise $3500 by mid-Nov ...One of their fund raising efforts is through the sale of swarovski crystal angels.
More information can be found here.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Chai Tow Kuay cum Children's Day Run
Ok ok .... I know I'm too old to be celebrating Children's Day. But hey! there is a kid in everyone, so we are ALL entitled to celebrating that little kid in us. :P
A few of us were chatting few weeks back and somehow the chai tow kuay at Charlotte's place was mentioned. Always eager for food hunts, the foodies in us decided to do a west side run that Charlotte can bring us around the west and to end with CTK at her place.
We finally managed to arrange for this run to materialise this sunday and though many among us expressed interest in the run, only Charlotte, Roentgen & myself managed to go for this run. The rest were unfortunately unable to make it due to work committments, other prior arrangements & illness.
We met at Charlotte's place and started the run at about 6:45am. Roentgen & Charlotte were the ones that discussed & plotted the route while I was the one just happily and contentedly tagging along (this is the advantage of being a DR!! U are not required / expected to contribute when it comes to direction! :P)
Since I spent a good part of my life living in the West, I was very happy to run around the area. Reminiscing about the past, the good and not-so-good times. I wun attempt to describe the route we took but will just list down the major landmarks/places that I can remember we passed today.
Ngee Ann Poly
West Coast Park - it was still pretty early when we reached West Coast Park. There weren't many people there and one stretch of the park was really serene with trees lining both sides of the path. It was really peaceful just running past that stretch, how I wish that path goes on forever ....
Pasir Panjang Wholesale Mkt - used to go there with my mom when I was a kid. The exterior hasn't changed much though.
Pasir Panjang Food Centre - used to eat there a lot, liked their fried rice there. But heard from Charlotte they have moved ? The place seemed to be under construction now ..
Labrador Park - Almost tempted to share one curry puff between the 3 of us but thankfully we were disciplined enough not to let the sights of the good food derailed our run :P We ran up the mild slope (but super tiring nonetheless!!!) and were very pleased at what greeted us at the top. The sight and the very cooling breeze really made the climb up worthwhile! We were able to have a good view of the sea and the jetty and were elated that the jetty was accessible to public! (the last time I was there, the gate was closed and the signage on the gate explained that the gate would be open only at 9am). The 3 of us then walked down the stairs leading to the foot of the (hill?) and jogged along the jetty enjoying the cool fresh morning sea breeze. It is really very refreshing running there ... I felt at peace and calm
Alexandra Road - we stopped by the petrol kiosks to buy drinks, passing by Queensway Shopping Centre, IKEA, BMW showroom (my dream car is inside waiting for me!! :P), my alma mater
Botanical Gardens - Finally got a chance to run INSIDE BG! Met several high-powered people (one minister, one CEO of an IT company) and Roentgen even met his ex-colleague there *faint*
I always like BG, enjoy just walking inside the place, with its little structures that transports me back to the days when i was just a small little gal ... so glad that these little huts and structures are finally going to be preserved as part of our national heritage (Its about time!!!!)
Bukit Timah - passed by Coronation Plaza (again one of my old hangouts when younger). Along the way we passed by many a cafeterias. These are just little shops by the road, but they seem so hidden from the public eye. Somehow these shops (especially those just beside Coronation Plaza) made me feel like I'm overseas. Really have to make a mental note to go back to these cafe one day, just sit there and relax and watch the world go by. Think i will enjoy just bumming there. Along the way we also passed by this restaurant called Athens Restaurant. Hmmm, must try it since I have been wanting to go Greece for the longest time ever but never got around to it. Eating at Athens Restaurant will be the closest I can get to Greece for now :P
Finally reached back at our starting point 4 hours later, clocking 28 km. This run was 30mins longer than the previous week when we did the same distance during the Demoralising Run, but I think it could be attributed to the many traffic stops along the way, not forgetting the many other stops for drinks at 7-11, petrol kiosks etc. At one point we even ventured into the Cold Storage before Coronation Plaza. The Cold Storage there is big and quiet, looks like a really nice place to shop for groceries!!! :P
Of course, what is an LSD without a pig out session thereafter ? :P We proceeded up the food centre and ordered chai tow kuay, poh piah, chwee kuay & soya beancurd with dumplings. Unfortunately the chai tow kuay & chwee kauy were REAlly disappointing. Wanted to buy the MJK but it was closed! ARGH! What was lacking in the food was fully compensated by the good company. The three of us had a good time just chatting and talking nonsense.
After lunch, we parted ways and I headed straight to the office for a shower before rushing to HSA for my blood donation. In my haste I almost BT (bua toh)! Almost sprained my ankle when my right foot landed on the hole in between those cement slabs in the carpark, thankfully i am fine and only suffered some scratches on my right feet -__-" Am I clumpsy or am I clumpsy ???
By the time I got home, I was already 3/4 of a zombie ... legs were really tired ... managed to catch some sleep and by the time I woke up, was time for dinner. Yumz Yumz ... too bad dinner was also rather disappointing *ARGH!!!*
All in all a FANTASTIC day! Enjoyed the Sunday morning LSD, especially with GREAT company and interesting route.
THANKS again Charlotte for planning & leading us in this run!
*2 thumbs up* and thanks to Roentgen for picking me up at the Mac near to the start point so that I wun be lost! *bow*
Think Roentgen has a pretty interesting account of our run today. Read all about it here :)
ContentedButTiredKahSngJazzy
A few of us were chatting few weeks back and somehow the chai tow kuay at Charlotte's place was mentioned. Always eager for food hunts, the foodies in us decided to do a west side run that Charlotte can bring us around the west and to end with CTK at her place.
We finally managed to arrange for this run to materialise this sunday and though many among us expressed interest in the run, only Charlotte, Roentgen & myself managed to go for this run. The rest were unfortunately unable to make it due to work committments, other prior arrangements & illness.
We met at Charlotte's place and started the run at about 6:45am. Roentgen & Charlotte were the ones that discussed & plotted the route while I was the one just happily and contentedly tagging along (this is the advantage of being a DR!! U are not required / expected to contribute when it comes to direction! :P)
Since I spent a good part of my life living in the West, I was very happy to run around the area. Reminiscing about the past, the good and not-so-good times. I wun attempt to describe the route we took but will just list down the major landmarks/places that I can remember we passed today.
Ngee Ann Poly
West Coast Park - it was still pretty early when we reached West Coast Park. There weren't many people there and one stretch of the park was really serene with trees lining both sides of the path. It was really peaceful just running past that stretch, how I wish that path goes on forever ....
Pasir Panjang Wholesale Mkt - used to go there with my mom when I was a kid. The exterior hasn't changed much though.
Pasir Panjang Food Centre - used to eat there a lot, liked their fried rice there. But heard from Charlotte they have moved ? The place seemed to be under construction now ..
Labrador Park - Almost tempted to share one curry puff between the 3 of us but thankfully we were disciplined enough not to let the sights of the good food derailed our run :P We ran up the mild slope (but super tiring nonetheless!!!) and were very pleased at what greeted us at the top. The sight and the very cooling breeze really made the climb up worthwhile! We were able to have a good view of the sea and the jetty and were elated that the jetty was accessible to public! (the last time I was there, the gate was closed and the signage on the gate explained that the gate would be open only at 9am). The 3 of us then walked down the stairs leading to the foot of the (hill?) and jogged along the jetty enjoying the cool fresh morning sea breeze. It is really very refreshing running there ... I felt at peace and calm
Alexandra Road - we stopped by the petrol kiosks to buy drinks, passing by Queensway Shopping Centre, IKEA, BMW showroom (my dream car is inside waiting for me!! :P), my alma mater
Botanical Gardens - Finally got a chance to run INSIDE BG! Met several high-powered people (one minister, one CEO of an IT company) and Roentgen even met his ex-colleague there *faint*
I always like BG, enjoy just walking inside the place, with its little structures that transports me back to the days when i was just a small little gal ... so glad that these little huts and structures are finally going to be preserved as part of our national heritage (Its about time!!!!)
Bukit Timah - passed by Coronation Plaza (again one of my old hangouts when younger). Along the way we passed by many a cafeterias. These are just little shops by the road, but they seem so hidden from the public eye. Somehow these shops (especially those just beside Coronation Plaza) made me feel like I'm overseas. Really have to make a mental note to go back to these cafe one day, just sit there and relax and watch the world go by. Think i will enjoy just bumming there. Along the way we also passed by this restaurant called Athens Restaurant. Hmmm, must try it since I have been wanting to go Greece for the longest time ever but never got around to it. Eating at Athens Restaurant will be the closest I can get to Greece for now :P
Finally reached back at our starting point 4 hours later, clocking 28 km. This run was 30mins longer than the previous week when we did the same distance during the Demoralising Run, but I think it could be attributed to the many traffic stops along the way, not forgetting the many other stops for drinks at 7-11, petrol kiosks etc. At one point we even ventured into the Cold Storage before Coronation Plaza. The Cold Storage there is big and quiet, looks like a really nice place to shop for groceries!!! :P
Of course, what is an LSD without a pig out session thereafter ? :P We proceeded up the food centre and ordered chai tow kuay, poh piah, chwee kuay & soya beancurd with dumplings. Unfortunately the chai tow kuay & chwee kauy were REAlly disappointing. Wanted to buy the MJK but it was closed! ARGH! What was lacking in the food was fully compensated by the good company. The three of us had a good time just chatting and talking nonsense.
After lunch, we parted ways and I headed straight to the office for a shower before rushing to HSA for my blood donation. In my haste I almost BT (bua toh)! Almost sprained my ankle when my right foot landed on the hole in between those cement slabs in the carpark, thankfully i am fine and only suffered some scratches on my right feet -__-" Am I clumpsy or am I clumpsy ???
By the time I got home, I was already 3/4 of a zombie ... legs were really tired ... managed to catch some sleep and by the time I woke up, was time for dinner. Yumz Yumz ... too bad dinner was also rather disappointing *ARGH!!!*
All in all a FANTASTIC day! Enjoyed the Sunday morning LSD, especially with GREAT company and interesting route.
THANKS again Charlotte for planning & leading us in this run!
*2 thumbs up* and thanks to Roentgen for picking me up at the Mac near to the start point so that I wun be lost! *bow*
Think Roentgen has a pretty interesting account of our run today. Read all about it here :)
ContentedButTiredKahSngJazzy
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)