Words of Wisdom

A person of authority just told me this ...

Focus on your strengths and not on your weaknesses

I find that consoling and a breath of fresh air. I've been with bosses who harp on one's weaknesses and not focus on the strengths. And that is truly very very demoralising and makes one lose the drive, motivation and confidence. Hence I'm comforted by those words. They may not mean much ... but it says a lot about his outlook.

Hey Hey!

Another upbeat song that helps keep my heart pumping ...

Girlfriend lyrics by Avril Lavigne.

Hey hey, you you
I don't like your girlfriend
No way, no way
I think you need a new one
Hey hey, you you
I could be your girlfriend

Hey hey, you you
I know that you like me
No way, no way
You know it's not a secret
Hey hey, you you
I want to be your girlfriend

You're so fine
I want you [to be] mine (it sounds like "I want you mine")
You're so delicious
I think about you all the time
You're so addictive
Don't you know
What I can do
To make you feel alright
( alright alright alright)

Don't pretend
I think you know
I'm damn precious
And hell yeah
I'm the mother fucking princess
I can tell you like me too
And you know I'm right
( I'm right I'm right I'm right)

She's like so whatever
You can do so much better
I think we should get together now
And that's what everyone's talking about

Hey hey, you you
I don't like your girlfriend
No way no way
I think you need a new one
Hey hey, you you
I could be your girlfriend

Hey hey, you you
I know that you like me
No way, no way
You know it's not a secret
Hey hey, you you
I want to be your girlfriend

I can see the way
I see the way you look at me
And even when you look away
I know you think of me
I know you talk about me all the time
Again and again
( Again again again)

So come over here
And tell me what I wanna hear
Better, yet, make your girlfriend disappear
I don't wanna hear you say her name
[ Girlfriend lyrics found on http://www.completealbumlyrics.com ]
Ever again
( Ever again again again)

She's like so whatever
And you can do so much better
I think we should get together now
And that's what everyone's talking about

Hey hey, you you
I don't like your girlfriend
No way, no way
I think you need a new one
Hey hey, you you
I could be your girlfriend

Hey hey, you you
I know that you like me
No way, no way
You know it's not a secret
Hey hey, you you
I want to be your girlfriend

In a second you'll be wrapped around my finger
'Cause I can, cause I can do it better
There's no other, so when's it gonna sink in
She's so stupid, what the hell were you thinking?

In a second you'll be wrapped around my finger
'Cause I can, cause I can do it better
There's no other, so when's it gonna sink in
She's so stupid, what the hell were you thinking?

Hey hey, you you
I don't like your girlfriend
No way, no way
I think you need a new one
Hey hey, you you
I could be your girlfriend

( No way No way)

Hey hey, you you
I know that you like me
No way, no way
You know it's not a secret
Hey hey, you you
I want to be your girlfriend

Hey hey, you you
I don't like your girlfriend ( No Way!)
No way, no way
I think you need a new one (Hey!)
Hey hey, you you
I could be your girlfriend ( No Way!)

Hey hey, you you
I know that you like me ( No Way!)
No way, no way
You know it's not a secret ( Hey!)
Hey hey, you you
I want to be your girlfriend ( No Way!)

Hey Hey!

I Resign

Very nice read ...

Everything

I just feel happy listening to this song

Michael Buble – Everything lyrics

You're a falling star, You're the get away car.

You're the line in the sand when I go too far.
You're the swimming pool, on an August day.
And you're the perfect thing to say.

And you play you're coy, but it's kinda cute.
Ah, When you smile at me you know exactly what you do.
Baby don't pretend, that you don't know it's true.
Cause you can see it when I look at you.

[Chorus:]
And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times
It's you, it's you, You make me sing.
You're every line, you're every word, you're everything.

You're a carousel, you're a wishing well,
And you light me up, when you ring my bell.
You're a mystery, you're from outer space,
You're every minute of my everyday.

And I can't believe, that I'm your man,
And I get to kiss you baby just because I can.
Whatever comes our way, ah we'll see it through,
And you know that's what our love can do.

[Chorus:]
And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times
It's you, it's you, You make me sing
You're every line, you're every word, you're everything.

So, La, La, La, La, La, La, La
So, La, La, La, La, La, La, La

[Chorus:]
And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times
It's you, it's you, You make me sing.
You're every line, you're every word, you're everything.
You're every song, and I sing along.
'Cause you're my everything.
Yeah, yeah

So, La, La, La, La, La, La, La
So, La, La, La, La, La, La, La

Scope of Work

I have been plagued by this unhappiness at work on and off for many years now. In fact, since I started work. Somehow, I'm never totally happy with what I'm doing. I just don't get the sense of satisfaction and achievement from the work that I do.

Perhaps I'm just way idealistic, always thinking I will find passion in my work (that's what I always imagine my adult life to be when I was young) and so I was utterly disappointed in how my life is going in a totally opposite direction. That sucks.

There were periods of decreased misery and as I reflect, those times coincide with my changing of department (hence learning the ropes) or when I was busy getting some major projects launched. I suppose when I'm too busy, I lack the time to ponder. Time passes faster, and I question myself, and my life less.

This dis-satisfied, questioning, restless, wondering, pondering, unhappy episode is again repeating itself and I know if I don’t “learn the lesson” and alter the course of my career / job, this will just keep coming back to haunt me. No matter how I change my job, after a while, I will still face the same demons. So now what ?

I had a chat with a trusted colleague last night on my way home and through talking to her, I was able to verbalise some of my thoughts. She was also frank in sharing some of her observations about what nature of job might suit me:

1. I know that I’m really not keen in the kind of IT job I’m doing now. (But if I don’t do IT, what else can I do ?? I still need to feed the family)
   


2. I don’t really enjoy talking to people. I prefer to be given a piece of work, and just work on it quietly in front of the computer. I realise interaction kept to the minimal works best for me. I’m the type who if given the choice to discuss via phone or email, I tend to opt for the latter. But I force myself to use the phone sometimes to ensure no miscommunications arise via email etc.
   


3. In view of (2), I was thinking perhaps R&D work may work better for me ? Or perhaps as a technical writer ? The former will likely require me to have higher qualifications (PHD ?) and the latter, don’t know much about it but does it mean a steep pay cut ?
   


4. Routine work bores me and makes me restless. Do it once I’ll have the drive and motivation. Do it again I will feel the slight boredom. Do it the third time ? No thanks.
   


5. Colleague came from an MNC and said I should get some exposure to global work. That might give me some chance to see how other countries work etc. It might interest me.
   


6. Maybe I should return to studying for a while ? Or maybe since I go to the gym so often, why not just join as their support staff ?? Hahaha … hand out the towels and sign in the members at the counter. Learn to make some small talk, some bantering … :P


7. Oh perhaps I will just take a few months to travel around (and waste more $$???!!) and just work and play ... now they have this Holiday-and-Work scheme in SG, and I think some other countries have that too ...
   

A friend I talked to tried to explain my lousy feeling about whatever job that was given to me. He said it is all in the scope of work, not so much my bad attitude. (No don't worry, I'm not absolving myself from all sins. I know my flaws and there are TONS of them) So I’m trying to figure out what scope of work will align with my character. I know I will not be able to find a job that I’m happy with 100%, but I should at least be happy doing 80% of the work, instead of the current 100% unhappy with what I’m doing.

So, before I take the plunge, can I request for you to send me your job scope (via comments or email), so that I have a sense of what all you out there does for a living. I am just keen what others are doing. What is offered out there so that I can go out with my eyes wide open ?

Do send me a note, will appreciate your contributions!

THANKS ! *bow*

Hot Springs Therapy

*alarm rang at 0620hrs*
*about to wash up when phone rang*
Y : "Its raining leh, how ? "
Me : *rushed to the windows and see that all is calm and no signs of impending rain* "no leh, its clear here"
Y : "Very heavy here .. don't think it will stop anytime soon"
Me : "Ok lor, call me if you decide to run later"
Y : "I'm going back to sleep then"

I don't like to return to sleep once I'm up (especially not on a weekend :P). So continued to wash up and seeing that the sky is brightening very beautifully without any rainclouds, I decided to head out for my run.

*phone rang at 0700 while I was wearing my shoes*
Y : "Let's run. Give me 30 mins"
*HOOOOOOOORAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!*

Ho seh! So gonna have a running kaki for the run this morning!! Was feeling tired and not sure whether I will be able to run so was definitely glad for some kaki company and hopefully will help spur me to run.

Today Y suggested we run to Sembawang where the hot springs is. Since I've never been there, I'm all game to check out the place. Y started very strong and I was very worried that I will ponchet too early in the run, so had to constantly remind him to slow down. We ran up Yio Chu Kang Road, into Jalan Kayu (really dislike running up the slopes there, without proper pavement and cars zipping past while other vehicles try to reverse out of those lots beside the roti prata stalls / cafes). We ran past the Seletar Airbase, along this little stretch parallel to the expressway, and just slowly trotted along the narrow path before turning into the airbase where the narrow roads made running almost dangerous. We have to be alert and to constantly watch out for the oncoming traffic, thankfully for Y who was leading the way and alerting me to keep to the side of the road each time an automobile approaches.

The route to the lower pierce reservoir seemed never ending. Didn't recall it to be such a long stretch ? But thankfully as we were running at a comfortable pace, and also taking walk breaks, the stretch wasn't too tiring. It was made even more enjoyable due to the beautiful day with clear blue sky and white clouds, and the occasional private jets that fly past. Looking up, they look like toys in the clear blue sky, very nice!

Got to the reservoir and was surprised by the tranquility of the place. Apart from a few joggers, the place was deserted. This isn't how I remember this place. Probably also because we got here later than the previous times, we didn't get to see people buying fresh "seafood" which I suppose were caught illegally by some of those enterprising "fishermen".

We continued on out of the reservoir, running along this stretch that opened up to civilisation - Yishun estate. We were blessed with pretty good weather. Bright but not too sunny so we weren't tortured by the intense heat even though we started our run much later today. We stopped at the first coffeeshop along the way for water and bio break before continuing on. In order to cover more mileage, we took a detour around the Yishun Park. The slow pace & 10 mins run / 2-3mins walk helps a lot and I don't feel the lethargy settling in (really have to apologise to Y for slowing him down !! Hope I didn't spoil his run :P). Near the hot springs, Y asked whether I want to take the 10min route to the hot springs, or to make a detour which will cover another 3-4km. I decided on the former (dun wanna over do it and I need to take care of my legs!) and was glad I chose that option because Y disclosed (much later) that the detour would mean conquering some steep slopes! -_-" want me to die issit? :P

We ended our run at the junction between Sembawang & Gambas Ave and took a leisure walk to the army camp which housed the hot springs. Quite interesting to see that they had built a pathway that led to the hotsprings. They have opened the hotsprings to the public and hence the pathway and the area around the hotsprings were well barricaded with barb wire fencing the area. I was relieved to see that the hotsprings was also deserted and there were only one lone ah pek and a couple soaking in their respective tubs of hotspring water.

The water from the hotspring was piped into three taps which was then used to fill the many pails (and tubs). There was even a bathtub at one corner which the lone ah pek was later seen enjoying a hot soak inside! Y was well prepared for the trip and brought along towels for the both of us (thanks for being so thoughtful and even brought one towel along for me!!!! *bow*). We took off our shoes and soaked our tired feet in a hot tub and just rested there while using the towel to clean ourselves. It was really shiok to have the warm towel over our faces, almost transported me into when you first hop on an airplane and the pretty stewardess will come around to hand each of the passengers a warm towel. Shiokz!!! It was really really enjoyable and refreshing to be soaking ourselves after a run. We spent like 45mins there before reluctantly leaving the place to head to Chong Pang village to fill our hungry tummies.

The brunch was dismal. We got to this coffeeshop and saw many people buying from this fried bee hoon stall. Y tried out the stall and found the food nothing to rave about. By the time he finished his food, we already saw 2 long queues forming at their stall!!! Dunno what's the deal really ..
My brunch was yucks too. The food was really the only disappointment this morning.

THANKS to Y for taking me to hot springs today. Sua ku me finally get to check out the place, and enjoyed the hot water therapy. I'm sure my legs are faring better after the soak! :P

So tired now, later how to go out ? :P Think I'm gonna sleep ...

SG Arts Fest

Anyone keen ?

I Want To Go!!!!

there!!!

Nice Lunchie

Someone happen to be around the vicinity so jio-ed me for pig out *hoooray* ... already packed my bag to go swim ... but weak mind me was already feeling so sian ... so happily agreed to go pig out ...

Place: River Valley Nasi Padang
The last time I was there was many moons ago ... anyway ...

Look at the wide spread of food .... we got all excited and decided to order loads!

But when the food came .... seemed like we didn't order a lot leh :P




It was nonetheless a very enjoyable and happy meal. Was just feeling a bit crappy at work (no thanks to my own bad attitude) and the lunch was a good reprieve. The chicken was good, the veg was so so only but the getting out of the office area, and the chit chat sure made up for everything.

Thanks for the company! I needed the break :)

Homecoming

My good friend aka brother aka lokun aka old bones aka Roentgen is back from his holiday with wife & family in US. Wah, bet he must be feeling super f**king blue about being back to reality :P

Nonetheless, good to have you back, Roentgen!

Eh .... actually I didn't blog for nothing lah .... where are our gifts ?? :P

Mood Lifter

Received some unexpected gifts yesterday. In the bag of goodies were:-
- 2 curry puffs
- 3 packs of snacks (v expensive ones leh, I normally no heart to buy that snack coz it costs too much!)
- 1 lovely card with a very very beautiful letter in it
- 1 cute little bookmark. Soooo cute!!

The card was lovely and I was quite surprised by what it said. Didn't know that very little gestures / things I said didn't go unnoticed by her. Not that I want them to be noticed lah, but just a little surprised that it made a little difference to her ? I'm glad that however small/little I have done, helps (if at all).

Its also a very LONG time since I received a hand written letter. Somemore a very neatly, carefully & beautifully written letter. I can tell that lots of thoughts have been put into writting the letter and I really appreciate the efforts put into it. I didn't know how to react to such a nice letter though. I'm still trying to think of how to respond to such a nice letter, but frankly no words I say will be able to do the work. Perhaps a real hug for this lovely friend will say a thousand words ? :)

To this kind, beautiful & thoughtful friend who gave me this unexpectedly pleasant & mood-lifting gifts, who must have put in lots of effort to write the letter, I just want to say a big big THANK YOU for the snacks and most importantly the card and letter. It warms my heart that you care and that you treasure this friendship. I am very touched and I am very happy that this friendship means as much to you as it does to me. I have seen too many friendships fail me and I'm actually very jaded. But the letter and card truly gave me renewed hope. Thanks dear! (I know you do not want to be named, so I shall leave your name out :))

PS 1: I really understand what you want and there isn't any misunderstanding nor unhappiness :)
PS 2: The puffs, they were REALLY yummy!!!!!!! *drooooool*

Fat me

Been just eating and eating and more eating. And the bad habit gets worse at night! I'm not hungry but I just keep reaching for snacks. And more snacks. And yet more snacks! Damn! I'm looking more and more like Lydia Sum each day ...

Went for a spin during lunchtime yesterday. Just needed to get out of the office and forget about how life is ... Got on this bike which the resistance I'm unfamiliar with. A little turn up and it got really tough ... but a little turn down and it gets too easy. And it has to be the day that one of my fav instructor, Faye, has to "pick" on me. "J, turn up a little", "Well done J, don't give up now!", "J, you can do better!" I was only feeling that I'm getting the hang of spin classes and now I feel like I'm back to the first day back in spinning class. I felt sooo tired after the 2nd song, and by the 3rd I was hopelessly breathless!! *pant pant* *sweat buckets*

Nonetheless, its a good workout to ease myself back to another few hours back in the office, and to make up for the thousands of calories that I put inside me. I know I'm hurting my body but I just can't stop. ARGH! I can sense my body breaking down from all the unhealthy sinful things that I subject myself to. Fats should be dangerously high and bad cholestrol must have skyrocketed.

I think I need to check myself into some real bootcamp. To be tortured.

Tummy Bootcamp

Officer: Kops
Cadets: Taz, Bala & myself

After our kayaking, Kops gamely brought us to this place in Sembawang for dinner. None of us knew where he was taking us but just followed in his car. We got to this industrial park type coffee shop near Yishun/Sembawang where Kops said served good thai food. Inside, only the thai stall (Taste of Thailand) was open. Quite a few tables were already taken up but as we were still considered early, we didn't had difficulty getting a table. We left the ordering to Kops while Bala & I took a couple of pics of the place.

The food was served very promptly and we tucked in right after Bala took pics of each of the dishes. Among the four of us, we had a deep fried fish, calamari, pineapple rice, tom yum soup, claypot toufu and vegetables. Food was good. The deep fried fish, though super sinful, is nice. Super deep fried and dipped with the chilli sauce is mmmmmmmm. Aiya, had to say it wasn't a good choice for dinner because, Taz, still not fully recovered, couldn't take deep fried stuff while allergic-to-seafood Bala couldn't take the calamari & tom yum. So ended up piggy me & Kops had to eat most of the food while the 2 other boys just pick at theirs.

Kops suggested chong pang nasi lemak for our 2nd round and Taz said he would have some hand-made chee cheong fun at the stall right beside it. When we got to the nasi lemak stall, which was tucked in some corner at the end of a stretch of shophouses near Chong Pang, Kops quickly queued up for the nasi lemak while Taz went to check out the CCF stall. Unfortunately, the stall wasn't open and Taz & Bala ordered their teh & kopi while Kops & I queued for the nasi lemak. Since Taz didn't want to eat nasi lemak, we decided to abort this operation and head to Casuarina for some home-made CCF.

So there we went again, with Kops speeding down to Casuarina. Alas, the CCF wasn't open too!! Taz figured they only operates for breakfast. Wasted!! We ended up at Kovan Ah-Lee-San for some comforting muay. Well, at least we know that when all else fails, this stall will definitely be open (well, at least until 1am according to their signboard). Had 3 plates of vege & a plate of duck meat. I love the vege!! :)

We concluded our dinner with dessert at the nearby Selegie beancurd. I was absolutely stuffed after the soyabean drink that I really felt like puking! But it was really fun & enjoyable to just go for these food expeditions with the boys. All chin chai, all willing to jiak a bit and try ...

THANKS for the very nice company guys! Was an enjoyable dinner, what with the travelling around to hunt for food, and not forgetting the illegal parkings that Kops did (at every stop!)... all in the name for food! :P

Water Time

Seeing that paddling in circles is not going to help me join the boys for their expeditions in future, angel Taz di di jio-ed me for some kayaking fun & to help me with my kayaking techniques.

We met up past noon and head to Beach Road army market first for some tummy exercises. Taz decided to join the queue at the Chung Cheng chilli mee / prawn mee stall. Out of convenience, and also to give this much raved about stall a try, I asked Taz to order a bowl for me.

When my chilli bee hoon came, I was alarmed at the quantity of bee hoon given. Later realised Taz had ordered the bigger serving of $3 (instead of the usual $2 I think). Didn't find the food spectacular. Ok lor, the dry bee hoon is actually quite bland even with the chilli added. The chilli is NOTHING to rave about. Not spicy nor fragrant. I really dunno what's the deal with this. Perhaps I didn't order the right thing, but anyway, good that I tried because at least I can strike this off my list of things to try liao.

Ok enough of food... back to the Kayaking ...

It was a really bright, cloudless and sunny day. I could feel my skin crying out in pain about the impending harsh beating it was gonna get under the merciless sun. At the road junction on our way to the Kallang Basin, we saw Kops & Bala at the opposite side of the road. They were on their way to the market for their lunch break from their 2-star kayak course. As I passed Bala in the middle of the road, he was excitedly telling me that I should have joined them as the Dancer was easier to handle than the 1-star Bandit! (zhun bo?????) -_-"

We rented our kayaks from the office. The guy attending to us happened to be one of my instructors (the cool one with shades) from the 1-star course. I decided to sign up for a 3 year membership since its cheap ($30) and that i would be able to rent kayaks at a much cheaper rate. Hopefully the membership will force me to practise more often and hopefully know how to paddle straight! :P

Heeding Taz's advice, I tried the Shalom which he said is much easier to handle than Bandit. He reassured me that there is NO way I could go in circles in that one. Ok, try I shall. No harm rite?

Di di was really really nice lor, helping me with everything. Teaching me how to get into the Shalom and PATIENTLY (and I really really mean PATIENTLY) guiding me, correcting my strokes and super encouraging throughout. True enough, the shalom is much easier to handle (more comfy too!! so spacious!!). However, I still have difficulties manuevuring in it. I keep spending most of my energy and strokes just trying to correct my direction and I just felt oh-so-tired after a short distance. Hence I ended up resting after every few strokes (-_-") and poor Taz had to stop and keep me company instead of paddling more and exploring the area.

With Taz's help, I managed to struggle all the way out to Sheares' Bridge. Wah! So happy! Like what Taz said, it is Sheares' Bridge seen from a different perspective. So true!!! Always seen Sheares' Bridge from running along Esplanade, or crossing the bridge previously during the CBD runs and last year's AHM. This is the first time I get to see Sheares' Bridge from below, from the waters! Its really one of the main highlights of the day!! :)

For a 1-star kayaker, the rule is NOT to cross any bridge. The bridges form the boundaries for the 1-star kayakers in Kallang Basin. So we turned back to return to Tg Rhu. The currents were stronger near the Bridge and I had to expend more energy paddling in. Many times I was pushed back towards the bridge. So tiring!!! Needless to say I was so relieved when I finally got near Tg Rhu (after lots and lots of breaks with me and Taz rafting up in our kayaks, under the hot sun and just chatting away). Despite the harsh sunlight, it was actually really nice just being out in the waters, doing nothing and just chatting and admiring the view. Looking back ... I still remembered from many years back when I first saw kayakers out at Tg Rhu, from my office window in Suntec. I was just so envious then and told myself how nice it would be to do that. I'm happy that I finally get to do that now. Beautiful.

While resting, there were loads of activities around us. There were many dragon boats out yesterday, and it was scary each time I realised I might be in their path and I frantically paddled out of harm's way :P They must be impatiently staring at this auntie trying so hard trying to paddle out of their way haha. Apart from the dragon boaters, there were also the 2-star kayakers and some other kayakers in very colorful kayaks. I wonder whether those were the 1-star kayakers, coz their kayaks look really nice, with bright purple, yellow and blue (i think). Very bright and chirpy colors that helps brighten the place.

We also watched the 2-star kayakers practising their capsize drills. Saw Kops & Bala with their respective buddies practising. Bala very lucky lor, got buddied up with the only gal in the course! *whistle whistle* Watching them from afar, I can only say I'm soooo relieved I'm not taking the course! Sure CMI lor! Somemore on the 3rd day they would be heading out for a 6km expedition. Think by the time they are back from their expedition, poor me would still be struggling at the 500m mark!!! If they had waited for me, think the 6km expedition would stretch to an overnight one! :P

I really really have to thank Taz di di for being so patient with me and helping to correct my strokes. Not only that, he was super encouraging !!! Reassuring me that I was doing alright, that I was improving etc. Really very encouraging lor!! With such a patient di di, how to not want to try harder so that I don't disappoint him ?? (hope di di isn't toooo discouraged with my performance lah :P hehe, dun worry, I will jia1 you2!!) Even though I ended up resting more than paddling, Taz just stayed with me to rest. Aiya, really a waste of his time when he could be paddling lor instead of just resting there ... *bow* THANKS TAZ!!!!

We returned to shore after about 3 hours and my legs were tired! I'm serious, I mean my quads were tired :P Struggled out of the kayak and Taz , still full of zest, just got me to wash up the paddles & pfds while he singlehandedly carried the shaloms back to the washing bay. Wah seh!!! champion lor! auntie here already bo lat liao!! :P Thanks Taz !!!

For this water time, I learnt that:

1. I shouln't be paddling using my arm strength(that's why I get tired so easily!). Instead, I should be activating my core and paddling by turning my shoulders. Me still trying to do this
2. To straighten my arms when I paddle. I tend to bend my arms
3. To dip my paddles closer to the kayak for my right arm
4. To sweep further out the kayak when doing my sweep, and not to dip the whole paddle into the water
5. My paddling strokes are very unbalanced which explain why I keep having difficulties going straight!! argh!!!!!

Ok, more water time necessary. Will I ever get the hang of this ? I dunno. Really feel v stooopid about not being able to get it! :P But nevermind, will just practise more and see how ba.

We washed up and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know what's to come ...

Gurkhas Run

Did a slow relax run today. Started at 7+ and decided to try a completely new route. Since I'm a DR, shall not even attempt to map out the route that I took :P

I did mainly run/walk for this run and hence was comfortable most of the way. However, have got to say that the walk breaks sometimes disrupted the run and it was very difficult to resume the run after the break in momentum. Need more practice!

Passed by AMK and ran underneath the MRT track. I didn't notice that there was this small kiddie-like running track on the pavement until this run! Though this wasn't my first run past this stretch, but it is the first time I do that during the day, guessed that's why I only noticed it now.

I passed by several stretches that I saw several men running strongly past me ... reminded me that someone has told me that Gurkhas like to run there. Wah seh, first time get to "run" with Gurkhas, but just not at their pace lor :P

Even passed by Mt Vernon. Not a place I like since it reminded me of death ... the place just has this eery feel to it. Oh, but then again, that was also near the place where I used to go for my pistol training & tests and got my marksmanship when i was back in secondary school.

Saw the housing for Gurkhas ... wow, they look nice. Not like the standard HDB flats. These look big, and at that area, it actually looks like a nice place to stay! Peaceful & away from the noise.

Ran past many many eateries along the way and it sure was a challenge not to stop & fill my greedy tummy :P Finally stopped about 1hr 45mins into the run. At the snail pace that I was going, I reckoned that I cover 12-13km max.

Walked to the nearest food centre for my breakfast. Initially wanted to have some real breakfast like mee jiang kueh with soya bean drink but they didn't have that. But I'm not complaining bcoz I found this stall that served foo chou fish balls with dry mee sua! Hooray!!! The serving was pretty small but it was enough to keep my tummy happy.

With a satisfied tummy, I slowly walked to the nearest mrt station. Wow, didn't know the area around the station is SOOOO happening! They have many small shops there, eateries, bakeries, tiny shops. Too bad I didn't have the luxury of time to stay there and explore the area more, but I shall do that one of the days after work! Just go there for dinner, R&R a little before heading home after a sian day at work. Should be good for my soul. After a brief exploration of the place, I took the train home.

Nice run. Shorter than last week, but that's ok. I must care for my legs.

Fragility of Life

Sorry, my post is always oozing with pessimism. What to do? I'm born pessimistic.

Just attended a used-to-be-close-friend's dad's wake last night. Haven't been in touch with her in months, and the one sms I received yesterday morning was her informing me of her dad's passing. I was shocked. I didn't know how to respond to her sms.

I went to the wake last night. I was worried about her mom coz naturally the wife would be worst hit. So I was very glad to see her doing well. She wasn't crying, was looking strong and was still joking and chatting with a friend. Putting up a strong front ? For him ? For the kids ? perhaps. My friend was looking ok too. She broke down momentarily several times, and we just held hands. I myself had to fight back tears countless times. I seldom have to attend someone's wake, someone whom I personally know. So mostly I'm not affected as much. But this time, her dad is someone I know. Someone whom I've visited few years back when he first had a heart attack.

The only solace the family had, was that he passed on peacefully. He just had a happy meal celebrating Mothers' Day with his wife, kids and grand-children. They were on their way home, to play mahjong, and were happily chatting away in one of his grand-child's car, driven by the grand-child's hubby, when he suddenly gone quiet. The grand-child immediately administered CPR and sent him to the hospital. The doctors tried their best, but had to let him go half hour later. Everyone was shocked, and naturally, the family wasn't able to handle the sudden loss.

By yesterday, think the reality has sunk in somewhat for the family members. However, we guessed the true test will come once the funeral is over. Once everything returns to its normalcy, that's when the pain will hit. We are worried it may hit the wife the hardest, when she is alone at home.

Sitting there, accompanied by one of friend's nieces, while the rest of the family attended to some funeral procession, I was just lost in the sadness. Quite emotional for me really, my heart goes out to them. And I can't help but think how alone I feel (yeah, how self-centred can I be? Thinking about myself again! but that's how i felt at that time), and how it would be ... when it is my turn.

Went home and poured myself a drink. Some ice cream and snacks later, I went to bed feeling less heavy hearted.

To my friend's dad Mr Lay, may you rest in peace.

Take Care

Everyone has their own lives to lead. Each has their own pain, sorrows, troubles, unhappiness, struggles, happiness, joy etc. Not all can be articulated and shared with closed/loved ones. Sometimes one doesn't even know where to start, what to say, or whether what one say will mean anything to others. Whether they will think much lesser of me, or whether I will be judged.

Sometimes one may share, but what can others do? I have my own issues. Big or small, its all in the perspective. Mine may not be big compared to others, but nonetheless they are still MY problems and I'm the one having to face it day & night. Others have their own, and regardless of the magnitude, its also a problem they have to deal with. Each has their own lives to lead. Own battles to fight.

What's my point ? Well, I just want to say that though I may not show it, though I may not express, but my friends, you are in my thoughts. I may not be able to help you with your problems, I may not be able to check on you often. I may not even be in the mood to ask about you all the time (and I don't want to too lest you get irritated by my constant asking). And sometimes I just feel so tired that I just may not do more (心有余而力不足) But I still want to say I can *mostly* (I'm not you, so it can't be 100%) empathise with you and sincerely hope that you will be alright.

To all my friends, I wish for you peace & happiness, and that you will be able to cross whatever hurdles ahead of you. To see that silver lining, that (sometimes elusive) light at the end of the tunnel, and the beautiful rainbow (or two) after the rain.

And if you ever need a listening ear, just gimme a tinker. Till then, here's wishing anyone reading this a good day / evening ahead.
:)

Drinks Fix

I've been wanting a good old drink the past week. Finally got my fix (or two) the past 2 days.

Was at NTUC @ AMKHub on Fri nite and saw this small version Choya. It costs $7.90. Walked further down the aisle and saw the original size Choya at $29.90. Aiya, might as well get the big bottle. More wu hua rite ? Drank Choya neat when I got home and while watching some late night TV. Wah, quite therapeutic actually. It didn't feel like much when I was drinking it, only felt the effect when I got up to go wash up. My face was flushed when I looked into the mirror. Lobster KJ.

Was at Wala Wala @ Holland V for drinks early last evening. Since it was 1-for-1 during that time, we ordered beer (dunno what red wine to order, and thought to just heck it and drink some beer instead). Ordered the Erdinger Dunkel & Erdinger Kristallklar. I only managed to empty less than half a glass. Didn't drink it fast enough and the beer had turned warm, so it was yucky to drink. For the next 2 rounds of the beer, I drank at a faster pace, and with some snacks to munch on, I managed to down another 2 beers. Haven't drink in a very long time, can't hold my liquour liao ... just a bit and I could feel the effect. Lousy lousy! Almost embarrassing to be seen there all sleepy (yup, that's what alcohol does to me - drowsiness) when I only drank a little bit of beer. Sia suay lah!

But it was good to drink and nuah at the place while it was still quiet. Crowd hasn't come it yet as it was still too early and people were probably still enjoying their dinner. We just chilled there and watched ESPN sports. Caught the motorcycle races on TV. Quite interesting seeing these racers just doing laps in the circuits at over 300km/hr. We were wondering how the F1 race would be like when it comes to SG next year. Without a circuit, and deafening noices generated by these superhorsepowered race cars, where would the spectators be ? How dangerous would it be ? I'm keen to go watch, but would I ?

Anyway I digress. Yup, got my alcohol fix. Still have more than half a bottle of Choya in the fridge. Can get my fix anytime liaoz

Priceless

I wanted to catch the movie Priceless and again thanks to someone who didn't mind watching a possibly chic flick, we headed to Vivocity to check on whether we would be lucky enough to catch the 1+pm show.

I was prepared not to be able to catch the movie considering we didn't make any booking, and seeing the snaking queue at GV Vivo just didn't boost my confidence! Thankfully friend has the Visa Platinum and we joined the Visa Platinum Priority queue. Hooooray!!!! (Now I'm motivated to get meself a visa platinum too!!!) We managed to get ourselves decent seats 6 rows from the screen, near the aisle but thankfully the theatre was a small one so no complaints where we were seated.

The movie, a French film, was a romcom (romantic comedy) starring Audrey Tautou (from the Amelia fame) & Gad Elmaleh. An easy and engaging movie powered by a strong cast led by these 2 actors. The actor, someone whom I'm unfamiliar with, turned out to be an extremely good actor. I wouldn't say it is a must watch, or that it is a movie that leaves you moved or anything like that. Nope, it doesn't. But it was a movie that lets me forget my troubles for a good one over hours, and with a few good laughs, I'm not asking for anything more. :)

Brunch @ PSCafe

I have wanted to have brunch at PS Cafe @ Harding Road (Dempsey Road) ever since I went there for xmas eve countdown 2006. (Wow! Time really flies!!!!)

Only managed to fulfill this wish after sooooo long, thanks to someone who didn't mind going with moi.

Our original intent was to go ECP in the mrn to chill but well, that didn't materialise since said someone was lazy -_-". Haha, didn't really bother me though coz cycling (or at least trying to) in ECP on a weekend really isn't appealing to me at all. I can't cycle well (can only go straight! -_-") and each time I see too many people/cyclists coming towards me I will panic and start to wobble on my bike. So I wasn't complaining when the ECP plan was canned and I planned my own run for the mrn.

We got to PS Cafe @ noon and the place was buzzing with activity. Thankfully there wasn't a need to wait for a seat (what a relief!!!!) and we were shown to this very nice corner in the air conditioned area in PS Cafe. Yay!!! Since I was with a "eat-to-live" kinda friend, I couldn't order loads of things to share. Interestingly both of us were undecided about which of the brunch set to order, and were both looking at the "Organic Muesli" & "Pancake with Stewed Apples". So no brainer, we ordered both to share.

I like both of them. The muesli dish is basically a bowl of cereals with greek yoghurt, honeydew, grapes & kiwi. Very healthy and yummy breakfast really. The pancake was a thick slab of warmly baked pancake with honey, prunes, stewed apples as the sides. Very nice too. I had a great time just chilling there, in the comfort of the air conditioned cafe, but able to enjoy the scenery outside since the cafe is like a green house. Quite a fair number of people (a mix of ang mos, a table of indians & some chinese) chose to sit outdoor. It was actually a very good day, bright & sunny which means freaking hot too! -_-" Anyway, I'm not complaining since I wasn't outside.

I thought glutton me would be able to order more after the mains but I was surprised that I was so stuffed after the muesli & pancake, that I wasn't keen to order anymore. Since the place was just too noisy to be able to chill for long, we left after our hearty brunch and head to Vivocity.

Though I enjoyed the experience, I don't think I will head there for brunch anytime soon. The brunch is just way too expensive for such simple fare. But I'm glad I finally was able to fulfil my wish to have brunch there. Its an experience I relish. :)

Solitude Run

My original intent was to drop my barang barang in the gym and head out for a run. However, the idea of running to Esplanade, Kallang Basin just didn't appeal to me one bit. My mind kept thinking about the tree-lined road along Upper Thomson, the stretch that always bring me serenity & solace. Since I woke up late anyway, made some last minute changes to my original plan (heck! skip the swim!) and decided to run near my place.

I wasn't confident about the run coz I no longer had the strong desire to run, and running alone will just make the distance and duration seem more daunting. Nonetheless, I had to run and reminded myself that I will go very slow. The objective today is to cover the duration (minimally 1 hour) and not the distance.

I kept to a very slow pace right from the beginning, even opted to walk up the stairs instead of run which I used to do in the past. I think I was doing close to 8min pace but I just kept reminding myself to go slow, that its ok. Ran past the usual Yio Chu Kang Road, Jalan Kayu bypassing ST Electronics, NCS Hub. As I ran towards ST Electronics, was thinking to myself whether I will again bump into this lone runner whom I thought looked like MP Teo Ser Luck. I met this lone runner the last time I ran along this stretch in the morning and I thought he looked like the MP, but I couldn't be sure. So as I was deep in my thoughts, I think I saw him again passing me. Ah well.

By this time I was about 20+ mins into the run. I continued on straight towards the Teacher's Estate. I find the estate very serene ... always wonder how nice it would be to stay there. Should be quite quiet and peaceful. The area looks like an enclave, hidden from the watchful eyes of others. I wonder whether the residents there behave like a community. The last time I ran past this area was at night, the estate looked even cosier at night ... awwwww .... *dreamy* ... ok, snap out of my dreams and I trotted on ...

Turned right at the junction, facing Casuarina. Casuarina always brought back memories of the first time I ran past the area and saw this HUGE pack of cyclists whizzing past. It was A SIGHT that til now seemed so fresh in my mind. Passing Casuarina & running along Upper Thomson Road gave me renewed strength as I knew my favourite stretch of the tree-lined road awaits. Yeah!!! So happy! The slow pace really helped me as I wasn't panting as hard and I wasn't feeling so jaded about running like how I felt in my previous few runs. In fact I managed to ease into a comfortable pace and able to get into this "zone" where I was deep into my own thoughts and not realising that I was running. When I snapped out of my zone, I realised I had covered some distance. Hmmm ... I like this feeling... makes running so less tiring!

As I started early, I wasn't attacked by the harsh sunlight and heat. The stretch of road was cooling, refreshing with minimal sunlight passing through the tree branches. I had planned to u-turn 40mins into the run so that I can head home in time, but my fav road proved too enticing and I just kept going, wanting to be able to cover more and enjoy this solitude longer. Finally hit Tagore Ave (which actually isn't very far from Casuarina), was gonna continue straight but was stopped by so many cars turning into Tagore Drive ... this is where the NTUC fairprice is (not sure whether that is their headquarters or what - Streetdirectory showed it as NTUC fairprice ctr). Hmm ... since its bright and early, I thought to might as well turn in to explore the area a bit. So I turned into Tagore Drive and carried on. There was a sign that warned of heavy vehicles (hmmm... must have some factories inside). There were many cars turning in (but not out) to the lane, probably many of them still work on Saturdays. There were some factories / companies that I saw further up on the right of Tagore Drive - Tagore Industrial Ave. I contemplated exploring the place but as it meant running up a pretty steep slope, and not knowing whether it would be wise for a lone female runner to be running into some remote industry area, I decided against the idea and just ran ahead to the dead end road and did a u-turn back out from where I came from. A short stretch of at most 1km but still nice to be able to cover new ground nonetheless!

As I returned to the main road, I plodded back where I came from. Time to head home, I shouldn't be running too far and too long. I must take care of my legs ... I was strategizing how I could reach home. I only u-turned at the 50min mark, which if I took the same time to return to the starting point, that would be 100min run. Thankfully I had $10 with me which I was prepared to flag a cab to get me home half way in my return leg. I was worried though that no cabs would want to ferry me as I was stinking and dripping with sweat from the run! Will be very paiseh to dirty someone's cab too! I was glad that the return leg wasn't as tiring and painful as I had expected and with a few walk breaks in between, I returned to the petrol kiosk which was just a stone's throw from my place. I ended my run there to buy a drink to hydrate. Felt very shiok from the run. Slow but satisfying for me.

Total run duration : 1hr 50mins
Total distance covered : no footpod. But I guess at 7:30-8min/km pace, that should work out to about 13-15km.

Just plotted the route on Streetdirectory. One way distance was about 7.4km. So if I just double it, it would be 14.8km.

Now What???

Great. When it rains, it pours ....
Woke up yesterday morning, tried to get up and felt a pull in the right shoulder as I was getting up. Think I pulled something ... darn ...

So now, cannot do BodyPump, cannot carry heavy things on my right ... and I can't even practise my freestyle ... win liao lor ...

#$*()(@#*&$#)@& This sucks big time ...

Should I see a doctor ? Should I see a sinseh ? Or should I just let it heal (if it does) on its own ??? Wait & see ? But what if it aggravates due to lack of (or delayed) treatment ?? Think I'm just paranoid ?
Argh!

TTMJazzy

JP Morgan Run 2007 (Updated)

Yup, I ran. Wasn't sure whether I was gonna run coz of the shin pain that was back to haunt me. But the tot of possibly catching some familiar sgrunner faces motivated me to just go for it.

Nope, didn't enjoy it. Too stuffy at some point, too siong for me (I wonder how I did 10km, 21km run in the past! I must have been possessed!)

Somehow I find that the turnout this year was very much less ? I was there at like 540 and the bridge was still pretty empty (my colleague felt the same way) and sure, it got progressively crowded as the time drew near but still, it didn't seem like a good turnout. There wasn't any hype or exciting music in the lead up to the run. Very dead and the MC was oh-so-boring!!!! I was like about to stand there and fall asleep. What's with this JP Morgan run ? Why such a disappointment ah ? Aiyo ...

Collected the T-Shirt. This year the size seemed so much bigger (or did I take the wrong size??). The M is so big ... so cham lor, cannot wear. But anyway don't think I want to wear it. Such an ugly lime green color and the material is lousier than last year. Think will require ironing after wash even. I like the previous year one, til now still wearing it. Find it comfy and best of all, it ... needs ... NO ... ironing!

Saw IMD across the road doing his warmup before the run. He seemed very focused and serious. Taking the run very seriously eh ?

Glad to also see Tekko & Tigger. Brought back good memories :) Good to see everyone doing well :)

Treats for Piggie

Thanks to someone for giving me these yummy treats ! Totally unexpected and made me luff when I opened up the package to discover the contents.

Say I fat and yet buy me all these sinful stuff -_-" You should be buying me Exitrim or those organic juices haha

Anyway, THANKS for the kind gesture :)

Should you get a new job ?

Your Job Satisfaction Level: 8%

Not only does your job stink, but you're probably also in the wrong career field. There's nothing worse then dreading that alarm clock every morning. Your work doesn't have to be your life, but you should at least enjoy it. It's time to try something very different. After all, you have nothing to lose!

Should You Get a New Job?

Remember that KJ, remember that ...