SSR!!

Super Slow Run!!!

Felt tired and breathless just after a few steps .... I just decided to slow down considerably and do a super slow jog. By the time I hit Queenstown, I had decided not to do my usual Tues route and go for the easier Thurs route.

Thankfully I felt much better with the slow run and decided to lengthen my distance a little.

Don't think I did 13km as indicated in the map ... prolly didn't map correctly.

Anyway, should be able 11+km 1hrs 24mins.

2 More Days ....

to the end of yet another year...

This year passed exceptionally fast.  I didn't achieve anything and another year has just passed me by.... geez.

My biggest regret this year would be not taking on any charity related project.  No fund raising, nothing.  Oops.

As for 2009.  I'm reflecting upon and questioning some of my beliefs.  

Perhaps I have been wrong all this while in some of my principles, my beliefs and its time to seriously reflect ....   

And I'm also relooking my priorities in life.  Its time to do some re-prioritisation ... and some personal house keeping.  There are so many clutter in me that I have to dump.  I just wish there is an easy way to do this emotional personal spring cleaning.

To a better year ahead !  Not just to me, but to everyone else :)

DE-Motivation

No LSD on Sunday.

I was just plain lazy .... and lack the motivation.

SO I told myself to run on Mon.

Mon came, and I just couldn't bring myself to run.

I'm really slacking !! I've no motivation to run at all.  Just feeling so damn sian.

Shit.

And I'm still pigging out like a hungry ghost ..... 

______________________________________________

One good thing that came out of this dreadful Monday is when I saw an old kaki at the gym during the lunchtime spin.  I was just in my own zombie mode, looking all black face and sian (especially when the class was led by this instructress that I simply dread) when I stumbled upon this old kaki.  That really brightened up the session.  I'm not being melancholic nor dramatic when I say I was really glad to see this kaki. 

Hope we will get to catch up again real soon ..... Its been too long .... 

______________________________________________

Hope I get back my motivation real soon .... its very easy to get used to slacking .... and I don't need that!

:(

SINful Food!!!

Been craving a lot for sinful food.  The deep fried stuff ... hahaha

So this is what I had in the past 24 hours ... 

Curry Favour

- Tonkatsu Jap curry 

- brownie ice cream 

Found that the serving for their dessert had reduced dramatically.  I don't recall that it was so pathetic a portion the last time I was there ... but then ... that was quite some time ago 

 

IKEA

Apart from the furniture, Singaporeans seem to flock to IKEA for the food.  Strange but true.  The cafe was packed when we got there before 7 and the snaking queue would have sure turned me off if not for the perseverance of companion.

But I have to say I'm really happy with my dinner.

The fries are so yummy - oh what comfort food!

The chicken wings yummilicious - I saw that every table would have a plate stacked with chicken wings .... some also da bao back ... and I have to say, its REALLY finger-licking good! 

I read about the cheese cake and for one who is not into cheese cake and would rarely (if not ever) order cheese cake voluntarily, found the cheese cake to be delicious too!

All in all a very nice meal.

And while we were paying for our merchandise, I found another long queue at the hotdog counter.   Recession or not, Singaporeans are constantly famished :P

Slack Week!

Didn't run the whole week!

Tues - rest coz of the ankle pain

Wanted to test run my new love on Wed but alas!  Woke up at 3 to hear the pitter patter outside ... Rained the entire xmas eve day!  Contemplated to run in the evening but just ... tooo ... LAZY!!  Anyway, it rained on and off

Thur - woke up and decided to heck it ... went back to sleep

Fri - FINALLY ran this mrn.  On my new WR11.  Sadly the pain on my ankle still persisted right after i laced up and started walking.  Had to loosen the laces to reduce the pain.

I still love the feel of the WR11.  Its much more comfy and light and I didn't face the "sole-scrapping-pavement" symptom I had earlier with Cumulus.  And I was somehow able to run slightly faster (though I slowed down considerably towards the end).

The same Tues route.  12km 1hrs 24mins.

Hope the pain subside real soon .... doubt I will do an LSD this weekend.  Might not even run !

Rest ba .....  

R&R

I had a good massage and rest today at a spa .... 

I need the peace and quiet and some pampering to calm myself down ... 

Thanks to a friend whom I met for lunch, for reminding me about this place

I shall go back there soon

I Can't Live Without You ....

And so I didn't dare to run this mrn.  I didn't dare risk it.  The odds of injuring myself are too high if I pressed on without listening to my body ... 

So I rested today and I feel at peace for letting my legs rest.  Hope I'll be better soon.

*cross fingers*

I decided to heed The Gifted's advice and went to Mizuno shop to look for my one-and-only.  I'm so glad they had my size and it was on 40% off for World of Sports member.  So I signed up to be a member.  (Anyone who needs to buy from WOS knows who to look for in future :)   Valid for one year only)

The Wave Rider 11 in the older color (my fav purple) is going for 40% off while the newer color (which I didn't think was that fantastic) would not enjoy the 40% off.  WR 12 would be out in Jan (according to the staff) but since I will not be able to enjoy the 40% off, I grabbed at the chance today.

So here it is .... 

Though I'm spending $$$$$ on another pair of shoes so close to my Cumulus, but I thought it is better than to get injured and have to lay off running yet again.  The positives far outweigh the cost ba ? I will have to alternate between Cumulus & WR.  Hopefully my legs will get accustomed to Cumulus in time to come ... 

So presenting my new love ... 

Loser ....

Sometimes really wonder what's the point ?

What's the point of working hard when you don't get appreciated

And all you get in return is more crap work (because the boss knows he can entrust the sai gang to you?) ... with little reward nor recognition .... 

And I am made to feel like I'm never good enough (though I think there are so many people around that simply CMI)

While these people need not prove themselves, I am constantly told that I have to ... in order to justify giving me the official title ... 

So I've been paid peanuts, to do the work of more senior staff, and at the end of the day, I'm told I'm not good enough (and yet the same kind of work gets piled onto my plate ?)

Where's the equity ?

I'm really really frustrated and jaded .... 

Feel like such a bloody loser ... I'm going nowhere in my job (i've long since not dared to use the word "career" since that is non-existent) and I'm not excelling in any other areas ....

So ... what am I if not a loser ?

Should I ??

Damn.  I think I'm injured :(

Shin been complaining on and off even while at rest and I had this pain when I put on my gym shoes for my spin during lunch.  I was limping coz the front of my right ankle hurts!  The same pain which prompted me to stop my run ytd, only today it had gotten worse.

WTF.

Wonder whether I should run tomorrow ...

I need the run coz I'm feeling down.  But I am afraid that I might aggravate the problem.

Rest or Run ?   

Guess I have to heed The Gifted's advice.  Rotate among several pairs of shoes.  Guess I have to burn another hole in my wallet with yet another pair.  Think I will go back to my Mizuno.

Ooo Yes, I'm THE Bitch

Fell asleep after lunch .... ooops, yes, I'm THE Pig too.  Woke up and decided to go for a swim.  

Got there and the pool was pretty crowded but still able to get a lane.  While getting ready, a bunch of ANs arrived.  That really really really spoilt my mood.  Yes, that's how racist I am and through the years this condition has just gotten worse.  Much worse.

I was really irritated by that bunch of them .... wasting space and polluting the waters .... so I kept as far away as I could and found myself a lane right at the other end of the pool.

Few laps into the swim, this lady decided to get in and stood directly in the lane I was in.  That really didn't help my mood lor ... I cursed in between gasps and tried to just ignore her inconsideration.  As the pool was already getting too crowded, she was really just getting in MY way.  At one point I had to stop as she was struggling right ahead of me.  The Bitch just rearer its ugly head.

After a few more laps, she was again blocking me and this time, I just lost it.  I just told her "this is my lane, could you pls .... " ... Yes, The Bitch had spoken.  I felt bad scaring that poor gal off, but I reasoned that seriously, anybody would have more cow sense than her.  

Anyway, I was glad that throughout the rest of the swim, she kept away and stuck to a lane next to me and progressively moved away as the crowd thinned.

Anyway, I swam more aggressively due to the irritation that built up right from the sight of those AN.

Yeah, I know this is getting a lil out of control.  I got to start getting my racism in check before it affects me too much.

This could become my new year resolution.  To be less intolerant (I couldn't bring myself to type "more tolerant") of AN.  

Anyhow Run

Sick of the usual route but couldn't decide where to run.  Since I have to be home on time, decided to stick to familiar ground so that I wouldn't waste precious time.

Started off feeling alright, surprised that the Cumulus felt light for the first time .... was thinking perhaps I'm slowly getting used to the shoes .... 

Got to Tanglin Road and instead of turning into Orchard, decided to alter my route somewhat.

Ended up doing loops in the River Valley area.... sigh, this DR is really hopeless.   Ran to the office before heading back via West Coast Highway.

Didn't manage to cover the intended 26km as I was completely washed out by the time I hit Vivocity.  Had to run-walk the distance and finally gave up when I got to Alexandra as my right ankle was hurting.  Sigh, Cumulus is really not suitable for me as I'm experiencing pains at odd areas which I never use to have with Mizuno.  :( 

Total distance 20.2km 2hrs 30mins.

Hope I'll do better next time .... 

I STILL Miss My Mizuno :(

Fourth run and yet still don't feel good.

All the old aches and pains still lingered .... outer shin pain, ankle pain ... 

I miss the comfort and snug fit of Mizuno ... the run just dun feel right :(

Thur run, 9km 1hr.

Should I return to Mizuno ?

I Miss My Mizuno

I don't think my feet agree with Cumulus. :(

My second run and I still lousy in this new pair. It feels heavy, the grip isn't as good and all the old aches and pain resurfaced :((((
Even some pain that I have not felt in a very long time such as ankle pain, right outer shin pain etc.
This is NOT good.
Felt like I've wasted money this time. Should I buy another mizuno ? :(
*sigh*

Again, didn't realise it was raining when I prepared for the run. Thankfully it was only a slight drizzle. The usual Tues route but it was a struggle. Must be the shoes, I felt crappy.

Hope I get used to the new shoes soon
:(

Goodbye Mizuno

Oh you have served me well for the past
9 months.

All the pounding, the rain, the sweat ... 

And now I have no choice but to let you retire

Thanks for the wonderful 9 months ... you have been my great companion 

Look at the state of my right sole. It is completely worn out ... sign of over-pronation

Cold Crap Run

Alarm rang this mrn and I thought it was time to wake up for work.  Took me a while to realise that its Sunday (YAY!!!!) and it was time for my run.

Somehow I wasn't psyched about the run, just felt tired and wasn't sure about the run.

As I was walking out I felt a few droplets and realised the sky looked gloomy.  Did my usual stretches and started my run.  I was struggling right from the start and by the time I got to Botanic Gardens i was panting.  Very bad sign.

The rain started to fall when I got to Orchard and so I slowed down even more as the pavement was wet and slippery.  I stopped to rest when I got to Selegie and was tempted to end the run.

I run-walked as much as I could and finally gave up near to Newton as the rain was getting heavier.  I tried to run in the rain but my body felt extremely heavy for my legs and it was cold with the rain pelting down ... I gave up and took a cab home.

Very crap run.  Don't think I cover 9km.  Haha ... nevermind, better run next time KJ.

And the funny thing is, my kahs are feeling sng now!!!  For less than 9km!   what's up with that ?!?!

Canele Patisserie

And I absolutely need to have my dessert ... even though we were both stuffed by the huge Jap dinner :P

So I brought my ex-colleague to the Canele.

Again it wasn't crowded even on a Fri nite .... prolly coz it was still early .... 

The dessert was alright ... we ordered a Strawberry Shortcake which my ex-coll wasn't very impressed with (he said he had had better -___-"), some chocolate royale which I liked and a Kalamansi Sorbet which was to help with our digestion :P

Nice place to chill on a fri nite ... 

Sugisawa Jap Restaurant

Met up with an ex-colleague for dinner on Fri nite.

He suggested Robertson Quay and so we headed there to find a dinner place.

Stumbled upon this jap restaurant with many Jap patrons so I said we will have our dinner there.  The restaurant couldn't go wrong if it has so many Jap customers.

Food turned out to be yummilicious.  We ordered sashimi (thick, fresh slices!), unagi sushi, tempura (prawn & vege), more unagi, pork and many more.  We really stuffed ourselves to the brim and I could hardly stuffed anymore by the end of the meal (a rarity!).

The place wasn't packed even on a fri nite ... but from the shelves of half-consumed wine bottles with names scribbled on the bottles, could tell that this place is frequented by regulars.

Very good food, but not very attentive waitstaff.  Ah well, can't ask for much can we ? :)

Close to $140 for the two of us.  Quite a spread and a hole in moi pocket haha

Cumulus Virgin Run

 So I took my new baby out for a test run this mrn.

I thought the shoes were light until i put them on and started jogging in them.

The shoes felt heavy, and I somehow kept scraping the soles of the shoes on the pavement. Must be the thicker soles that I wasn't familiar with.

I missed the feel of my Mizuno WR. It somehow felt much more comfortable and seemed a better fit for me .... :(
Guessed it would take me longer for me to get used to this new pair .... 

Did the usual Thur run, 9km 1hrs 3mins

Will need more short runs to "burn in" my new shoes ... 

ARGHHHHHHHH

Changed and getting ready when I suddenly felt VERY unwell.
Took a banana & milo and downed some pills ....

No choice but to abandon the run. Just glad that I wasn't on the road when it attacked.

So ... no run today .... arghhhhhh

Damn.

pravsworld

Received this from my user this mrn.

Its so true ... 

Many many more here ...

and finally ....

I got myself a new pair of running shoes.

Been procrastinating a lot about buying a new pair of shoes.  Initially wanted to buy back Mizuno WR just that I couldn't decide whether to get a bigger pair coz I earned myself 2 black toenails lately.  

Then I just kept going in my existing pair, contemplating, mulling, vacillating until I discovered that my current WR is pretty tattered.  I have worn off my outer right sole and I reckoned I'm just risking injury if I continue on in this pair.  Especially when I was told previously that WR isn't for distances upwards of 20km.

So .... since my lunch appt was cancelled today.  I decided to rush down to get a new pair.

And so this is my new babe - Asics Cumulus 10.

This is a wider width pair of Asics.  According to the guy Asics is trying to re-capture those NB who bought because of the wider width.  Not sure how true, but he said this is the wider version of Cumulus.  Since I have wide feet and bunion problem, I know I will need as wide a shoe (and yet feel snug like my WR) with sufficient cushioning (to alleviate any shin splints).

I paid a premium to get the advice on what to buy.  I know there will be many who will scorn at my "stupidity" for buying without discount.  But I went with my eyes open.  I could do what many people probably do; go there, seek advice, and head to Queensway to buy at a discounted price.   But I just can't bring myself to do that.  Its not doing this guy justice.

 

And so I'll have the motivation to bring my baby out for a test run this coming Thurs.  Let's hope I will break into them soon enough with no pain *cross fingers*

Tues Run

It was COLD this mrn!!!

Again almost overslept ... its almost getting to become a routine!!! Lazy Jazzy!!!

Did the usual Tues route.  Inconsistent pace today.  Was feeling tired, then got better and managed to push through a little before slowing down considerably and struggled for the last 3km or so.

Still managed to finish in about the same time though 1hrs 24mins.  Maybe I'm just imagining my own inconsistency ??? Odd.

Sun Run

While the half-marathoners were moving off the start line, I was just dragging my heavy and lazy self outta bed to start my run :P

30mins difference really made much of a difference.  I started at 7am, 30 mins earlier than last week, and the weather was kinder and I didn't suffer as much as last week.

Similar distance as last week.  Should be about 25km.  2hrs 55 mins.

Time to sleep.

SLACK!!!!

Suppose to run this mrn.

But ... 

I .... 

SLACKED!!!!

Just way too tired and I just couldn't bring myself to run.

All the sinful input and no output .... 

Obese Jazzy :P

Wedding

For me, attending wedding is NEVER a want, but an obligation.  And I ... just .... DREAD .... weddings.

But today is different.  Today is the wedding of my dear cousin.  Someone whom I never keep in contact (not directly at least), but whom he and his family will always be dear in my heart.  That's because I was taken care of by my wonderful maternal grandma who was staying with this family when I was younger.

His was a simple and tastefully done solemnisation and wedding reception lunch at Ritz Carlton.  I'm just very happy to see him happy and blissfully married.  Very happy for my auntie and uncle, who are getting on in age, and very pleased to see their youngest child doing well in life and getting married today.

My cousin gave a short but yet sweet speech to thank the family and friends.  But most important of all, he thanked our grandma for his upbringing, for the life lessons.  I do agree that its because of my grandma that he has turned out to be such a fine young man.  He is polite and respectful to elders.

One wedding that I am happy to attend, and I just wish them the very best.

I'm a happy gal today :)

Happy Birthday, TL!!!

Just wanted to wish my dear friend TL a very very happy birthday.

May you succeed in whatever you set your heart and mind to doing ... 

and enjoy good health, happiness and PBs always!

:) 

Thurs Run

I'm getting LAZY!!!!!
I was hoping for it to rain so that I can skip the run! :P

Anyway, I didn't. But started late as I lazed in bed for a wee bit :P

Ran the original Thurs route ... without the trip to Esplanade nor the loop (yes, lazy :P) ...

But was able to keep to a consistent pace.

Should be 9km 1hr.

Oh and I am getting so darn OBESE!!!

Tue Run

3 alarm reminders ... and a strong desire not to run ....

Somehow had that impending dread that the run would be horrid

Surprisingly the run turned out to be alright. Wasn't as bad as last week and the weather was kind

Finished the run in 1hr 22mins ... about 12km I hope

And ..... for all the runs, I'm putting on more coz of all the JIAKS !!! Input > Output definitely!!

Had another free lunch just now at Shokudo @ Raffles City.
To me food is so so, but the dessert is yummilicious! Luv the waffle! Warm and fresh and oh just so delic!

Going Digital

Read in the papers yesterday about this newly opened Market Place (by Cold Storage) @ Fusionpolis.  Their trolleys are equipped with a monitor that will show info relevant to the merchandise that u r near ... 

Obviously this is nothing exciting to some other countries who already have such technologies for a while (according to the papers).   Not only could the monitor show such info (such as recipes of the ingredients u r near), it could also tally the total amount of the stuff in your trolley.

Anyway, I headed to the gym for a swim despite my dad's condition.  Yah, the unfilial daughter ha! So had my usual swim and headed to the Market Place for a look see.

Though I had nothing to buy, I wanted to try out this trolley.

This is a snapshot of the monitor on the trolley.  As I passed the aisle of mushrooms and stuff, it showed up a recipe for some salad. 

Anyway, not much useful info for me since I don't cook.  But well, a nice experience.

The place was rather empty saved for a few other shoppers like myself and I had a relaxing time just walking up and down the aisles and immersing myself in the xmassy mood.  Nice.

SSSR

No mood to blog about the run.  Nothing much to blog also.

Similar route as the past few LSD.  To Newton, Bukit Timah and back.

Not sure whether it was the weather, or just lethargy but the run today was close to horrid.  Was a Super Struggling Slow Run!

I was dehydrated earlier than normal, and had many more water breaks than usual.  Not only that I was so tired towards the 2nd half of the run I was really contemplating on ending the run.  What kept me going was the dread I would feel if I were to quit halfway and I would have the same fear in my subsequent runs, about whether I would also end up quitting.  So I grit my teeth, ran like an old ah ma, walked when I had to, and painfully (figuratively) finished the run, albeit at a slower pace (8 mins longer) and shorter distance.

Shld still have covered slightly below 24km bah (i hope!).  2 hours 53 mins.

Sad Day

Its a sad day for us all .... that we have to lose one of our very own to the horrible Mumbai terrorist attack.

RIP to the over 100 lives that were so tragically extinguished in this latest attack.

______________________________________________________

I had a minor scare of my own today, when dad called me from the A&E.  From the very vague correspondence I had with the nurse, I only know that he had fainted.  How, why, when ? I do not know.  Rushed to the hospital and was forbidden from seeing him, but at least I was told he was fine.

Was told he was resting and that the hospital was waiting for the lab results and that they would call me once the report was out (which might be an hour or two's wait).  The wait turned from 2 to 3 to 4 hours .... anyway, am too tired by now and also do not wish to recount the lonely waiting ... 

I'm glad that my dad is fine.  Saw a family weeping away so that helped me put things in perspectives.  Was relieved only when I saw my dad, and he was able to recognise me.  

At least he's alright for now.  Just so happened my mom, sis & family had travelled to M'sia just this mrn.  In a way I'm glad too coz really wouldn't wish for my mom to worry unnecessarily over this.

 

Thur Run

I was rejoicing in my sleep when I heard the rain in the early hours this mrn. When the alarm went off at 5, I thought I was still hearing the rain pitter pattering outside. Unfortunately, it was just my imagination and so I had no reasons not to go for my usual run.

Ran the Tues route today since I didn't run that route on Tues. Weather was cool and nice and it was such a pleasant weather to run in. Again I would like to think I run hard today :P

Total distance should be 12+km 1hr 21mins.

What If ?

Was on my way home earlier and as I was steps away from the traffic light, contemplating on whether to cross as it was still the green man (non-flashing mind u), a van just whizzed past and beat the lights!!!

I was momentarily shocked by what I saw.  The left and right-most lane of the road were occupied except for the middle lane.  So it wasn't that the driver missed the traffic light!  There were cars on either side of the road that stopped for the lights.

I was sooo thankful that I and another young gal just two steps ahead of me had not started crossing the road then.  Coz if we were, either of us (if not both) would definitely had been hit!  It was a very scary thought.  And it wasn't like the light just turned favorable for us, it had been the green man for a while, so you could imagine how reckless the driver was.

I couldn't help but wonder ... what if ? what if I had been walking slightly faster ? What if I had decided to cross the road, or run across so that I wouldn't have to wait for the next turn of the lights ? What if ?

I could only count my blessings that this time, I pondered and decided to slow down instead of picking up speed.

Guess this is also to remind everyone to be extremely careful while crossing the road, major or minor, zebra crossing or not, green man or otherwise.  You can never ever be sure.

Tues Run

I was having difficulties waking up this mrn, so almost skipped the run. Was out late and hence decided mid-way through the run that I should cut short the run as I was running late. Backache was causing me some distress and I couldn't run well *sigh* really getting OLD :P

So took the Thur (easier) route. I would like to think I was running faster than usual so had the time to do a small loop near the flyer.

Time taken 1hrs 20mins.

Shld be about 12km ba.

Sunday Swim

Been under the weather lately .... think I caught the flu bug from niece ... She was running a fever for over 6 days that I brought her to the A&E pediatrics when the GP suggested so.

Anyway, she is well on the road to recovery *Thank Heavens !!!* and its now my turn fighting the virus.

Since I could feel some slight pain on my shin this week, and with my condition, skipping the run was (almost) a no-brainer.  I ignored the alarm this mrn, and slept til 8.  That sealed my decision not to run (yes, i'm a SLACKER!!! :P).  Thought I'll head for a swim instead.

That turned out to be a fantastic move because the pool was empty for most of my swim.  Yay!!!! I felt almost like I owned the pool.  It was very very relaxing to be taking it easy, just swimming and enjoying every minute of it.  Swam for an hour, then R&R on the deck chair by the pool, managed to sleep a little before an ang mo talking loudly on the phone woke me up.  So went back to into the pool and alternate between freestyle and breast-stroke.  Hey! I realised I could swim freestyle today.  Not good yet but at least it wasn't that laborious with every stroke!!! YIPEEE!!! *clap clap*

Did that for another half hour before I call it a day.

Fantastic way to start a sunday mrn.  How I wish the pool is always so empty and quiet :P

Happy Tots

Many nice things to be thankful for, so I'm clinging to these happy tots .... so as to keep my mind off some unhappiness. I've few friends, but for those few that I keep, I'm thankful for them.

I'm thankful to HY for the lovely gift of this cute doll ... it would shake/nod its head when it senses a sound ... very pretty little thing.   This cutie keeps me company at work, on my work desk.   :)

This chocolate royale from Gloria Jeans was sinfully yummy.  Very rich and satisfying.  Had this with friend over lunch last week.  Been a while since we last caught up, very kind of him to specifically come over to meet me for lunch, to check on me and see how I was doing.  Thanks, D!

Meringue from The Pattisier.  My wonderful sweet colleague got me this.  It was a busy day and we were both busy trying to get something out for boss by end of the day.  It was a mad rush.  She got this during lunch, while buying one for her daughter.  So sweet of her.  This gesture warmed my heart.  Thanks, G!

On Friday, had lunch with a friend whom we haven't met nor kept in touch for a very very long time.  He noticed that I hadn't been at my best in recent weeks and had asked about me, and organised this lunch to catch up.  I am touched.  Amidst his very busy schedule, and his 1001 more important things to do, he had bothered to catch up with an unknown someone like me.  I really appreciate that kind thought.  Thanks, L!  It was very nice to finally catch up with you.

And while still feeling blessed from after lunch, I came back to see a little gift waiting for me on my desk.  HY has sent me a little something - a cute little torchlight that said "It doesn't rain forever".  How true.  She has a similar torchlight and found it useful so bought one for me.  How sweet.  I was smiling so broadly upon opening up to see the gift.  

There is also HL who will constantly msn to check on me.  Though she has problems of her own, she is always around for me and will login to check on me.  Thanks gal!

Lastly A, whom I had been sms-ing occassionally.  We have been supporting each other over sms, just to make sure we both are still doing well and hanging on.  Thanks, A!

So yes, I have lots to feel blessed about.  Been a rough few weeks but I can't say I didn't learn from the lesson, and also that I'm richer for the experience and also for the wonderful people surrounding me.  You never know who are true to you until you are in need ...  

Struggling Run

Was contemplating whether to run .... alarm rang and several times I just turned it off. Too tired. Legs weren't feeling too great.

Anyway, managed to run since I finally woke up and couldn't go back to sleep.

The lethargy today really wrecked my run, was struggling throughout ...

Cut short the run by 2km I think ... total distance covered should be 9km 1hr 3mins.

I shall rest ... no long runs this weekend.

Rain

My left shin hurts last night while at rest. That got me real worried and I slept wondering whether I should run this mrn.

Alarm rang at 5am and after some hesitation and fighting the sleepiness, I headed out. Told myself will do a short one if I don't feel good.

I thought I felt a few droplets when I was near Queenstown but it wasn't until when I passed River Valley that it was heavy enough for me to stop at the traffic lights to stop my ipod. The rain got heavier when I got to SG River but surprisingly my resolve to run got stronger with the cool weather and the rain landing softly on my skin. It actually felt quite therapeutic.

And so I did the same distance as last week. Thought I was going faster (at least for the first hour) but total time taken was slower by 3 mins. Guessed I slowed down considerably because of the road conditions. Sure didn't want to slip & fall.

1hrs 25mins.

No pain during the run. But the shoulders felt very stiff. Need a massage soonnnn

SMSes from An Angel

I received a sweet sms from an Angel this mrn while out running.  She has been giving me support the past couple weeks knowing that things had been a lil rough at my end.  I really really appreciate the kind tots and the support and company she gave.  Its the small little things that speakth the loudest.  I'm touched.

And what touched me even even more was when she remembered something I told her about sometime back in one of our conversations.  It really warmed my heart that she was listening to me, and that she remembered.

What an angel.  Thanks Angel for being there for me!! I really appreciate it.  *HUGZ* 

Happy Birthday, Mommy!

Today is the birthday of my mommy - the MOST important person in my life.

She is the one that painstakingly brought me up, cared for me, clothed and feed me, the one who guided (and nagged :P) me, and the one who forgives whatever mistakes and hurt I've brought upon her.

Happy Birthday, Mommy!

Many many happy returns, and to many many more years of healthy, pain-free, happy and worry-free life!

 

LSD

My original intent was to run yesterday mrn.  Run to work since I have to be in office for some stuff.  However, I guessed I maxed out my energy for the week and I just couldn't bring myself to run.  Anyway I was ready to skip the run to rest so I let myself off ytd.  Was so tired I couldn't even go for a spin even though I was in the office.

And so ... after a day of rest ... I have no excuse but to head out for my LSD.

For simplicity, I ran a similar route as last week.  To Newton then loop back, only that i varied the route a little to cover a lil more.  Right at the beginning of the run, saw a patrol car parked at the side of the road at Holland Village.  Realised that one merc had nose-dived into the drain.  Must be after a nite of hard drinking -__-"  Anyway, I wanted to do what the typical Singaporeans do, to note down the car plate number.  Too bad I couldn't see clearly ... darn :P

But the run today is more tiring than last week .... and now i'm in bed with my legs all spent ... kah sng!!! Ok but consulted The Gifted and he said that this is normal.  Body is tired.  Rest and shorten the distance next week.  Good advice.  I shall take heed.

Now to nuah .... wahahaha .... 

I always love the slack after a good run.  To me, that's what running is for :P

2 hrs 50 mins, should be close to 25km.

SSS

Overslept this morning. What a rarity!!!!
Ok, that said. I didn't sleep thru the night tho haha

Anyway, weather was looking good this mrn, so I headed for a swim at the gym.

Wah, was really feeling so damn tired today, body just didn't want to obey .....

The usual "competitor" that I pace with was so much faster today, and I just couldn't keep up! argh!
And I was so sleepy, that I decided to nap while swimming ... hahahah! skillful siah!

So I'm calling the swim today my Sleep Stone Swim.

Ave Q Run

After a night of rain, this morning was cool for my usual Thur run.
An angel sent me the soundtracks to Ave Q and I had such so many good laughs while running this mrn, it was so enjoyable.
The weather just made the run even better.

Good run & company!

10+km 1hr 10mins.

PS: The Ave Q soundtracks are oh so hilarious and true. Should go catch the play :)

Sleepless

I'm surprised I'm able to stay awake the entire day at work ... without feeling that sleepy

My bio is completely screwed ... 

Even managed to get a hair cut ... although the stylist commented that I looked like I didn't sleep at all

Friend also said I looked tired ... 

coz I am ... tired, but just can't sleep .... 

I seem to be in some twilight zone ... 

___________________________________________________

Anyway .... 

You know that the financial turmoil is hitting too close to home 

That the economy is in real recession

When your company talks about "Efficiency Drive" ...

About slashing budget ...

About having no budget ...

About not travelling overseas (and Sentosa is considered too pricey!!!) for the department retreat (then heck the retreat for crying out loud!) ..

And when not everyone is invited to the department lunch ...

And most of us didn't have our fill at the buffet lunch .... 

Yes, we are in damn recession 

Counting sheep

1001 .... 1002 ... 1003 ... 1004 ....
....
9991 ... 9992 ... 9993 ... 9994 .....
....

Its 230am and I'm WIDE AWAKE.

arghhhhhhhhhhh

Tues Run

Think the meds is losing its effect on me .... SH*T

Anyway, managed to run this mrn.

Surprisingly another pretty good run. I did an extra loop to cover possibly another 1km (hopefully) and still managed to end the run in time.

Was so afraid I might run into those nasty dogs near the Singapore Flyer ....

1hr 22mins should be slightly less than 13km.

Think I really got to buy myself a new pair of shoes ....

LSD

This marks my 600th post! wow weee!!!! *thumbs up*

My longest run in a while ... the map isn't the exact route that I took since I took a few detours along the way ... so will add another conservative 1.5km to the total distance.



Ran up to Mt Emily. Didn't run inside since I know its just a small little park. But was nice to run up the slope.
I feel good in this run. Well done kj! *thumbs up*

2hrs 43mins about 24+km.

Thur Run

Another sleepless night. Think I slept barely three hours in total ... and that is with waking hours in between.
Geez.

Decided not to skip the run though I was finally drifting back to sleep. So headed out for my usual Thur run.

This week is the I-want-to-feel-the-pain week.

I run harder, spin harder. I just want to feel that I'm pushing ....

Anyway, should be about 10km 1 hrs 7 mins.

Zen Running

Didn't sleep much last night, so I needed the run to run off the frustrations & all the negative emotions.

Realised I left my ipod in the office and hence I had to run without my trusty companion today.  Surprisingly though, I didn't really suffer without the music.  In fact, I could hear my thoughts better and concentrate on them without the distractions.   It was my usual Tues run and in my head I just kept telling myself to "power through".  I guess all the pent up frustrations were channeled to better use (more kinetic energy haha) this morning. This is a much more effective outlet !

  

Towards the last segment of my run, one uncle overtook me.  Aiyo, typically I will just slow down or keep to my slow pace so that I wouldn't suffer at the end.  But today I just picked up speed and try to keep up with him.  Although I never got to overtake him, I managed to close the gap.  Cheap thrill :P

Good run this mrn.  I guessed i dumped some of the unhappiness on the roadside :P 

1hrs 23 mins, hopefully 12 - 13 km? 

Fri Run

Attended a wedding dinner last night. Ended late but I'm glad I managed to wake up at 5am for my mrn run.

Initial intent was to run the same route as Wed since I was struggling so hard on Wed, but I was feeling kind of breathless and lethargic even before I start the run! This is a first!!

Anyway, still felt breathless just like Wed so decided to run a longer distance (if I could) but on an easier , flatter route.

Managed to run for about 1hrs 20mins, should cover slightly less than 12 km.

Think I need to rest more to let my body recover completely. Else I'll be having more chuan runs.

Excuse to slack! No LSD this weekend! :P

The Chuan Run

So apart from the happy memories that accompanied me back from Cameron Highlands, I too got an unexpected (and unwanted) gift : A virus infection.

After a day's rest at home, I'm back to work today. Due to schedule issues, I decided to run to work this mrn instead of Thurs. Although I was coughing occassionally through the night, I felt alright enough and hence decided to proceed with the run this mrn.

Oh man, it was a laborious run. I felt breathless very early on and had to slow down. The mild slopes that I had no problems with in recent months were a slight challenge to me today.

I had to cut short the run knowing that I better not overly tax myself.

Total distance shld be about 10km or less, 1hrs 11mins.

Hope I get well soon!

Happiness Is ....

You come back from lunch and found that your kind colleague has bought you something.

Last week it was soya bean drink.

Today it was soya bean drink with grapes and a note to say that the grapes were very sweet.

This kind gesture never failed to put a broad smile on my face. This very wonderful colleague of mine is a gem. She is a very senior staff, but she has no airs and is always very willing to share her knowledge and help me out. She doesn't play politics and just does her work diligently. She is very willing to teach me the ropes, and open to my suggestions even though I'm just a very junior staff. One of the very rare people I look up to in my department / organisation. In fact, she is the only one I look up to here!

Its only this year that I got to work with her, as we are in the same team for a project. But I'm so glad that I'm in her team, else I would have DIED without the direction nor assistance. We supported each other, and confided in each other, especially about the work issues.

She has this very sunny disposition that just drawed me to her so naturally.

Anyway, I'm just happy to have a wonderful colleague like her to guide and teach me. That's another consolation about working here :)

Anyway, her sweet gesture made my day. :)

BlessedJazzy

Cameron Highlands & The Strawberry Family

LT, the ringleader, who started planning MONTHS ago rounded up a few of us to join him in the Project Deepavali Makansutra.

And so the four of us boys and girls gathered in Jurong last Friday evening and headed up to M'sia for a long weekend of food, fun and fantastic company.

LT assigned each of us a role, with LT being the leader of the pack. YK, the vehicle controller, AL as the treasurer and me, the slacker. :P I was given a list of the places to jiak and my job was to decide what to eat. Easy job eh ? :P

We rested in KL for the night, but not before a late dinner followed by supper. The next mrn we headed out early for breakfast, but the dimsum that we had was lousy and hence we ended up back in our hotel for their complimentary breakfast which by the way tasted much better.

It took us another few hours before we reached Cameron Highlands. We checked in to our accomo at The Lakehouse. Oh, it was such a quaint and pretty place!! We luv it (ok, at least I do). The place looked like an old English cottage with a cosy lounge, restaurant and 18 rooms. We stayed in one of the suites which was fairly spacious, with all the basic amenities except that there is no TV! Ok, but it really forces one to find other entertainment instead. In fact, think we managed to interact more without the TV to distract us. We watched a movie about marathon (thanks to LT for bringing the DVD!!! So well planned!!!), we chatted over supper around the dining table viewing photos and gathered around our bed to chat late into the night. That was quite fun really. The beauty of the lack of modern distractions like the TV & internet.

It was a really nice & relaxing weekend with the bunch. There were lots of easy banter and laughter. The company was great and everyone was easy-going and very agreeable. We just headed anywhere we felt like going, in very relaxed pace. We whiled away our time in Starbucks, in the night market after dinner and just soaked in the sights (and food) and had tons of laughs at one another.

The only unfortunate thing was that I caught a cold in the 2nd day no thanks to the odd weather in Cameron that started out HOT and turned chilly in the late PM. Thankfully YK had meds with him that he gallantly shared with me, else I would be in worse condition now ...

All in all a very good trip thanks to LT for organising and the very easy and nice company of the group. I couldn't have asked for more :)

PS: And oh, Roentgen, the food pics are from us all to you. WAHAHAHAHAHA!!! *evil luff*

ContentedJazzy

Fish Mart Sakuraya

We had wanted to try the Sakuraya Fish Mart @ South Buona Vista Road.  The last time we stumbled upon this place, it was on a busy Fri nite.  Hence we made a mental note to come visit this place again some other time.

And so we went last Thurs night after the movies.  Ok caught the movie 20th Century Boys which is so freaking lousy and boring I don't think I wanna spend time to blog about it.  Anyway, so we reached the fish mart and it was thankfully not crowded.  We chose the sashimi from the freezer and handed it to the counter staff to have it sliced for us.  So here is the sashimi.  Cut into small chunks.  Verdict: Nothing fantastic.  In fact, not very good.

We also ordered the agedashi doufu, tempura etc.  Forgot to take snapshots, but seriously, don't think you missed much because the food is rather disappointing.  The doufu was tasteless, and the tempura - non descrip to say the least.

Would i return ? I would come back to The Village for drinks etc, but will definitely give this Jap shop a miss.

We later had drinks at Harry's just downstairs.  The place wasn't busy and hence was nice for a quiet time just chatting and watching ESPN.  Caught some sports on tv and let the world pass us by ... it poured later in the evening and helped cool the weather even more.  Nice.