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?