Arrived at the (old) SMU pool at 6:00pm with Tiong Ghee. We decided to do a short run from the campus to Tanglin Mall and back. Then join the guys for the weekly swim interval training at 7:00pm.
Run Summary:
Time started - 18:13hrs
Time taken - 28min 27sec
Distance - 4.00km
Max HR - 174 (92%)
Avg HR - 160 (84%)
Max pace - 5:04 min/km
Avg pace - 7:06 min/km
Calories - 404 kcal
Total swim distance - 2400 m intervals.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
How NOT to Pick Up Girls...
Call it fortunate or unfortunate (depends on your leanings), I was hit on today by someone whom I think is gay. No he wasn't the ultra-broken-wrist-sashaying-ass kind of ahkua, but he looked quite decent. The only hint of him being from 'the other side' was his subtle linguistic mannerism - the overly-emphasized 's' sound and endless tai tai banter on everything under the sun.
Sidenote: Tai tai banter is very different from taxi driver talk. Taxi driver talk has objectivity and taxi drivers are well-read professionals. Tai tai banter makes no sense no matter how professional they try to sound. For example "Aiyoooh... I heard this year maybe general election leh. My neighbour husband hor... say that PAP sure win one leh." See what I mean? They make DUH! statements and they refuse to take responsibility when they speak hence arrowing the neighbour's husband as a scapegoat.
But I digress....
Anyway, this ahkua kept asking me mindless questions. Oh, by the way, I was at the hair salon getting my monthly haircut so I was kinda restrained in that sense. I tried to seem uninterested by looking through magazines but they were all in japanese anyway. Bummer. So our dear ahkua friend (AK) kept firing questions at me.....
AK: Eh... so.... you look sporty leh. What type of games you play ah?
CM: (tries very hard to browse through the jap magazines)
AK: I guess correct right? You play games alot right? You also quite tanned leh... You must play tennis
CM: (for a moment, CM thought he said PENis. Looks kinda disturbed)
AK: yah lah, you play tennis lah.
CM: Erm, nope. I don't play TENnis.
AK: Then you go gym is it?
CM: No I don't go to the gym I cannot get a tan from the gym. I just exercise outdoors lah. (I think I sounded rude enough)
AK: You know how to read japanese huh?
CM: No, I don't usually talk to people while the hairdresser is cutting my hair. I don't know how to multitask.
AK: Never mind, later we go for coffee lah.
CM: It's okay, I need to work.
... ...
There you see it. I was IRRITATED. I'm not gay-bashing here. It's just that a thought came to me after AK sensed that I was not interested in his mindless banter. Sometimes, we guys also ask really stupid questions when we try to pick up girls. I've had my fair share of rejections in my dating lifetime. Maybe that's how the girls perceived us when we try too hard to make conversation.
Lesson learned today: If you wanna chat up girls with pick-up lines, just think carefully before you ask stupid questions - similar to questions that ahkuas might ask you to irritate the shit out of you.
Sidenote: Tai tai banter is very different from taxi driver talk. Taxi driver talk has objectivity and taxi drivers are well-read professionals. Tai tai banter makes no sense no matter how professional they try to sound. For example "Aiyoooh... I heard this year maybe general election leh. My neighbour husband hor... say that PAP sure win one leh." See what I mean? They make DUH! statements and they refuse to take responsibility when they speak hence arrowing the neighbour's husband as a scapegoat.
But I digress....
Anyway, this ahkua kept asking me mindless questions. Oh, by the way, I was at the hair salon getting my monthly haircut so I was kinda restrained in that sense. I tried to seem uninterested by looking through magazines but they were all in japanese anyway. Bummer. So our dear ahkua friend (AK) kept firing questions at me.....
AK: Eh... so.... you look sporty leh. What type of games you play ah?
CM: (tries very hard to browse through the jap magazines)
AK: I guess correct right? You play games alot right? You also quite tanned leh... You must play tennis
CM: (for a moment, CM thought he said PENis. Looks kinda disturbed)
AK: yah lah, you play tennis lah.
CM: Erm, nope. I don't play TENnis.
AK: Then you go gym is it?
CM: No I don't go to the gym I cannot get a tan from the gym. I just exercise outdoors lah. (I think I sounded rude enough)
AK: You know how to read japanese huh?
CM: No, I don't usually talk to people while the hairdresser is cutting my hair. I don't know how to multitask.
AK: Never mind, later we go for coffee lah.
CM: It's okay, I need to work.
... ...
There you see it. I was IRRITATED. I'm not gay-bashing here. It's just that a thought came to me after AK sensed that I was not interested in his mindless banter. Sometimes, we guys also ask really stupid questions when we try to pick up girls. I've had my fair share of rejections in my dating lifetime. Maybe that's how the girls perceived us when we try too hard to make conversation.
Lesson learned today: If you wanna chat up girls with pick-up lines, just think carefully before you ask stupid questions - similar to questions that ahkuas might ask you to irritate the shit out of you.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
RS200sd Track Test
I wanted to train downstairs in the pool and then run around Bishan Park.
Then Justin called to tell me that he wanted to try swimming at the (old) SMU pool at 6:30pm. I thought it would be a good idea to do at least 30 laps in the olympic size pool and then run at the standard tracks to check out the calibration of the RS200sd.
I arrived at 6:35pm and I thought I was late.
That Justin bugger came 1 hour later! By that time, I already swam like 40 laps with and without pool bouy. Anyway I changed to running gear and was off to the running tracks.
Ran 3.6 km (8 rounds of the track + to/fro pool to track distance).
Time taken: 24:34min
Max HR: 173 (91%)
Avg HR: 164 (86%)
Max Pace: 4:52 min/km
Avg Pace: 6:48 min/km
Calories: 365 kcal
Then Justin called to tell me that he wanted to try swimming at the (old) SMU pool at 6:30pm. I thought it would be a good idea to do at least 30 laps in the olympic size pool and then run at the standard tracks to check out the calibration of the RS200sd.
I arrived at 6:35pm and I thought I was late.
That Justin bugger came 1 hour later! By that time, I already swam like 40 laps with and without pool bouy. Anyway I changed to running gear and was off to the running tracks.
Ran 3.6 km (8 rounds of the track + to/fro pool to track distance).
Time taken: 24:34min
Max HR: 173 (91%)
Avg HR: 164 (86%)
Max Pace: 4:52 min/km
Avg Pace: 6:48 min/km
Calories: 365 kcal
Sunday, August 28, 2005
While the Boys are in Ironman Korea...
I try to clock up some mileage for them. haha....
I just came up from a short training session - one of those 'secret' training that I conduct on my own time, own schedule. Hey, might as well make use of the condominium's pool and gym downstairs right?
Here's the summary, courtesy of the new RS200sd (note: unfortunately, I don't know why the HRM couldn't pick up any signal from the wearlink - hence no heart rate info today):
Start time: 15:57pm
Total time: 1 hr 21 min 27 sec
Pace - Max: 4:23 min/km, Avg: 20:00 min/km (walk)
Distance covered: 4.07 km
Of course the total time included swimming as well, and I couldn't possibly wear the footpod right?
The course of training - 1500 m (S), 4 km (R), 500 m (S)
I just came up from a short training session - one of those 'secret' training that I conduct on my own time, own schedule. Hey, might as well make use of the condominium's pool and gym downstairs right?
Here's the summary, courtesy of the new RS200sd (note: unfortunately, I don't know why the HRM couldn't pick up any signal from the wearlink - hence no heart rate info today):
Start time: 15:57pm
Total time: 1 hr 21 min 27 sec
Pace - Max: 4:23 min/km, Avg: 20:00 min/km (walk)
Distance covered: 4.07 km
Of course the total time included swimming as well, and I couldn't possibly wear the footpod right?
The course of training - 1500 m (S), 4 km (R), 500 m (S)
Barefoot
Mythos and I walked back up to the entrance gates of Upper Pierce Reservoir at Old Upper Thomson after the brief fainting spell. Both of us walked with our bikes and shoes in hand. We walked barefoot because the cleats of our cycling shoes would have made it difficult to walk on. As we walked that 1+ km route up the slopes, I realised that even at such ulu places in Singapore, I could walk barefoot without a second thought. No grime, no shards of glass, no rubbish, and fortunately no roadkill.
It was a great barefoot walk (a Nike Free moment sans the much hyped about barefoot technology shoes). I also realised that I didn't have to worry about washing my feet after or if I'd get some horrible flesh-eating disease.
The surrounding lush greenery made it all the more therapeutic and refreshing.
Nice clean roads, beautiful jungle.
We have a clean, green city. Indeed. This is something that I'm happy about Singapore.
It was a great barefoot walk (a Nike Free moment sans the much hyped about barefoot technology shoes). I also realised that I didn't have to worry about washing my feet after or if I'd get some horrible flesh-eating disease.
The surrounding lush greenery made it all the more therapeutic and refreshing.
Nice clean roads, beautiful jungle.
We have a clean, green city. Indeed. This is something that I'm happy about Singapore.
Saturday, August 27, 2005
Weekly Training Log
Daily Totals
Sun 21 Aug: 2000 m (S), 6 km (R) - Bishan Park
Mon 22 Aug: Rest
Tue 23 Aug: 2000 m (S), 6 km (R) - Bishan Park
Wed 24 Aug: 3000 m (S) - Trifam Intervals
Thu 25 Aug: Rest
Fri 26 Aug: Rest
Sat 27 Aug: 1000 m (S), 20 km (B), 4 km (R) - Thomson Thosai / Threadmill
Bike
HR Max = 178, Avg = 115
Run
Max HR = 193, Avg HR = 155
Pace Max = 6.25min/km, Avg = 8.18min/km
Calories = 437 kcal
Weekly Totals:
Swim - 8000 m
Bike - 20 km
Run - 16 km
I just tried out the new Polar RS200sd heart rate monitor which not only monitors my heart rate (duh!) but it also records distance, time and speed for the run segments. I've included the records for Saturday's training session. Talking about that, the Thomson Thosai team met up with our new jerseys/tritops at 7am for a proposed 60km ride. Alas, Francis dropped the bike part coz his tires burst while he was pumping them. So it was left with Mythos, Kenneth, Elvia and myself. We did 2 loops of Old Upp Thomson then we tackled the Upp Peirce hills. I shot up but I had to quit at the end of the hill coz I felt abit dizzy. Thanks to Mythos who stayed with me. He said my face was quite pale. I was disappointed in myself coz I didn't have a good night's rest the night before. See? Proper sleep IS ESSENTIAL for a good workout. Lesson learnt.
Elvia and Kenneth continued to ride loops around Old Upp Thomson. Mythos and I walked. Along the way and up the slopes, Francis came running towards us! He was doing his secret LSD! haha.... We let him carry on.
When Mythos and I got on top of the hill at the gates of the reservoir, we decided to ride back to rendezvous at casuarina. We pedalled and we saw 2 familiar blokes pushing their bikes on flat ground. Kenneth burst his rear tire! The 4 of us stopped to replace the punctured tire. Then came Francis. It was a reunion! haha... Anyway we tried out the compressed gas canister to fill out the new tube and Kenneth was ready to ride.
We all rode back to my place and it was later decided that all of us fall out without the proposed 12km run. ergghh...
I did a slow 4km run on the threadmill and then swam a slow 1km in the pool to recover.
Sun 21 Aug: 2000 m (S), 6 km (R) - Bishan Park
Mon 22 Aug: Rest
Tue 23 Aug: 2000 m (S), 6 km (R) - Bishan Park
Wed 24 Aug: 3000 m (S) - Trifam Intervals
Thu 25 Aug: Rest
Fri 26 Aug: Rest
Sat 27 Aug: 1000 m (S), 20 km (B), 4 km (R) - Thomson Thosai / Threadmill
Bike
HR Max = 178, Avg = 115
Run
Max HR = 193, Avg HR = 155
Pace Max = 6.25min/km, Avg = 8.18min/km
Calories = 437 kcal
Weekly Totals:
Swim - 8000 m
Bike - 20 km
Run - 16 km
I just tried out the new Polar RS200sd heart rate monitor which not only monitors my heart rate (duh!) but it also records distance, time and speed for the run segments. I've included the records for Saturday's training session. Talking about that, the Thomson Thosai team met up with our new jerseys/tritops at 7am for a proposed 60km ride. Alas, Francis dropped the bike part coz his tires burst while he was pumping them. So it was left with Mythos, Kenneth, Elvia and myself. We did 2 loops of Old Upp Thomson then we tackled the Upp Peirce hills. I shot up but I had to quit at the end of the hill coz I felt abit dizzy. Thanks to Mythos who stayed with me. He said my face was quite pale. I was disappointed in myself coz I didn't have a good night's rest the night before. See? Proper sleep IS ESSENTIAL for a good workout. Lesson learnt.
Elvia and Kenneth continued to ride loops around Old Upp Thomson. Mythos and I walked. Along the way and up the slopes, Francis came running towards us! He was doing his secret LSD! haha.... We let him carry on.
When Mythos and I got on top of the hill at the gates of the reservoir, we decided to ride back to rendezvous at casuarina. We pedalled and we saw 2 familiar blokes pushing their bikes on flat ground. Kenneth burst his rear tire! The 4 of us stopped to replace the punctured tire. Then came Francis. It was a reunion! haha... Anyway we tried out the compressed gas canister to fill out the new tube and Kenneth was ready to ride.
We all rode back to my place and it was later decided that all of us fall out without the proposed 12km run. ergghh...
I did a slow 4km run on the threadmill and then swam a slow 1km in the pool to recover.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Reflecting...
It's one of those pitstops in my life's journey that I have to step on the brakes and do a thorough check on my well-being and sanity before I decide to carry on.
Oh, I definitely have to carry on on this journey ahead of me. I know it will be full of surprises, and some roads will be rough ahead. There will always be smooth highways as well. I know. Coz so far, it's been like this. It's gonna be an exciting ride no matter the outcome. Heck I'll also admit I'll clean out the 'car' and contribute to the highway litter of regrets and has-beens.
The pitstop is meant to re-evaluate how I should continue on this journey. What baggage should I bring with me? What needs to be changed/tuned/improved? What routes should I take? And where do I want to go? What is my final destination?
It is also meant to make sure that my integrity and soul remains intact. I might have to scruff off some little dinks here and there.
Am I all set?
Or am I not?
Major pitstop at the big Three-Oh......
Oh, I definitely have to carry on on this journey ahead of me. I know it will be full of surprises, and some roads will be rough ahead. There will always be smooth highways as well. I know. Coz so far, it's been like this. It's gonna be an exciting ride no matter the outcome. Heck I'll also admit I'll clean out the 'car' and contribute to the highway litter of regrets and has-beens.
The pitstop is meant to re-evaluate how I should continue on this journey. What baggage should I bring with me? What needs to be changed/tuned/improved? What routes should I take? And where do I want to go? What is my final destination?
It is also meant to make sure that my integrity and soul remains intact. I might have to scruff off some little dinks here and there.
Am I all set?
Or am I not?
Major pitstop at the big Three-Oh......
Concept of Respect, Leadership, and Personal Time
Sunday 1630hrs and I received a call from one HK director (i dunno he's director of what also).
Him: CM, I'm here in Singapore already
CM: Okay
Him: I'll be at the architect's office for the workshop. You know how to do Powerpoint?
CM: Yes, but I'm not too good with the animation part. What do you need help with?
Him: Oh I just need to change some slides.
CM: Ok, I could help you tomorrow (Monday). Do you want me to collect the slides from you from the hotel tomorrow morning?
Him: No, I need it tonight.
CM: Sorry, I have family commitments tonight. I have Sunday dinner with the family.
Click.
I felt good. To be honest, it was the evil grin kind of good. I just didn't like the way he manages things and thinks he's lord over all the projects. I really do not mind working - please don't get me wrong - but when a thin line is drawn with regards to doing a favour and working, it can get out of hand. I'll contribute if you treat me like a fellow professional, not use me like 24/7 every-ready servant at your feet doing the most mundane of personal favours.
He's famous for being quite a faecal-stirrer up on the upper rungs of the ladder. Everyone is wary of him. Fine and praises to him who is a hardworker. But if one is unreasonable, then I'm sorry. Subordinates are not stupid people. The head office doesn't want to do certain stuff because they do not want to charge it to certain projects due to budget constraints. Okay. Then we shouldn't do it either. Our outpost is already losing out in revenue in the past year and yet we have to be subject to free labour? I think all this points to extremely poor management by certain individuals.
Respect is earned. Respect for your fellow team-mate is key to getting a project done. The abuse of power seldom gets anyone anywhere, especially true for a struggling setup here. Face it. It's struggling.
I would really appreciate some respect for the individual and respect for personal time despite us being a small outfit in this little red dot.
Him: CM, I'm here in Singapore already
CM: Okay
Him: I'll be at the architect's office for the workshop. You know how to do Powerpoint?
CM: Yes, but I'm not too good with the animation part. What do you need help with?
Him: Oh I just need to change some slides.
CM: Ok, I could help you tomorrow (Monday). Do you want me to collect the slides from you from the hotel tomorrow morning?
Him: No, I need it tonight.
CM: Sorry, I have family commitments tonight. I have Sunday dinner with the family.
Click.
I felt good. To be honest, it was the evil grin kind of good. I just didn't like the way he manages things and thinks he's lord over all the projects. I really do not mind working - please don't get me wrong - but when a thin line is drawn with regards to doing a favour and working, it can get out of hand. I'll contribute if you treat me like a fellow professional, not use me like 24/7 every-ready servant at your feet doing the most mundane of personal favours.
He's famous for being quite a faecal-stirrer up on the upper rungs of the ladder. Everyone is wary of him. Fine and praises to him who is a hardworker. But if one is unreasonable, then I'm sorry. Subordinates are not stupid people. The head office doesn't want to do certain stuff because they do not want to charge it to certain projects due to budget constraints. Okay. Then we shouldn't do it either. Our outpost is already losing out in revenue in the past year and yet we have to be subject to free labour? I think all this points to extremely poor management by certain individuals.
Respect is earned. Respect for your fellow team-mate is key to getting a project done. The abuse of power seldom gets anyone anywhere, especially true for a struggling setup here. Face it. It's struggling.
I would really appreciate some respect for the individual and respect for personal time despite us being a small outfit in this little red dot.
Saturday, August 20, 2005
Weekly Training Log
Daily Totals:
Sun 14 Aug: 800 m (S), 17 km (B), 5 km (R) - NUS Triathlon
Mon 15 Aug: 3000 m (S) - Trifam
Tue 16 Aug: 1500 m (S) - Self
Wed 17 Aug: 1200 m (S), 3 km (R) - Self
Thu 18 Aug: Rest
Fri 19 Aug: Rest
Sat 20 Aug: 1000 m (S), 30 km (B) - Thomson Thosai
Weekly Totals:
7500 m (S)
47 km(B)
8 km (R)
The inaugural Thomson Thosai ride materialised on 20 August. Kenneth, Francis and David 'Mythos' Tan joined me in riding loops around Old Upper Thomson Road. We veered off to tackle the hills at Upper Pierce. Nice ride. We adjourned to have a post-ride carboloading party at the Casuarina Road prata shop. Unfortunately they ran out of masala thosai. So we settled for prata instead - satu kosong, satu telor.
Sun 14 Aug: 800 m (S), 17 km (B), 5 km (R) - NUS Triathlon
Mon 15 Aug: 3000 m (S) - Trifam
Tue 16 Aug: 1500 m (S) - Self
Wed 17 Aug: 1200 m (S), 3 km (R) - Self
Thu 18 Aug: Rest
Fri 19 Aug: Rest
Sat 20 Aug: 1000 m (S), 30 km (B) - Thomson Thosai
Weekly Totals:
7500 m (S)
47 km(B)
8 km (R)
The inaugural Thomson Thosai ride materialised on 20 August. Kenneth, Francis and David 'Mythos' Tan joined me in riding loops around Old Upper Thomson Road. We veered off to tackle the hills at Upper Pierce. Nice ride. We adjourned to have a post-ride carboloading party at the Casuarina Road prata shop. Unfortunately they ran out of masala thosai. So we settled for prata instead - satu kosong, satu telor.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Band of (Marist) Brothers
And so the bunch of us met last night at the Hotel Rendezvous' Straits Cafe for the buffet dinner spread and some white Chilean wine.
There was Edmond, Shawn, Zhiren, Eugene and myself. Nic couldn't make it as he had some prior engagements. Rick was still in Bangkok.
We were all talking about relationships and families and babies. Edmond and I were the only singles last night. But Ed was more focused on getting the best out of the buffet spread.
Bro, lucky I suggested Straits Cafe! You just kept eating and eating and eating like a binging Energizer Rabbit. But that's just so you. Haha.... Hope you enjoyed the smorgasbord of makan!
Zhiren's wife, Heather, is expecting their first child. 10 weeks pregnant. Way to go, Ah Gong!
Shawn's still the leading dude with a wife and 2 kids and his online gaming under his responsibility. How do you manage eh? No wonder got no time to go running with me! haha..
I seriously have no idea why Eugene suddenly blurted out that he is "A BIG COCK"! I just have this strange feeling it wasn't really meant for us. Maybe it was that one teeny glass of white Chilean chardonnay. Or maybe it was just the salmon sashimi and huge slab of wasabi. Whatever it is, Gene's intending to contest Shawn's brood count. We'll probably hear it from him if he's successful in his mission or not.
We always have a great time when we meet - the bunch of us - the Band of (Marist) Brothers.
We're hoping to meet for the Terry Fox Run on 18 September 2005. C'mon bros, it's only 7.5km. Let's do it for charity. Let's do it for cancer research okay?
There was Edmond, Shawn, Zhiren, Eugene and myself. Nic couldn't make it as he had some prior engagements. Rick was still in Bangkok.
We were all talking about relationships and families and babies. Edmond and I were the only singles last night. But Ed was more focused on getting the best out of the buffet spread.
Bro, lucky I suggested Straits Cafe! You just kept eating and eating and eating like a binging Energizer Rabbit. But that's just so you. Haha.... Hope you enjoyed the smorgasbord of makan!
Zhiren's wife, Heather, is expecting their first child. 10 weeks pregnant. Way to go, Ah Gong!
Shawn's still the leading dude with a wife and 2 kids and his online gaming under his responsibility. How do you manage eh? No wonder got no time to go running with me! haha..
I seriously have no idea why Eugene suddenly blurted out that he is "A BIG COCK"! I just have this strange feeling it wasn't really meant for us. Maybe it was that one teeny glass of white Chilean chardonnay. Or maybe it was just the salmon sashimi and huge slab of wasabi. Whatever it is, Gene's intending to contest Shawn's brood count. We'll probably hear it from him if he's successful in his mission or not.
We always have a great time when we meet - the bunch of us - the Band of (Marist) Brothers.
We're hoping to meet for the Terry Fox Run on 18 September 2005. C'mon bros, it's only 7.5km. Let's do it for charity. Let's do it for cancer research okay?
NUS Triathlon Results
I knew it was a slack effort on my part when I took part in this race.
My swim was alright but the swim route was just too tight to squeeze my way through the throngs of splashing arms and legs.
"800m" coz I think it was less than that, took me 11:04 min.
The bike leg. I was just plain stupid for not using my gears efficiently. I was also getting hungry on the bike leg. But at least the photo shows some justice - haha - looks as if I'm leading the pack of angmo riders! The 17km ride took me 46:40 min. Baaaad!
Running. My worst discipline. I was just winging the whole thing but I must admit I was enjoying every part of it. The 5km run/jog/walk took me 38:19 min. Terrible!
Total time taken for this NUS Triathlon: 1 hour 36 min 02 seconds for rank of 210/263. So malu. Now I need to hide my face...
Monday, August 15, 2005
Late August - September is Race Season!
Shiok lah. So many races during this period.
August
14 NUS Triathlon (800m Swim, 17km Bike, 5km Run)
27/28 28-hour Charity Swimathon
28 New Balance Real Run (10 km Run on different terrains) - not taking part
September
3 New Balance Aquathlon (1.5km Swim, 10km Run)
11 Army Half Marathon (21km Run)
18 Terry Fox Run (7.5km Run) / Desaru Half Ironman
25 NIE Biathlon (500m Swim, 5km Run)
All the weekends will be tied up with races. Whoa..... maybe can take this opportunity to lose more weight! haha....
Cannot take part in all. Must prioritise.
Definitely doing the Charity Swimathon and Terry Fox Run. At least I know I'm doing this endurance thing for a greater cause.
Maybe do the sprint distances for the rest.
Scale down on the Army Half Marathon - Run 12km instead.
Forego Desaru Half Ironman this year.
August
14 NUS Triathlon (800m Swim, 17km Bike, 5km Run)
27/28 28-hour Charity Swimathon
28 New Balance Real Run (10 km Run on different terrains) - not taking part
September
3 New Balance Aquathlon (1.5km Swim, 10km Run)
11 Army Half Marathon (21km Run)
18 Terry Fox Run (7.5km Run) / Desaru Half Ironman
25 NIE Biathlon (500m Swim, 5km Run)
All the weekends will be tied up with races. Whoa..... maybe can take this opportunity to lose more weight! haha....
Cannot take part in all. Must prioritise.
Definitely doing the Charity Swimathon and Terry Fox Run. At least I know I'm doing this endurance thing for a greater cause.
Maybe do the sprint distances for the rest.
Scale down on the Army Half Marathon - Run 12km instead.
Forego Desaru Half Ironman this year.
Sunday, August 14, 2005
Tribute To Them Who Didn't Get The Presidential Pardon
Dear AK, RGN and OBE,
We are sorry that you were not given the Certificate of Eligibility to even get this close to running for Singapore's Presidency.
We really admire the 3 of you who even tried to contest in our democratic society. You are our true modern-day Singapore heroes.
We now realise that our country is seriously lacking in talented people to run corporations and big companies. We just consist of an elite few who are allowed to make decisions.
We applaud your courage and bravery. Please try again.
Signed,
Yawning Citizen
We are sorry that you were not given the Certificate of Eligibility to even get this close to running for Singapore's Presidency.
We really admire the 3 of you who even tried to contest in our democratic society. You are our true modern-day Singapore heroes.
We now realise that our country is seriously lacking in talented people to run corporations and big companies. We just consist of an elite few who are allowed to make decisions.
We applaud your courage and bravery. Please try again.
Signed,
Yawning Citizen
I Have This Strange and Disturbing Presidential Feeling...
... that because there's this thing about Singapore being globalised, and this thing about attracting the best of the best from every other country, and the proven fact that our very own citizens cannot even stand up to the Presidential challenge of running in it (or are not eligible),
THEN OUR NEXT SINGAPORE PRESIDENT WILL BE A FOREIGN TALENT!
THEN OUR NEXT SINGAPORE PRESIDENT WILL BE A FOREIGN TALENT!
Hanging Up My Special Voting Pen
I bought a cheap Pilot pen so that I could use it to vote for MY President. My hopes to vote are now dashed. Apparently some big shots in the Presidential Selection Committee (or something like that) have made their final decision on who to give certificates of eligibility to.
Incumbent President Nathan will run for a second 6-year term because there is no contest. Sigh...
No, please don't get me wrong. I like President Nathan as he seems to be humble and soft-spoken. I'm also not saying that he's a good President. In my opinion, it's just that he's a much better candidate than the other wannabes. I want my president to be the best person for the job. I'll tell everyone straight that I would vote for President Nathan (it's no secret anymore since there's no election!). But in the name of democracy, why can't we citizens of Singapore get to vote? The facts are quite clear that the other hopefuls are no match at all. Mr Nathan is the best person. However, I still feel that the government should trust us in our choice.
We are already too spoon-fed but we still know what is best for us as a nation. Most of us are educated Singaporeans, you know?
How to be vibrant? How to be creative?
The fact is... I CAN'T! Because every damn thing is decided for me by my uncles and aunties !
It's so difficult to be democratic in Singapore. I think it only exists as a word - as part of the national pledge that all students mutter almost robot-like every morning in school.
I seriously doubt my chances of being able to vote IN Singapore FOR the people of Singapore.
I'll use that Pilot pen to sign my cheques.
Incumbent President Nathan will run for a second 6-year term because there is no contest. Sigh...
No, please don't get me wrong. I like President Nathan as he seems to be humble and soft-spoken. I'm also not saying that he's a good President. In my opinion, it's just that he's a much better candidate than the other wannabes. I want my president to be the best person for the job. I'll tell everyone straight that I would vote for President Nathan (it's no secret anymore since there's no election!). But in the name of democracy, why can't we citizens of Singapore get to vote? The facts are quite clear that the other hopefuls are no match at all. Mr Nathan is the best person. However, I still feel that the government should trust us in our choice.
We are already too spoon-fed but we still know what is best for us as a nation. Most of us are educated Singaporeans, you know?
How to be vibrant? How to be creative?
The fact is... I CAN'T! Because every damn thing is decided for me by my uncles and aunties !
It's so difficult to be democratic in Singapore. I think it only exists as a word - as part of the national pledge that all students mutter almost robot-like every morning in school.
I seriously doubt my chances of being able to vote IN Singapore FOR the people of Singapore.
I'll use that Pilot pen to sign my cheques.
Endurox-less/Accelerade-less Race Report
My wave start was at 1400 hrs. I arrived to set up my barang barang at the transition area at 1215pm. I went to Sentosa via the new Queensway Extension. Not bad, but I digress.
There was some thunder and overcast skies - which got me elated but alittle bit worried. Elated because it wouldn't be a hot sunny day to race. Worried coz of the slippery hills for the bike ride. I was ready to chicken out if it became a downpour.
Alas it was only a slight pitter patter drizzle. Cheh.... And then the sun came out from the clouds. Erghh...
Again, waiting time was agonising. I looked at the swim leg and I thought it was definitely less than 400m per round. Anyway as usual, it was mass pandemonium for Wave 3. I had to put my strategy to use - swim on the outside and cut in at the turning point. My wave started and I did just that, but I think 50% of my fellow wave-mates had the same idea. Jialat. Anyway I completed the swim in 10 minutes plus! Hmmm... suspect that it was less than 800m swim total.
I ran into transition and I felt the sun beating on me. Helmet on, sunglass on and I grabbed my tri shoes and ran with the bike to transition. Wow.. I think this was the most shiong T1 I've ever done. It must be the long run into and out of transition and the scorching sun. At the mounting line, I put on my shoes and off I biked to do 6 loops of sentosa satellite. Its rather confusing on the number of rounds I did. What made it worst was that I was getting mixed reactions from the NUS volunteers. Some said 5 rounds, some said 6 rounds, one said dunno. Shit. So I had to rely on my odometer and I think I did the correct distance. (I "thought" because the idiot in me didn't reset the odometer when I started biking).
Back into T2 and I drank some water and slipped on my running shoes. First time I didn't use socks. And off I went. I definitely cut down quite abit of transition times. The sunglasses and visor was a welcome respite.
The run route was seriously lacking in water stations. I had to run off-course to the outdoor shower area to cool off. Shiok! I didn't get the bike-to-run cramps in this race but I was really slacking on the run. But I think my return leg was slightly faster.
Approaching the finishing line, I picked up pace and I arrived in an unofficial time of 1 hour 36 minutes. It's a good 5 minutes off my personal best though I think that there were some miscalcs in distance. Oh well....
Anyway I might as well mention some pet peeves. First, there wasn't enough water points. Second, the NUS volunteers were not knowlegeable at all (I'm sure they are happy to get that stupid CCA point though). Third, some marshalls were not doing their jobs properly, especially for the bike leg. Lastly, there was this NUS girl who was driving the NUS van.... NEXT TIME, USE COMMON SENSE AND DON'T STOP YOUR VAN AT THE U-TURN! Many of us had to use evasion action which shouldn't be the case.
Kudos to all who completed the race and tried their best. I admit I wasn't trying my best but I'm not going to come up with excuses for my tardiness. Glad I completed it despite my half-hearted willingness and lack of training for this particular one.
Another feather in my tri-cap.
And yes, this is the first time I did not use Endurox or Accelerade drink mix for the race. However I took a couple of Powergels since I did not have a proper lunch (wierd race timing lah).
There was some thunder and overcast skies - which got me elated but alittle bit worried. Elated because it wouldn't be a hot sunny day to race. Worried coz of the slippery hills for the bike ride. I was ready to chicken out if it became a downpour.
Alas it was only a slight pitter patter drizzle. Cheh.... And then the sun came out from the clouds. Erghh...
Again, waiting time was agonising. I looked at the swim leg and I thought it was definitely less than 400m per round. Anyway as usual, it was mass pandemonium for Wave 3. I had to put my strategy to use - swim on the outside and cut in at the turning point. My wave started and I did just that, but I think 50% of my fellow wave-mates had the same idea. Jialat. Anyway I completed the swim in 10 minutes plus! Hmmm... suspect that it was less than 800m swim total.
I ran into transition and I felt the sun beating on me. Helmet on, sunglass on and I grabbed my tri shoes and ran with the bike to transition. Wow.. I think this was the most shiong T1 I've ever done. It must be the long run into and out of transition and the scorching sun. At the mounting line, I put on my shoes and off I biked to do 6 loops of sentosa satellite. Its rather confusing on the number of rounds I did. What made it worst was that I was getting mixed reactions from the NUS volunteers. Some said 5 rounds, some said 6 rounds, one said dunno. Shit. So I had to rely on my odometer and I think I did the correct distance. (I "thought" because the idiot in me didn't reset the odometer when I started biking).
Back into T2 and I drank some water and slipped on my running shoes. First time I didn't use socks. And off I went. I definitely cut down quite abit of transition times. The sunglasses and visor was a welcome respite.
The run route was seriously lacking in water stations. I had to run off-course to the outdoor shower area to cool off. Shiok! I didn't get the bike-to-run cramps in this race but I was really slacking on the run. But I think my return leg was slightly faster.
Approaching the finishing line, I picked up pace and I arrived in an unofficial time of 1 hour 36 minutes. It's a good 5 minutes off my personal best though I think that there were some miscalcs in distance. Oh well....
Anyway I might as well mention some pet peeves. First, there wasn't enough water points. Second, the NUS volunteers were not knowlegeable at all (I'm sure they are happy to get that stupid CCA point though). Third, some marshalls were not doing their jobs properly, especially for the bike leg. Lastly, there was this NUS girl who was driving the NUS van.... NEXT TIME, USE COMMON SENSE AND DON'T STOP YOUR VAN AT THE U-TURN! Many of us had to use evasion action which shouldn't be the case.
Kudos to all who completed the race and tried their best. I admit I wasn't trying my best but I'm not going to come up with excuses for my tardiness. Glad I completed it despite my half-hearted willingness and lack of training for this particular one.
Another feather in my tri-cap.
And yes, this is the first time I did not use Endurox or Accelerade drink mix for the race. However I took a couple of Powergels since I did not have a proper lunch (wierd race timing lah).
NUS Triathlon Today
It is the NUS Triathlon at Sentosa today. My race starts at 1400hrs. I'm still slacking at home. Can you believe that? I'm actually slacking at home before the race! No pre-race jitters this time despite the fact that it is a sprint distance race and (I think) this is gonna be slightly tougher than the OSIM sprint because the bike leg is hilly. I even slept at 2am this morning after eating my dinner at 1230am! Yep, I was doing a photo shoot for ExxonMobil Dinner & Dance last night so I went against the pre-race unwritten rules of sleeping early and proper carbo-loading. Really slack right? I think the trifam guys will slam me... haha...
I've got 2 theories why I think I don't have the pre-race jitters.
1. This will be my third sprint tri since May. Perhaps I'm a lao-jiao in this thing already and so it's time to move up the challenge ladder - OD on the cards.
2. Perhaps I've got to thank the organisers from NUS. Maybe it's their slack attitude that doesn't make me look forward to this race. Maybe I'm just sian because of this anticipation that the race is just gonna be another chaotic mess - as usual from 'students' who are more concerned with CCA points than doing this for the passion of leadership and the sport in general. But this issue of 'selfish volunteerism' is another subject which I (might) blog about later. So perhaps I'm also adopting the same attitude - okay lah... pay registration liao, so just compete and complete lor. Take it as routine Sunday training.
It's 10am now. I should be there by about 12noon and not later than 1pm. I'm trying to work out a shit now so I can empty my bowels before going to Sentosa. For the uninitiated, shitting before a race is the best thing to do. NEVER do a tri race without shitting first. If possible, don't even shit at the race site. The toilets at the race site are worse than erm.... shitholes. Aiyah, nevermind, I better not think of the porta-loos at the race site - can vomit.
Did I train for this triathlon race? Work has been disrupting my training schedule these past 3 weeks so I admit I haven't put in the running and biking mileage. Nevertheless I can complete it. I'll try to beat my personal best of 1 hr 41 minutes though. I already have some race strategies in my mind having done the NUS Biathlon and the route is somewhat similar.
Stay tuned...
I've got 2 theories why I think I don't have the pre-race jitters.
1. This will be my third sprint tri since May. Perhaps I'm a lao-jiao in this thing already and so it's time to move up the challenge ladder - OD on the cards.
2. Perhaps I've got to thank the organisers from NUS. Maybe it's their slack attitude that doesn't make me look forward to this race. Maybe I'm just sian because of this anticipation that the race is just gonna be another chaotic mess - as usual from 'students' who are more concerned with CCA points than doing this for the passion of leadership and the sport in general. But this issue of 'selfish volunteerism' is another subject which I (might) blog about later. So perhaps I'm also adopting the same attitude - okay lah... pay registration liao, so just compete and complete lor. Take it as routine Sunday training.
It's 10am now. I should be there by about 12noon and not later than 1pm. I'm trying to work out a shit now so I can empty my bowels before going to Sentosa. For the uninitiated, shitting before a race is the best thing to do. NEVER do a tri race without shitting first. If possible, don't even shit at the race site. The toilets at the race site are worse than erm.... shitholes. Aiyah, nevermind, I better not think of the porta-loos at the race site - can vomit.
Did I train for this triathlon race? Work has been disrupting my training schedule these past 3 weeks so I admit I haven't put in the running and biking mileage. Nevertheless I can complete it. I'll try to beat my personal best of 1 hr 41 minutes though. I already have some race strategies in my mind having done the NUS Biathlon and the route is somewhat similar.
Stay tuned...
Friday, August 12, 2005
The Brief History of Munn Through NDP Memories
August 9. Significant date for Singapore. A date easily remembered by most Singaporeans. Here, I try to recall my 30 years' worth of August 9s....
1979? 1980?:
Pre-1984 NDPs were held in a few stadiums. Decentralized parades is not a new thing. They've had it even before 1984. Why 1984? That year was also the Olympic Games in Los Angeles. It was also the first time the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games had mass performances. Singapore couldn't lose out, so the NDP committee copied the mass performances concept from the LA Games. Anyway I think it was in 1979 or 1980 when my parents brought Fye and me to Bedok Stadium to watch the parade. Yes! It was purely THE parade! Even then I was awestruck with marching and footdrill and soldiers and SIA girls... haha... Hey, there were even contingents from PAP, NTUC, PUB, SIA, Nurses Union, etc... Singapore then, as I recalled, was truely Singaporean and truely one united people. I think the reason why we don't really see these contingents marching is coz most of the people who make up the contingents now are foreign workers. Therefore cannot say it's a Singapore thingy.
1989:
Singapore celebrates her 24th birthday and I was in Sec 2 then. I was involved in the mass display for TaeKwondo. I remember we spent our saturday afternoons practising at Farrer Park. We even got our black belts (when we were actually green belts that time). Then on the full-dress rehearsal, I got into a fight with Shaoming in school before the mass display. He broke my glasses and I couldn't see properly. Because of this, I wasn't allowed to perform at the National Stadium on full-dress rehearsal. I ended up sitting at the grand stand and blind as a bat!
1994:
I was doing NS at 3rd Guards. The Guards Formation was in charge of organising the NDP at the National Stadium. Weekends were burnt. I wasn't performing but was part of the logistics crew. I remember following the 3-tonner drivers to far-flung KFCs to collect rations for the performers. At one stage I was also the OC runner, carrying his signal manpack set running up and down the grand stand. Those were the days before handphone! I also recall during one of the rehearsals, my pager kept beeping and I called home to find out Fye was admitted to the hospital for drug allergies. He was warded in Toa Payoh Hospital, which is also long gone.
1996:
Singapore celebrated her 31st birthday! And I also left Singapore on this very day for Purdue University. I think there were more people in the airport sending me off than there were people watching the NDP. No lah.... like real....
1998:
Summer holidays for me. Came back to watch the fireworks with Dad and Dave Ong at the Kallang River. We were supposed to take photos of the fireworks. Ah Ong forgot to bring his cable release for the shutter.
1999:
One of our Purdue buddies - Gregg - was doing his NS. He was performing as a huge flower (don't ask me why). Anyway he had 2 free tickets for the full dress rehearsal. So Ah Ong and I went. Ah Ong and I brought our cameras again. And after the previous year's experience, Ah Ong learned his lesson and brought his cable release. But he forgot to bring batteries for his camera! COCK RIGHT? So he spent most of the full-dress rehearsal asking other spectators for spare batteries. He never got them.
2003:
The Guards Formation were the organisers again. As reservists from the Guards Family, we got tickets for one of the rehearsals. JA and I went.
2004:
Every year also the same kind of NDP - Red Lion commandos freefalling, flypast, Mari Kita, flash-card display. No mood for NDP... so this year, Dad, Mom, JA and myself fly over to Chiangmai to be with Fye. We had a great time there as a family.
1979? 1980?:
Pre-1984 NDPs were held in a few stadiums. Decentralized parades is not a new thing. They've had it even before 1984. Why 1984? That year was also the Olympic Games in Los Angeles. It was also the first time the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games had mass performances. Singapore couldn't lose out, so the NDP committee copied the mass performances concept from the LA Games. Anyway I think it was in 1979 or 1980 when my parents brought Fye and me to Bedok Stadium to watch the parade. Yes! It was purely THE parade! Even then I was awestruck with marching and footdrill and soldiers and SIA girls... haha... Hey, there were even contingents from PAP, NTUC, PUB, SIA, Nurses Union, etc... Singapore then, as I recalled, was truely Singaporean and truely one united people. I think the reason why we don't really see these contingents marching is coz most of the people who make up the contingents now are foreign workers. Therefore cannot say it's a Singapore thingy.
1989:
Singapore celebrates her 24th birthday and I was in Sec 2 then. I was involved in the mass display for TaeKwondo. I remember we spent our saturday afternoons practising at Farrer Park. We even got our black belts (when we were actually green belts that time). Then on the full-dress rehearsal, I got into a fight with Shaoming in school before the mass display. He broke my glasses and I couldn't see properly. Because of this, I wasn't allowed to perform at the National Stadium on full-dress rehearsal. I ended up sitting at the grand stand and blind as a bat!
1994:
I was doing NS at 3rd Guards. The Guards Formation was in charge of organising the NDP at the National Stadium. Weekends were burnt. I wasn't performing but was part of the logistics crew. I remember following the 3-tonner drivers to far-flung KFCs to collect rations for the performers. At one stage I was also the OC runner, carrying his signal manpack set running up and down the grand stand. Those were the days before handphone! I also recall during one of the rehearsals, my pager kept beeping and I called home to find out Fye was admitted to the hospital for drug allergies. He was warded in Toa Payoh Hospital, which is also long gone.
1996:
Singapore celebrated her 31st birthday! And I also left Singapore on this very day for Purdue University. I think there were more people in the airport sending me off than there were people watching the NDP. No lah.... like real....
1998:
Summer holidays for me. Came back to watch the fireworks with Dad and Dave Ong at the Kallang River. We were supposed to take photos of the fireworks. Ah Ong forgot to bring his cable release for the shutter.
1999:
One of our Purdue buddies - Gregg - was doing his NS. He was performing as a huge flower (don't ask me why). Anyway he had 2 free tickets for the full dress rehearsal. So Ah Ong and I went. Ah Ong and I brought our cameras again. And after the previous year's experience, Ah Ong learned his lesson and brought his cable release. But he forgot to bring batteries for his camera! COCK RIGHT? So he spent most of the full-dress rehearsal asking other spectators for spare batteries. He never got them.
2003:
The Guards Formation were the organisers again. As reservists from the Guards Family, we got tickets for one of the rehearsals. JA and I went.
2004:
Every year also the same kind of NDP - Red Lion commandos freefalling, flypast, Mari Kita, flash-card display. No mood for NDP... so this year, Dad, Mom, JA and myself fly over to Chiangmai to be with Fye. We had a great time there as a family.
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Personal Nonsense: I am Singapore
I Am Singapore
sung to We are Singapore
There was a time when people said
that Singapore won't do it,
but they did.
There was a time when money seems too hard
for us to make,
it still is.
We earn our money,
from blood and sweat.
Saving up together,
to get HDB flat.
Chorus 1:
This is my IR, I want to bet.
It is my future, it is my life.
No time for family, no need for friends.
I am Singapore, Singaporean.
Singapore my homeland, shall I call it home?
Are we all united? But everyone's not home!
They're working late as usual, escaping ERP
Singapore forever! Even water is not free!
(repeat chorus 1)
(sung)
We the denizens of Singapore
pride ourselves as one united people
Regardless of race, language or foreign talent,
To build the Integrated Resort here
based on hunger, greed and politics
so as to apease my self-worth,
gain wealth and general survival.
Chorus 2:
I am Singapore, I am Singapore
I have served the nation, did the Kallang roar
I am Singapore, I am Singapore
We have casino and rising living costs...
(repeat chorus 1 & 2)
sung to We are Singapore
There was a time when people said
that Singapore won't do it,
but they did.
There was a time when money seems too hard
for us to make,
it still is.
We earn our money,
from blood and sweat.
Saving up together,
to get HDB flat.
Chorus 1:
This is my IR, I want to bet.
It is my future, it is my life.
No time for family, no need for friends.
I am Singapore, Singaporean.
Singapore my homeland, shall I call it home?
Are we all united? But everyone's not home!
They're working late as usual, escaping ERP
Singapore forever! Even water is not free!
(repeat chorus 1)
(sung)
We the denizens of Singapore
pride ourselves as one united people
Regardless of race, language or foreign talent,
To build the Integrated Resort here
based on hunger, greed and politics
so as to apease my self-worth,
gain wealth and general survival.
Chorus 2:
I am Singapore, I am Singapore
I have served the nation, did the Kallang roar
I am Singapore, I am Singapore
We have casino and rising living costs...
(repeat chorus 1 & 2)
Personal Nonsense: Look At Me Singapore
Sung to the tune of Count On Me Singapore
lyrics by Chelonia Munnstertm
We have a vision for tomorrow,
must be lasik, must be lasik.
We have a goal for Singapore
only one goal, only one goal
You and me,
we'll stand apart,
and together,
we'll loudly fart!
We're going to show the world what Singapore can be!
but not smelly, but not smelly.
There is something down the road that looks like jiu bar
we are told there's no such thing as pei du mama
There's a foul smell in the air, must be something that is bad
We're going to kaypoh and find out what it is,
maybe money, maybe money.
Look at me Singapore, look at me I've done NS and more!
You and me,
we'll stand apart
and together,
we'll loudly fart!
We're going to show the world what Singapore can be!
got MRT, got ERP!
Chorus:
Look at me Singapore! Look at me Singapore!
Look at me I've done NS and more.
Look at me Singapore.
(repeat chorus)
Together Singapore Singapore (x2)
lyrics by Chelonia Munnstertm
We have a vision for tomorrow,
must be lasik, must be lasik.
We have a goal for Singapore
only one goal, only one goal
You and me,
we'll stand apart,
and together,
we'll loudly fart!
We're going to show the world what Singapore can be!
but not smelly, but not smelly.
There is something down the road that looks like jiu bar
we are told there's no such thing as pei du mama
There's a foul smell in the air, must be something that is bad
We're going to kaypoh and find out what it is,
maybe money, maybe money.
Look at me Singapore, look at me I've done NS and more!
You and me,
we'll stand apart
and together,
we'll loudly fart!
We're going to show the world what Singapore can be!
got MRT, got ERP!
Chorus:
Look at me Singapore! Look at me Singapore!
Look at me I've done NS and more.
Look at me Singapore.
(repeat chorus)
Together Singapore Singapore (x2)
How to Kill One Mosquito with Ten Thousand Sticks
The caption sounds stupid right?
Well, this piece of news really made my day. I'm still laughing......
Eh... when was the last time riot police were used in Singapore? Maria Hartogh riots? Hock Lee bus riots? Weren't they in the 1960's? Oh yes.... the anti-riot cops have new uniform and red beret mah...
I also wonder what happened after the protesters had to surrender the T-shirts. I think they got arrested by the other police for indecent exposure!
Sway...
Well, this piece of news really made my day. I'm still laughing......
Eh... when was the last time riot police were used in Singapore? Maria Hartogh riots? Hock Lee bus riots? Weren't they in the 1960's? Oh yes.... the anti-riot cops have new uniform and red beret mah...
I also wonder what happened after the protesters had to surrender the T-shirts. I think they got arrested by the other police for indecent exposure!
Sway...
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Oil and Water Doesn't Mix
And so does Work and Play.
I work hard and I play hard.
At work, I try to focus to get things done to the best of my abilities. Depending on the situation, I will go all out to get things done. At play, at training, at races, at any other time out of work, I also do my best to achieve what I set out to do. I also try to please the people around me.
I hate it when my leisure time is taken away out of my own free will. I hate it when other people impose their standards on me.
I'm a non-conformist. I only choose to conform if I want to.
I'm not a clock-watcher. If I like to work because I've got something to do, then yes, I'll do it especially if ideas are flowing fresh in my head.
No one takes away my leisure time. If my own free time is compromised, I will look into the matter.
Mid-career crisis?
I work hard and I play hard.
At work, I try to focus to get things done to the best of my abilities. Depending on the situation, I will go all out to get things done. At play, at training, at races, at any other time out of work, I also do my best to achieve what I set out to do. I also try to please the people around me.
I hate it when my leisure time is taken away out of my own free will. I hate it when other people impose their standards on me.
I'm a non-conformist. I only choose to conform if I want to.
I'm not a clock-watcher. If I like to work because I've got something to do, then yes, I'll do it especially if ideas are flowing fresh in my head.
No one takes away my leisure time. If my own free time is compromised, I will look into the matter.
Mid-career crisis?
Monday, August 08, 2005
Reach Out for the Skies
This year's NDP song is Reach Out for the Skies.
I think it should be the theme song for Duxton Plain - that 50-storey HDB flats.
Also reminds me of what I studied in secondary school geography about our tropical jungle and how all the trees are all skinny and all competing for sunlight. That's why all of them "reach out for the skies". If they don't try to "reach out for the skies", they die on the forest ground. Some have it worse, while they're "reaching for the skies", they get strangled along the way by 'foreign parasites'. Some otherwise healthy trees get strangled by llana and figs and fungi. These parasites feed on the success of the healthy trees, freeloading nutrients and sunlight and eventually killing off their host.
Sounds very very familiar leh....
I also just realised that the song was written by local funnywoman Selena Tan.
She meant it as a joke, right?
I think it should be the theme song for Duxton Plain - that 50-storey HDB flats.
Also reminds me of what I studied in secondary school geography about our tropical jungle and how all the trees are all skinny and all competing for sunlight. That's why all of them "reach out for the skies". If they don't try to "reach out for the skies", they die on the forest ground. Some have it worse, while they're "reaching for the skies", they get strangled along the way by 'foreign parasites'. Some otherwise healthy trees get strangled by llana and figs and fungi. These parasites feed on the success of the healthy trees, freeloading nutrients and sunlight and eventually killing off their host.
Sounds very very familiar leh....
I also just realised that the song was written by local funnywoman Selena Tan.
She meant it as a joke, right?
Sunday, August 07, 2005
Why I Don't Wanna Compete with HE SR Nathan
Yes, that's the real reason. I'm not going to wait for the Presidential Election Committee or whatever foodcourt auntie to tell me that I'm not eligible because I only earn 7% worth of peanuts. I have decided to end my presidential dreams (for now) and let the old man do the running by himself. After all, he has proven himself to be a regular fixture at the East Coast Parkway.
The real reason why I don't wanna run for Presidency is because I'm just appalled by the ugly and meaningless symbols given for eligible candidates to choose. There're - amongst other things - a helicopter, sunflower, satellite, an outstretched hand (taken by Andrew what-ever-his-surname-is). They did not have a hamster symbol or a turtle symbol. If they had, I would have reconsidered.
I'm sorry fellow countrymen, now I cannot join you all for all the wonderful dinners and openings that you would have invited me for. Perhaps next time.
The Singapore I Want.....
... ... but can I get?
Our much-touted small island nation has always been in the forefront for taking initiatives and being an example for other cities to emulate.
Despite her short 40 years of independence, I still feel that we have a long way to go. We also have to learn from other cities. An exchange of ideas instead of always trying to be the best. "Keeping up with the Joneses" is a more humble way of putting it instead of "NUMBER ONE!"
Proclaiming ourselves to be NUMBER ONE can be quite embarrassing sometimes. Reminds me of Pinkie and the Brain. Two puny little mice who have grandiose plans of taking over the earth.
So what do I want for Singapore?
This is just one of the things I hope I can get.....
Overall it is not just about giving space to cyclists and pedestrians, but it will ultimately make Singapore a gracious society (we seriously lack this virtue here).
Friday, August 05, 2005
High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes
Example from Caltrans - the California State equivalent of the LTA.
I recall in the 1970s, our Singapore roads used to have queues of people at the fringes of the CBD. These people were waiting to get into the Restricted Zone by carpooling into the CBD area. Back in those days, only cars with 4 people in it could get into the city. If you didn't have 4 people, then the eagle-eyed policeman/policewoman in that little cramped-up booth will summon you.
That carpooling scheme is long gone. Extinct. Hey! In fact that contra-flow idea along Nicoll Highway is also gone!
These days, it's very common to see big cars on our roads. It's a fact that most cars only have the driver inside.
Now wouldn't it be more effective to have the HOV lanes for cars with 2 or more people in it? Of course a study has to be done. Maybe a pilot test.
I just don't understand why our world-class authority is not seriously looking into this.
I remember actually mentioning about this before while I was 'there'. Then again, I was told to shut up as a junior officer and 'poof' - the idea was zapped into oblivion.
I recall in the 1970s, our Singapore roads used to have queues of people at the fringes of the CBD. These people were waiting to get into the Restricted Zone by carpooling into the CBD area. Back in those days, only cars with 4 people in it could get into the city. If you didn't have 4 people, then the eagle-eyed policeman/policewoman in that little cramped-up booth will summon you.
That carpooling scheme is long gone. Extinct. Hey! In fact that contra-flow idea along Nicoll Highway is also gone!
These days, it's very common to see big cars on our roads. It's a fact that most cars only have the driver inside.
Now wouldn't it be more effective to have the HOV lanes for cars with 2 or more people in it? Of course a study has to be done. Maybe a pilot test.
I just don't understand why our world-class authority is not seriously looking into this.
I remember actually mentioning about this before while I was 'there'. Then again, I was told to shut up as a junior officer and 'poof' - the idea was zapped into oblivion.
One Singapore Minute meme
There's a call for us to enter this One Singapore Minute meme.
Here's my take:
One Singapore Minute is just too short! I cannot think fast enough! This takes me back to primary school days when I have to put my pens down! One minute how to be creative? I am not programmed like this! Anyone got ten year series for me to look through before I start doing this meme? How? Stressed! If I don't do it, I will surely fail!
Here's my take:
One Singapore Minute is just too short! I cannot think fast enough! This takes me back to primary school days when I have to put my pens down! One minute how to be creative? I am not programmed like this! Anyone got ten year series for me to look through before I start doing this meme? How? Stressed! If I don't do it, I will surely fail!
Thursday, August 04, 2005
www.thomsoners.org But Seriously
Fwah! There really is a website to the Thomsoners! My community is online!
But why Thomsoners?
Why not Thomsonians or Thomsonites or Thomsonamians or the Thompson Twins?
Anyway, I found the tagline quite amusing: "The Thomsoners - Developing our Community through Ignition, Initiative, Integration"
Ignition : A fire starts in an HDB flat.
Initiative: Some kaypoh shouts for help "Fire! Fire!"
Integration: All your neighbours - regardless of race, language or religion - come together.... and watch.
But why Thomsoners?
Why not Thomsonians or Thomsonites or Thomsonamians or the Thompson Twins?
Anyway, I found the tagline quite amusing: "The Thomsoners - Developing our Community through Ignition, Initiative, Integration"
Ignition : A fire starts in an HDB flat.
Initiative: Some kaypoh shouts for help "Fire! Fire!"
Integration: All your neighbours - regardless of race, language or religion - come together.... and watch.
Statistics from "The Thomsoners Today"
It's raining during lunchtime and I've decided to become a lunchtime statistician.
Here are some interesting statistics that I collected from reading the 12-page Jul/Aug 2005 issue of "The Thomsoners Today".
Number of times MP Leong Horn Kee's name appeared = 14
Average number of times MP Leong's name appeared on each page = 1.17
Most number of times MP Leong's name appeared on a single page = 3
Number of times "Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC" appeared = 12
Average number of times it appeared on each page = 1
Most number of times it appeared on a single page = 2
Number of photos with MP Leong's face in it = 17
Most number of times he appeared on a single page = 4
Isn't this awesome?
Now - by subliminal means - I definitely know where I belong, and I know who my MP is and how he looks like!
Oh, now my mind is flooded with THAT national song!
"This is home truly, where I know I must be
Where my dreams wait for me, where that river always flows
This is home surely, as my senses tell me
This is where I won't be alone, for this is where I know it's home!"
Jialat! See what national songs and community newsletters can do to you?
Here are some interesting statistics that I collected from reading the 12-page Jul/Aug 2005 issue of "The Thomsoners Today".
Number of times MP Leong Horn Kee's name appeared = 14
Average number of times MP Leong's name appeared on each page = 1.17
Most number of times MP Leong's name appeared on a single page = 3
Number of times "Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC" appeared = 12
Average number of times it appeared on each page = 1
Most number of times it appeared on a single page = 2
Number of photos with MP Leong's face in it = 17
Most number of times he appeared on a single page = 4
Isn't this awesome?
Now - by subliminal means - I definitely know where I belong, and I know who my MP is and how he looks like!
Oh, now my mind is flooded with THAT national song!
"This is home truly, where I know I must be
Where my dreams wait for me, where that river always flows
This is home surely, as my senses tell me
This is where I won't be alone, for this is where I know it's home!"
Jialat! See what national songs and community newsletters can do to you?
I have this strange feeling that someone wants my vote
I've lived in Upper Thomson for the last 16 years. That's more than half my lifetime thus far. All these years, I've lived in my little world and I'm not too bothered by which constituency I belong to. Through these years, I think my political boundary has changed a few times. In effect, I've become desensitized to the eaxctly which GRC my estate belongs to.
Yesterday - after staying at Upper Thomson for 16 long years - I was finally reminded that my MP is Mr LHK, and that I belong to the Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC.
How I know?
I received "The Thomsoners Today" newsletter at the lift landing area of my estate.
I scanned half of it - this type of thing I don't dare to play play. What if I scan the whole thing and someone sues me? (psst... I heard that one of the MPs for this GRC is a top-notch lawyer leh... even $600k peanut boy kena from him before).
The front page shows our MP "Serving Residents". Wah biang eh, I don't even know how he looks like! (okay, now I know coz his face is everywhere in the newsletter). I wonder when he's gonna pay me a visit coz I would like to highlight that I'm only getting 7% of a peanut.
Anyway, I found the newsletter rather amusing. I kept thinking to myself "You mean there are actually so many Thomsoners who participate in these activities?", "Wow, our MP gets invited to so many events.... being MP can get so much free makan at these events!"
But I really admire MPs. No, no... I'm not trying to carry balls here. But seriously, it really takes quite alot of guts and willpower to meet the people on the ground. I've heard that the MPs have to tahan the most mundane questions from their weekly meet-the-people sessions and they are expected to solve everyone's problems. Yes, even those questions pertaining to the Relativity of Peanuts.
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
Singaporean Things That Just Don't Make Sense - Part Six of Infinity
The family-friendly side of the gahmen is supposedly encouraging more family time with the children and more time for married couples to make love so they can have more kids.
Good initiative!
Then now got bloody ERP on the northbound CTE from 6pm to 8pm.
So how? It's more expensive to go home to have dinner with the family and have some play time with the kids. Can forget it lah. Leave that job to the maids.
Some suggest to take the local roads. But they are also jammed to the brim because every other kiam-siap Singaporean is taking those roads to go home. And because of the jam, they reach home late anyway. Sway.
I thought the very purpose of the CTE was to ease the jams on the local roads! Now, the gahmen prefers the CTE to be jam-free during peak periods because they want to spread the peak time and/or spread the jam (no pun intended) to other places. And some smart goondu has the audacity to say that the North-South Expressway will not be built if the ERP is successful in decreasing the number of cars on the CTE.
HELLO! Please count the overall number of cars using the OTHER local roads! The CTE can be empty for all I care and you don't built the NSE. So all we get are jam-packed Bangkok-style traffic on the local roads. BACK TO SQUARE ONE! Factor in your vehicle growth rate and you get worse figures.
I think NSE means No Such Expressway.
It justs doesn't make sense. As usual.
Good initiative!
Then now got bloody ERP on the northbound CTE from 6pm to 8pm.
So how? It's more expensive to go home to have dinner with the family and have some play time with the kids. Can forget it lah. Leave that job to the maids.
Some suggest to take the local roads. But they are also jammed to the brim because every other kiam-siap Singaporean is taking those roads to go home. And because of the jam, they reach home late anyway. Sway.
I thought the very purpose of the CTE was to ease the jams on the local roads! Now, the gahmen prefers the CTE to be jam-free during peak periods because they want to spread the peak time and/or spread the jam (no pun intended) to other places. And some smart goondu has the audacity to say that the North-South Expressway will not be built if the ERP is successful in decreasing the number of cars on the CTE.
HELLO! Please count the overall number of cars using the OTHER local roads! The CTE can be empty for all I care and you don't built the NSE. So all we get are jam-packed Bangkok-style traffic on the local roads. BACK TO SQUARE ONE! Factor in your vehicle growth rate and you get worse figures.
I think NSE means No Such Expressway.
It justs doesn't make sense. As usual.
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