Jenna Cherylen - My Faith, My Lifestyle, My All (well, almost :) )

Sometimes all you need is 20 seconds of insane courage….

2012-01-04T00:01:00.001+08:00

This is the whole theme of what the movie ‘We bought a Zoo’ is trying to tell us.

And to sidetrack, yes, it’s another movie for me within 7 days!

What i can say is, i’m so glad to catch this show. I was supposed to catch New Year’s eve. But by a twist…. we caught this. And what i can say is: it’s a marvellous show!

It’s PG, so we have kiddos watching the show. But it shows pretty good values actually. =)

The show talked about brokenness in a family and how the father wanted to have a change, as well as chances for the family to be re-united together through saving the zoo that they own, together with the new place that they are staying…. And they found reconciliation,friendship…. And went through though times, sad times (I teared when they found it hard that Spur is gonna die :’( )

And for your information, this is based on a true story. Go on, click the link! For those who wanna know, this zoo is in England, which is so far away from Singapore. But if ever, i have the chance, i will probably wanna visit that zoo. =)

My rating: 4.25 out of 5

那些年，我们一起追的女孩

2011-12-26T22:33:00.001+08:00

Just got to watch this show today.

Maybe it’s like more than 1 month late, though. Cos everyone has already finished raving about this show, before i got to watch it.

Today’s 26th December 2011. Boxing day.

Also, it’s an in-lieu holiday for Christmas Day yesterday, which was a Sunday. Woohoo!

I must say that my buddy Michelle made a great choice of this show over the other shows such as Puss in Boots, or Alvin and the Chipmunks 3.

It should be fine that i give it some spoilers since i’m so late with watching this show that maybe if i just grab 10 people, 9 people have already watched it.

Firstly, this show does carry some Hokkien translate to English vulgarities, such as the 4-letter word, as well as some issues that teenagers face with, such as angst and some other er hem… physicological changes. Which is pretty in your face. Therefore, if u are 16 and below, u should not watch it.

Then this story is mainly about how teenage friendships that blossomed into love in the later stage of their life in adulthood which did not end up with a happy ending for each other. But it’s kind of a different type of ending.

Now, the days of my youth wasn’t this exciting. But it’s quite a bittersweet-ending kind of movie.

Movie rating: 4/5

Merry Christmas 2011

2011-12-25T01:42:00.001+08:00

Writing this entry on Christmas is just so Apt!

Now is 25th December 2011, at 0132h.

I guess for me, this is one Christmas that i feel fruitful, and truly experience the meaning of ‘It’s more blessed to give than to receive.’

I truly experience the joy of giving gifts to people this year.

Previously, i bought gifts solely for the sake of Gifts exchange. But this year has been a real challenging year, and by a blink of the eyelid, i’m at the 51st weekend of 2011. Whoa! And i realised that it’s really because of people who are willing to disciple me, that shaped me to be a better person. And because of these people who has impacted my life somewhat, i wanna be a blessing to them.

Shopping for Christmas gifts has been something totally new for me, and pretty exciting. Esp for someone like me, who’s a real practical person. And seriously, what i wanna buy for people, i already know what to get…. and i practically stepped into the store, grab it and go. =) I guess i shop like a man.

Beyond the gift-giving, let’s not forget about the real reason of Christmas. Christ came to be the Light of the world. Christ is the reason for Christmas!!

Pst always mentions during sermons that Christmas is the darkest day of the year, and because it’s so dark, Christ came to be the light of the world on this day. And this day, it’s a day of darkness, but yet, on this day, we can rejoice because the Light has come!

And yes, i’m dreaming of a White Christmas, but in Singapore, we don’t need to dream, we are experiencing a Wet Christmas. But still, i love this weather, but i can’t run in this weather cos the tracks are wet.

Whatever it is, the year is coming to an end. Am gonna conclude my year once again in my next entry.

Merry Blessed Christmas 2011!!!

My thoughts on the CSR Event to 仁慈 Nursing Home

2011-12-17T00:15:00.001+08:00

I am fortunate to join a company who believes in CSR – Corporate Social Responsibility, beyond all the other activities that company has provided for their staff. Having these events remind us that beyond earning all the money in the world, we can also do good through charitable deeds.

It was yesterday that i attended a CSR event to 仁慈 Nursing Home. It’s located within walking distance from TTSH…. near to Novena MRT Station. The last time i remembered doing something like this was when i was in Secondary School….

仁慈 Nursing Home is situated at the old site of TTSH, where it’s a one-storey building. So it’s not a very new building. But it has been home to about 200+ residents (they are not called patients, btw). Not a big place, but somewhat cosy.

Our company did the following:
1) Visited them at the wards and pushed them in wheelchairs to the event venue and back to the wards.
2) Sang Christmas carols, had a magician to perform magic tricks to entertain the residents.
3) Provided for and help to feed them
4) etc.

I was glad i went, cos this visit has set me thinking hard… the following summarizes my feelings:

Even though there’s a lot of like…xxxxx Charity shows every year, but it’s never enough to support these residents. And it’s really stepping into the home that made me realize how fortunate i am. Some of these residents are probably here for the longest time until they pass on. Sometimes, it’s due to family situation that they are left in the home.

i felt kinda sad, when i walked through the long room with residents laying on their beds on either side of the room. Some are limited in terms of diet due to their medical condition, and mostly are wheelchair-bounded. Without a doubt, it’s a lonely place. I felt it in my bones that every resident must have lived with this loneliness, not even the nurses and the staff can totally relate to. It’s a kind of pain that no one can really relate to. At some wards, we see really active residents who are zoom-ing throughout the ward on their wheelchairs… and some who just ignored whatever that is happening.

The nurses and the workers at these Homes are really the unsung heros. Some residents can be difficult to relate to due to life experiences, and they did their bestest to reach out to them.

*****

When u reach ur 30’s, there’s a mindset change that u recognize that your parents are getting old. It’s a scary thought actually when u realize that they are aging faster than u think. I think i’m in this phrase where i recognise more white hair… more wrinkles… on my parents’ faces.

Growing up, i saw how my grandparents grew old and how they passed on... i’m glad that they were never in a nursing home, where they get to see us everyday. And i want my parents to be well taken-care of at their own house when they are old. Because it’s about honoring them, isn’t it?

The word of God says that:

Exodus 20:12 (AMP)
Regard (treat with honor, due obedience, and courtesy) your father and mother, that your days may be long in the land the Lord your God gives you.

I need to learn to spend more time with my parents. Beyond My Church, My life, there’s also my FAMILY.

F.A.M.I.L.Y = Father And Mother I Love You

Just the way you are - Hokkien

2011-12-08T00:01:00.001+08:00

Saw this Youtube video circulating on FB.

And i like the original version of the song by Bruno Mars and Jayesslee.

But i think this is not too bad too…. even though i only understand about 60% of what the guy was singing.

Quite a good rendition actually :)

Enjoy!

Some updates on my life:

1) I’ve changed job recently, finally after 2 years in the Logistics industry. It was a trying time, where I realise that working hard there will not bring me to a brighter future. But, God is faithful. He brought me into a new opportunity in a really unexpected timing. And it was good.

2) I’m also gonna move on to another CG….. and all is good. I think the stagnancy has been screaming out for a while. And as i reflect, it’s indeed a good time to move, as compared to last year, where i’m leaving because of people. And this time, i’m moving because i think it’s time. I’ve overstayed, and going to a new cg takes a leap of faith, since it’s around the same season i’m changing job.

So that was why my blog is once-again, on the verge of dying. And i think beyond just posting daily stuff, i will blog about constructive and more interesting things

As for my daily life, i think Twitter will be a more apt platform.

And yes, the way i write, the things that i write, will probably change from now. I wanna be informative, funny and relevant. I guess that’s what the people in 30’s does. :)

Cherish Life’s Precious Moments

2011-11-03T00:13:00.001+08:00

Before i show u the video, there is nothing to do with KFC’s meal, especially since i don’t take chicken.

However, the very first time i saw this commercial, it set me pondering.

And i must say that KFC is very very successful in their promotional campaign, since it got me intrigued and waiting for their next ‘Cherish Life’s Precious Moment’ video on 4th Nov 2011. Well done KFC!

There’s 3 commercials so far but this is by far the best and the most to-think about.

Enjoy.

And this is the expanded version as compared to what we have seen on TV, which is a pleasant surprise.

***Maybe it’s time to go try out their KFC Brekkies soon! =)

Nope, I didn’t prepare myself for Halloween

2011-10-26T21:45:00.001+08:00

Darn! Another Halloween Episode.

And the ironic part? When i started at AML, i had Halloween-ey eyes too….. And just when i’m preparing to move on to ***H, i also kena this thing.

This time, it’s caused by color-ed (my favorite purple color) contacts.

Anyway, this was the state of my eyes on Monday. Am not gonna wear any lens for the next 1 week, and am gonna switch to Dailies. Oh, JB, how i missed u…

Amazing Performance, and more amazing kindness

2011-10-16T12:59:00.001+08:00

Well, once again, i’ve appeared on blogsphere, after about 1 month.

To update my life for the past 4 weeks:
1) Ran Singapore Half Marathon with a PB, but get this; i walked 11km back to the finishing line, as my right knee decided to kaput on me.

2) Ran We Run Singapore 10K last Sunday, and once again, the same knee kaput on the 5th km, and i came back with the worst ever timing for a 10k. Am taking TCM to strength the knees, and is awaiting for next week to start running once again.

3) I’m gonna move. Not house. But i’m moving into another industry to work. And i must say the job progression and the benefits are really much better compared to a Local-owned family business. There was some drama behind the letter submission. But all was good. =)

Now, to the main subject of this post.

Yesterday, PK shared on loving people fervently. About the little Egyptian man that David could have (and understandably) abandoned, but he did not and chose to rescue…. To the core Vision of the church.

Showing of UNEXPECTED KINDNESS.

If you read today’s New Paper, you would have come across a write-up on this guy. Amazing voice, but i want u to focus on the UNEXPECTED LOVE showed to him and his brother, by his mother.

Enjoy. And please, have a tissue on standby.

This amazing woman, changed the lives of 2 boys who were born during a war. She gave them not just a way of survival, but she gave them love, and to a greater life ahead for them.

Season of Steaming Cakes

2011-09-15T00:23:00.001+08:00

Ever since i got my gift of the Steaming cake book from my colleague 2 weeks back, there’s been a lot of activities going on in my mind and what i wanna steam in the coming weeks.

And i’ve been reading the book, and in theory i’m pretty equipped to make better steamed cakes. And i got stirred to ~~throw money~~ invest in a electric mixer.

When i started doing steamed cakes last year, i got myself a… (i can’t remember what that is……). after some Googling… AH! I bought a whisk to stir the mixture. And every other time, i end up sweating. Cos the whole effort is based on that whisking. And making butter cakes will be better with an electrical mixer.

In my mind, this is very expensive.

And i got so excited when i saw the price of something like this in NTUC Extra (yes, that’s my fav hangout after tuition). And it’s pretty affordable!

Can’t wait to lay my hands on it and start steaming delicious and healthy steamed cakes.

Spamming my steamed cakes in upcoming posts! :)

Forever 25!

2011-09-08T00:30:00.001+08:00

It was 7 days ago that i was still happily being 30.

And 7 days later today, i’m 31 Forever 25, thanks to 2 huge candles and 5 small candles that i had on the birthday cake from the cg.

Seriously, though i am 31 years old, but i don’t feel very much older. Maybe it could be that most of the people around me are much younger. I do sports (sweat, the elixir of the youth.. haha), i try to be as youthful as possible, though i do wish for SK-II to have some imprints soon.

I have frens who are already in their 30’s and they don’t look nor feel a day older than 30. I wanna be like that too.

The reality of life is, all of us age. But the thing is aging gracefully, and actively. Haha. I won’t deny i’m in my 30’s, but yet i know that i’m still 25 at heart. Forever 25! =)

I would like to appreciate these people who showered me with love…

I got this 2 Saturdays before, from Michelle. It’s the one and only one card, cause it’s handmade! She got me a super-early gift of Shu Uemura item that she got me in July. <3

I was in this steam-cake making craze right after i turned 30 years old. And i was at it for a season until January this year. Then i got busy and couldn’t continue with the craze. And quite often, i come across steamed-cake books and i got so intrigued, but i got no time. :( And for some reason, i didn’t get the books.

But thanks to my Colleague Mingfang, i got my steamed cake book. Watch out for more steaming in the coming month (Post PSLE)… Can’t wait to steam nicer cakes! =)

Do not be mistaken, it’s indeed a bouquet of flowers with 3 pink bears, from my Colleagues and manager from my department. They are just so sweet!!! <3

(Just that i didn’t rotate the photo, but u can see that the bears are so sweet)

I got a beautiful necklace from Rina, my Hello Kitty loving CG member. <3

Gonna wear it soon! :)

Special gift from 美女 Mummy Grace. I feel so loved :)

Got a Nike Sports Tote bag from the CG in Portrait orientation. Waterproof and lightweight.

And yes, the 31yo me doesn’t really bother very much about how i looked. Cause the weather was so HOT….. and i am HOT.

Really appreciate the love from everyone on my birthday.

I dunno about u, but i guess when i grow older, birthdays aren’t as demanding as when i was as a youth. Maybe because it means that i’m growing older when i wish i remain younger. And as a youth, i wished i grew up faster every other year. Haha… The ironies of life.

FOREVER 25!! I WANNA BE!

We Run SG 10K Run – 09-10-2011

2011-09-06T00:10:00.001+08:00

Last year i was in a mad frenzy waiting and waiting and waiting for the Nike Run to open. And was really happy to have made it.

I look forward to running Nike once again. And i’ve been doing quite a fair bit of neck stretching for a bit….. Until my Birthday. It has finally open!!! :)

Contrary to what a regular marathon predicted as per like other years that it will happen in late October, the date was confirmed to be on the 2nd week of October.

Which is fine by me….. even though i have a Half Marathon 7 days before…

Doing 2 runs within 2 weekends…. does it make me… Hardcore???? LOL.

Anyway, last month was horrendously busy, but i still managed to do a 16.8km KOTR run. And i got a present from the race….

***GROSS ALERT***

Well, my foot looked ugly, but that’s beyond the point. My 3rd toenail is in the renewal process for the 2nd time this year. Not too bad an idea.

Well, for my next run, with proper running socks, i can only hope for the best that i won’t lose anymore toe nails. Just got some stability socks for $12.90 (like they are just socks….why so expensive. But to justify, it’s Made In Bulgaria)

As at Blog posting time, i’m already 31 years old and 4 days old. I’ll post up thank-yous in my next post…. which i hope to do so tomorrow.

September is another crazy month, with 3 sessions of tuition for the next 4 weeks till PSLE’s over. And yes, more running in preparation for the next 31 km to conquer for this year. =)

First it was the GE, then PE came along….

2011-08-22T23:40:00.001+08:00

2011 is indeed a very happening year.

We had the General Elections, where PAP lost Aljunied, and then George Yeo is no longer a Member of Parliament.

Just before we had barely recovered from all the first election, there comes another one: The Presidential Election.

And it’s been so many years since Singapore last had a presidential election.

And suddenly we had 4 candidates to choose from….
TAN TAN TAN TAN!!!!!!!!

First time PE voters like me are mostly quite perturbed, some are quite bo-chup about who they are gonna cross on this Saturday. And for the older ones, many are also very uncertain about who they want to vote.

Most of them are unfamiliar to us, except for a certain one with the signature glasses and white hair. At least for me…

My 2yo niece wants to vote a certain Mr Tan, cos his last name rhymes with ‘box’. Unfortunately, she’s 19 years too young.

The PE is important, because the elected president has 6 years to prove that he is able to allocate the national funds well, and be able to maintain and improve international relations with other countries. He needs to be exemplary in whatever he does. So, no matter how unknown these 4 candidates are to us, we need to decide. And it’s by our votes that gets our elected president at the end of this week. So, vote wisely.

If u ask me who i’m voting for, i can only say i’m voting for Mr Tan. As for which Mr Tan…. Don’t u know???

投票是强制性的，投票是秘密的!!

Absolutely Busy but Fulfiling and Happening month of August

2011-08-08T00:16:00.001+08:00

By right, i should be posting on my first run with my Nimbus-12, and a personal review of it. I ran 5.8km with it last Thursday, and i must say, it’s fantabulous. Exceeds expectation. Detailed personal review will be out in another 2 more runs.

And, suddenly, August has crept in. And it’s only 1st week and i kinda feel a bit overwhelmed and maybe a bit tired, somewhat. And is it because age has caught up with me already?

Just over the weekend on Friday and Saturday, we had Festival of Praise. Hallelujah!!

Festival of Praise is a combined effort of many churches in Singapore to come together to praise and worship God.

It has been really good, with New Life Worship band, Andrew Yeo and Pst John Bevere, who brought forth a great message – God’s grace is upon us!!!

I was serving for the 2 nights together with 2 other leaders and a few members whom i’m thankful for being there. It’s a very different experience with serving at Suntec/Jurong West cause we need to learn a. Things happens well because also, God’s Grace enables, empowers us to make it happen!

One funny thing: my colleague (from another location) was actually with his wife who’s doing the Tamil songs. And we were staring at the same Mac screen for the longest time in the same room, until he asked if he knew me! OmGod! What a Boo-boo, and what a coincidence!! Lol!!!

Suddenly, the weekend has passed so fast……

And in 6 days’ time, we are having another important Church Event….

COME TOGETHER!!

It’s so wonderful to be able to serve during this very important annual event…. Especially when i missed it totally last year because of
Influenza B. So i’m totally gonna devote my next weekend. (sans Saturday morning cause i need to devote that time to my office. AHH… TGIS).

I remembered about 14 years ago, i was saved during the 8th Anniversary at Suntec….. This marks my 14th year as a Christian, and a member of CHC. And i’m still proud of my God, my Church, my Pastor, and will continue to be! =)

It’s gonna be an awesome, glorious time of celebrating 22 years and many many many more wonderful years to come! Not forgetting that Pst Yonggi Cho is gonna come! WOW!!!

***

That makes it half the month. And there’s more happening stuff going on in the 2nd half of August be it churchwide, or on a personal note:

Reminiscenced about my graduation 2 years ago. I miss SOT... hearing the Word of God every single morning in SOT and being in His presence.

One day in His courts, is better than a thousand elsewhere.

Then the final week of August:

Adidas King of The Road! 28-08-2011.

16.8km running trail in the City area. Waking up before the sun wakes up, and journey to City hall once again to run, it’s gonna be fabulous!

Even though i’ve done a half-marathon this year, i’m not gonna take this lightly. And with the busyness of the month, i’m still gonna do my best and run as much as i can prior to the race. Not forgetting to take time to prep my running gears and gels really soon.

This is kinda of the summary of my August this month. Inasmuch as possible (with inspiration to blog), i’ll update. I’m sure being such a happening month, there’s definitely a lot of topics to update! =)

Asics Gel-Nimbus 12 Running shoes

2011-07-29T17:26:00.001+08:00

I bought my new running shoes, with the intention of retiring my old Reeboks (after i lost 3 toe nails after my HM, and realizing that i’ve been wearing the wrong running shoes for like the longest time)

So i’ve realized the kind of arch that i have…

I am a overpronator.

Knowing what kind of pronation you are, is vital, as it will affect your way of not just walking, but also running. I should have known, argh.

Well, since i know already, i need wide shoes, with maximum stability.

Before i purchased any shoes, i’ve already asked around on the various brands, and i tell u, i do make careful research to determine the shoes i wanna buy.

New Balance

This is New Balance W1260. This is the first recommendation from one of the shops. Maximum stability and wide. And it’s a *gulp* not very price friendly.

Nike

I went to West Coast Plaza’s Nike Factory outlet to take a look. I saw something which i thought i would have decided on.

Anyway, i forgot what it’s called…. Only remembered that it’s Lunarlon something-something.

I think i do prefer it cos it has a place for my Nike+ tab thingy….

Until i decided to just buy my shoes at Queensway Shopping Centre yesterday.

It’s all about talking more to shop owners who knows the best for your kind of legs, since they see legs the whole time.

Nike, NewBalance, Nike…. It’s all there!

Now, most runners i know, uses Asics. And i did think about Asics, which most shop owners recommend for my feet.

And this is what i bought.

To be very frank, this shoe is not exactly what i thought it was to be – it’s not exactly a correct running shoe for overpronators.

To be politically correct, it’s for Under to Moderate to Slight Overpronators.

And it was about 2 hours ago (from writing the blog) that i realized it. And there was a mad frenzy going on in my head, deciding if i should change my shoes to Gel Kayano. See! I even researched on what i will wanna change to! Hahaha.

I’ve even called up the shop keeper to check on this shoes and whether if can change or not…. i think i already pissed him off with my new found knowledge?? Haha… But since it’s for slight overpronators, i think i should try it first.

Look out for my review of this running shoes in the next few days, after i’ve tested it!

AYAM PENYET RIA (Indonesian Food)

2011-07-14T01:07:00.001+08:00

I am no foodie, but i do enjoy good food, especially after a day of hard work. Now in this season, the stress is boiling up when it’s only about 3 months to go before my kiddo’s PSLE takes place. And yes, the syllabus is getting harder by the week. It’s not just kiddo that’s racking her brains trying to solve the mathematics problems. I’m literally squeezing every ounce of brain juice trying to make it understandable for her.

Ah, the perils of over-using your brain. You get drained very easily. And it’s a day like this that i need some good food, and to reward myself. And for some reason, my all time favorite 莆田 is not what i crave. Instead, my mind drifted to this obscure shop hidden besides NTUC in Jurong Point Basement.

This is what i ate. It’s called Smashed Soft-shell Crab. (I dunno what it’s called in Malay, except it’s Penyet something-something)

This is what i have to say, on the overall:

Presentation:
As above. It’s pretty original, with the wooden bowl. Adds authenticity to its Indonesian roots. Nothing too fanciful. Just something simple and complete.

Taste:
Surprise, surprise, Surprise! It has actually exceed my expectations! Usually, when i eat Softshell Crab, it’s either too oily, and overcooked and comes with this oily feeling in my mouth. But, this softshell crab is very good, fried to its goodness. =D i like it! Their chilli could be spicier, i think! *slurp.

The vegetables are cold though, and i don’t mean the lettuce. If they are a bit warmer (and not feel like it just came out of the fridge), it will be fantabulous.

My rating: 4.25 / 5

Customer Service:
Before i go on, i have to say that i was the last customer of the day. So it’s not a totally fair review of their service level.

Considering that they are about to close shop for the day, i must say that they serve the food within 5 minutes of ordering. However, i feel that their ‘after-sales service’ is kind of lacking. 5 mins into my dinner, i asked one of the waitresses for more chilli. So she pointed to a counter and spoke incoherently.

What she wanted to say, i do not understand. So i assumed that she didn’t understand what i wanted. So i asked another waitress, who asked this same waitress to pass me what i wanted…. Anyway, i got my chilli, but i wasn’t very satisfied with the service provided. I nearly had to walk to the counter to get my chilli (for a moment, i wondered if i’m at a fast-food joint where i have to self-service?)

My rating: 2 / 5

I know this is not exactly a fair review, since this shop specializes in AYAM (Chicken) Penyet. But hey, my intention is to introduce this shop. And i’m pretty sure their Ayam Penyet is good. I wanted to eat the Bawal (Promfet) Penyet, but it was sold out. =( Next time, i’ll definitely try that out.

I definitely will eat this again, with lots and lots and lots of chilli! Ayam/Bawal/soft-shell crab Penyet rawks!

Just the way you are – Jayesslee =)

2011-07-12T22:49:00.001+08:00

This is a great song. And great voice by Jayesslee (Janice and Sonia)!

Enjoy!

The original song is by Bruno Mars.

Btw, i love how Jayesslee sings. Very good, very clean-cut, and straightforward. They don’t need bombastic instruments, just a simple acoustic guitar. =)

Oh man, i’m kinda inspired to open up my plastic-protected guitar that was sealed about 2 years ago, and start to practice once again. :)

The battle of the Tablets

2011-07-03T14:48:00.001+08:00

For those people who i know personally, i did mention about my desire on getting a tablet.

That was last year or earlier in this year when the ipad was first launched in Singapore.

My first impression of the ipad to me is that it’s just a gigantic ipod touch, which i have a 3rd generation one. And it kinda served me quite ok. Except for the part where i need to type out sermons. It’s such a pain to type on a touch screen.

And mainly that’s the reason i didn’t get an iPhone. Nor did i get a Blackberry Storm.

However, upcoming tablets are all touch-screens! And it won’t make sense for me to get an ipad, if the functions are similar to my ipod (except mine doesn’t come with a camera).

So i kinda waited for the Blackberry playbook to come to Singapore. And it was finally launched in Singapore on the last week of June (which was last week). Yay!

I intend to get it in September, where by then, there will be more users of the BB Playbook and maybe there will be price wars between the tablets which will eventually benefit potential buyers like me. =) Besides, there wasn’t much of explanation on what kind of plans i could buy with my telco for the BB Playbook, and how i could tether my existing BB plan on my Bold 3 to BB Playbook. All these questions are unanswered, but i truly believe that in September, there will probably be some updates and news about it.

DON’T YOU FEEL PRESSURIZED BY THE PPL AROUND YOU WHO ARE MAINLY IPAD USERS??

Erm yea, i do. But then, using whatever u want is ultimately your preference and it’s YOUR MONEY, not theirs. But then, as i mentioned earlier, i already have an iPOD Touch, so it’s kinda stupid to hold an iPad.

HOW ABOUT THE GALAXY TAB??? IT SEEMS TO BE QUITE A WORTHY CONTENDER TO THE IPAD?

Anything from Samsung is a NO-NO for me. My worst phone ever is the Samsung F-700.

Though i purchased it after a lot of researching, and being ultimately sure of its functions, i bought it. And the very next day, i felt a huge tinge of regret, and for the next 1 year, i wish i could throw it out of the window every other day.

I like Korean stuff, but not Samsung.

Though i have colleagues who are very pleased with their Galaxy Tab, but i think i’ll better not. $700 to throw out of the window after 1 day of usage, is very wasteful.

WHY THE BLACKBERRY PLAYBOOK?

Because i’m a Blackberry user! And 1 year plus after carrying a blackberry smartphone, i have nothing but pleasure with using it. And i’m pretty sure that the BB Playbook will continue to please me. Besides, the size of it is in between the Galaxy Tab and iPad. So i don’t need to carry a huge bag just because i can fit the iPad.

OK, i’m just biased, can or not?? =)

Let’s say if i get my BB Playbook, my plans on getting a MacBook will change, where i’ll just get an iMac. Whenever i go, i’m still connected. =)

But then, until i make payment for it, nothing’s definite. Anything can happen till then.

Will i end up with a iPad and a MacBook? Will i end up with a BB Playbook and an 21” iMac? Will i end up buying nothing??

Watch this space. For now, the battle continues with a need and a want.

叫爸爸... (nope this is not the Weiken commercial)

2011-06-28T23:15:00.001+08:00

Just last week, i came across the funniest clip ever seen this year. And i finally managed to see it online.

It’s most enjoyable in Mandarin. Enjoy! =))

What can i say about this clip?

Communications is the key to life! And kids really can think of the darnest stuff. This kid must have watched way too much drama!!

Hahaha!!!

This is one clip that i will always laugh at! =D

Have you heard of the GOLDEN OREO?

2011-06-21T23:59:00.001+08:00

It arrived onto our Singapore shores about 1 month ago. And apparently, it hasn’t hit onto our Dark color-and-cream/blueberry icecream/Double peanut and chocolate filling fans as yet.

I present to you…. The GOLDEN OREO!!

I started noticing it in the stores a few weeks ago,. Usually, new things attracts my attention. And strangely, i hasn’t even seen any commercials about it on TV as yet. The last OREO commercial i remembered was the one with the blueberry ice-cream filling. And nope, i hasn’t tried that.

I was walking inside a shop yesterday, trying to fill my hunger and not wanting to snack on the delicious-and-u-better-run-5km-in-repentance potato chips. Then then i saw the Golden Oreo in a pack, together with the rest of its kind, oreos.

And there it was, a perfect Golden Oreo.

Now, u know the original OREO comes with a dark-colored base (i think it’s chocolate), with a cream filling. I grew up eating that. As time goes by (and people age and taste changes), i realized that i am not into chocolate, and/or Oreo.

So when i saw a GOLDEN oreo, i just gotta buy one and taste it for myself.

Now, it’s supposingly VANILLA, and the cream filling seem to be the same as the original one. WAIT! Do i taste….. Maple???? =)

It’s so different from the original one. I like it!

I took it to office today, and surprisingly, NOT A SINGLE ONE KNEW ABOUT THE GOLDEN OREO! But a colleague who sampled it find it really nice and not as ‘harsh’ as the original one.

And seriously, why did GOLDEN OREO take so long to come here??? It was already in Thailand, France and many other places. Well, never late than never. =)

Found a Golden OREO commercial, which is kinda interesting. Watch below.

PriceTag – By Jessie J

2011-06-19T14:20:00.001+08:00

Before last Friday, i’ve never heard of this song.

Heard the title for the first time when FJ asked us (those who are born in the 80’s) if we have heard of this song. All of went “HUH??Simi gua lai eh?”

Hmmm i think song titles during our time were not so…. (hmmm).

Let’s face it. Songs that are out these days are really of another level. Anything can be the lyrics of the song.

I only know about pricetag as an indication on a new shirt that i wanna buy, or a sticker that shows the price of this bag of broccoli at the Supermarket.

This song is really quite a song where people born in the 90’s or close to the new millennium will know and appreciate.

I kinda appreciate the fact that this song talks about happiness, about bringing joy to people. Just don’t bother about the price tag.

Just like what PZ talked about during offering in service yesterday.

When you tell your kids you will buy them anything they want, they will ask “Can i have this please?”. They won’t ask “Daddy, do you have enough money to buy this for me?”

Kids shows us the simplest things about joys in life.

Don’t care about the price tag, as long as you can bring joy.

Unfortunately, we Singaporeans never earn enough. We cannot NOT look at the price tag. Ok, that sounds so me. Hehehe.

To all Daddies and Papas out there, who gives to their children in love, with or without looking at the pricetags,

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!!

2 more runs in the next 2 months.

2011-06-13T23:12:00.001+08:00

This year, i aim to do at least 4 runs. Which consists of 3 Half Marathons and something else.

And i’m glad that so far i’ve accomplished 1/4 of what i aim for, which is the Sundown Marathon on 28-05-2011.

And 2 more runs are confirmed as of now…

Yup! That’s right! Shape run. It’s an all ladies’ run. I didn’t managed to register for it last year. And it was just right that i caught sight of it’s opening for registration on the day that it opened. And i dived for it. And i got Michelle going together with me.

Shape run is on 24-07-2011.

Even though it’s 10km, i will still train for it. It’s not exactly as huge a challenge as compared to Sundown, but i must still build momentum. I wanna breakthrough my bib time (my best is for Nike City 10k in 2010)

Adidas King of the Road run is my next race that is confirmed.

In fact, i’ve been wanting to do Singapore Bay Run/Army Half Marathon for the longest time. And i’m even planning to sign up for it. Until a fren told me that there’s this race.

I got kinda storked. Because these 2 races are only 1 week away from each other. And i was even contemplating doing both races. Of course, it’s a burn in the pocket. Hahaha.

Last Saturday, i was still contemplating and i was at work. I was talking to my colleague, and she just casually mentioned that Adidas runs are not to be missed. And just with that statement, i logged to the web, registered and paid for it on the spot.

So, there u go! I’m confirmed for Adidas King of the Road.

It’s gonna be on 28-08-2011, at a distance of 16.8km.

It will challenge my waking hours at 4am, since the race is at 5am??? And once again, i meet my ‘most favorite’ part of the race route – the F1 Pit, and i’m gonna run through it TWICE in the race! OMG!

If u are interested, Adidas KOTR is still open. As for the ladies-only Shape Run, it usually closes very fast. So it should be closed by now. =)

More running for me in the weeks to come! I like!

Food from 莆田 - YUMMILICIOUS!

2011-06-07T00:50:00.001+08:00

I dunno about you, but i realise that as i slowly grow in terms of age, i don’t desire things like MacDonald’s. Ok, have never been a fan of that actually. Now i don’t even try to step into my all time favourite Fast food joint (Mos Burger).

Maybe it’s because of age, and maybe it’s due to my stomach isn’t as fantastic as before, where i can down like lots and lots of chilli. I realized i’ve grown to like home-style cooked food, which is not too oily and great tasting.

Just a month ago, my colleague tapau-ed 莆田’s food for us, when she was at JP. I’ve never eaten their food before, and it was a new gastronomic experience for me. I’ve heard about 莆田, where a cg member said that it’s very good. That, coming from someone who’s in the food industry, it’s definitely something that can be believable.

Anyway, that first time, led to a second time. And it was today. And it so happened that it’s a ‘bad stomach day’, because i drank a cuppa. Hmmmm i enjoyed the cuppa, and ‘enjoyed’ the other stuff that comes together with a bad tummy. My desire to ease the discomfort is just for simple and nice tasting soupy stuff…… and 莆田 came on the top of my list.

The best part, i was the last customer of the day. Haha. So, i had the restaurant to myself… Lol.

This is called 农家擦粉, a specialty of 莆田.

It consists of a mix of bee hoon and maybe some kuey teow, and then it was cut to small strips to be easily picked up using your spoon. The ingredients consists of good stuff, such as prawns, scallops (mamamia!!!), diced silken tofu and wonderful tasting soup base.

The best part is that it’s not salty, and coupled with their 莆田 chilli, it’s so nice!!! The best comfort food for me!

And this bowl cost $6.90, and it’s a super duper big portion. I struggled to finish 80% in 30 mins, despite it be so delicious.

Can i have size XS bowl the next time?? =)

My ratings: 4.5 out of 5

*** Ok, maybe i’m biased, because 莆田 is something like Hokkien-styled food??? i love the food…. it’s even better than some of the 煮炒. Not too oily, not too salty, and i get to dine in comfort. =)

I will definitely eat there again. =)

Go to www.putien.com for menu, as well as branch locations.

Sundown Half-Marathon 2011 (28-05-2011)

2011-05-29T12:57:00.001+08:00

It was great to end the month of May with a bang. By completing a Half Marathon, my very first half marathon!

Travelling there was a pain. Though i left straight after service, i reached there about 6plus, with a cab fare of $44 bucks. It’s quite motivating to see the 10km runners while i travelled into Changi Exhibition Centre. Not forgetting the jam into the entrance.

I dilly-dallied for a while, met up with Esther at like 7.45pm… and dilly-dallied a bit more and suddenly we heard the announcement that the 21km race has started. So i’m not really sure how late we were.

What i did during the race
1) I skipped the first 2 hydration points, cos i was still feeling perky, and i didn’t feel very much pressured to drink anything…

2) At the 6-7km, i was starting to feel the pun-chek, and decided to take one powergel, but i didn’t see any hydration points till after 8km.

Surprisingly, the raspberry cream powergel tasted quite nice, and it’s not that creamy.

3) After the 10-11km, the hydration points were quite near, i decided to stop at all the hydration points, as i’m starting to fizzle. And i started applying more and more muscle rub, which its functions deteriorated with every rub.

4) Walked run walked run from the 12-18km. It was getting more and more difficult. Saw the Full Marathon runners. The road back was getting tedious, with cyclists and roller bladers coming from the other direction. Saw some of the fellow 21km runners started to stop.

I decide to plow through without taking the spare powergel on my waist.

5) At the 18km mark, i started to become very aware that my legs are slowly starting to give way. I applied more Counterpain, which relieve the cramps that are threatening to surface, as well as the stitches.

I walked, brisk-walk (which threatened the cramps to come) and slow walked….

My legs did a 无声的呐喊。。。。i was slowing down drastically, and was thinking if i should just sit down. But knowing that my legs are so tired, the moment i sit down, i don’t think i’ll wanna stand up. So i plough on, with my legs ‘screaming’.

6) With my aching legs, i thought i would walk all the way to the finishing line. But strangely, the moment i saw the 20km placard, i found the strength to run the last km to the finishing line. And i saw this:

3 HOURS 59 MIN 25 SECONDS

This is the race time. Though i’m close to finishing at 4hrs, but i’m glad i’m still within the 3hr range. And i guess, my bib time will be slightly lesser, which i will only know tomorrow.

What i got out of the race
1) Sundown Marathon was a great experience, but getting there and getting out of there is literally hellish. I spent like $60 just taking cab to and fro there!

2) I realized that i can actually run 17km before fizzling out, since this is my first ever Half Marathon, and my first time running this long a distance in 1 seating.

3) The medal is secondary, but the main thing is i know that i’ve set a new personal record. =)

4) I need to build up my stamina even more, in preparation for my next 21km, which i believe will be the Army Half Marathon. I just need to register for it….

5) This is random, but i realized i need a pedicure. My toenails are aching even as i typed this. My toes were feeling painful from the 15km.

6) Darn, i should have taken my powergel at 15km, instead of skipping it. Maybe i will reach my target 3hours 45mins.

All in all, it was a great experience! Am excited to train for my next run (Shape Run 2011).

Packing for the Sundown HM race tomorrow

2011-05-28T01:34:00.001+08:00

Maybe it’s because i’m a very C person; i need to be very precise in what i am carrying, be it for a holiday or even for a race, like tomorrow. I usually pack one day before the race day usually, and have a list of must-brings.

And i’m glad to say that i managed to get my SPI belt yesterday (kinda late), and have packed my race bag. It’s quite a handful actually. But i’m not done yet. But this is my must-have tomorrow when i leave my house.

Let’s see what i have here:
1) H-Two-O (Cos i never liked 100-Plus which is sparkling/gasy, whatever u call it)

2) Handheld water bottle – It’s a gift from one of my leaders for last year’s Christmas. Am still contemplating if i should carry it with me during the race. For the good, i can have a drink any time, where it’s convenient when i take the gels. For the bad, i can’t be holding this bottle and running and trying to use my free hand to take the gel and to drink it…. A bit erm…. Busy, hor?!

3) Power Gel – It’s a bit risky actually since i’ve never tasted it. I can only hope i do like the taste. I hope it boosts my run, especially after the 10th km…

4) Ipod Holder – I pray it won’t rain, ~~cos it’s not water proof~~, cos my ipod is not water proof. Gosh, i wish for an ipod shuffle right now…

5) Power Bar – i will eat one prior to the race to boost my 1st 10km, and devour the other one post-race to replenish energy.

6) Anti-bacterial wipes – it will come in helpful after the run to wash up, and/or in the event the bathing facilities are way too busy and the queue’s too long….

7) SPI Belt – The brand is Fuel Belt, but the pouch is really kinda small, but enough to hold the gels and item #8.

8) Counterpain – the rub for muscle pain, cramp, literally any symptom that may arise during the run (except if u need the loo). I got this at a great deal at $4 at my friendly neighborhood store! It’s way cheaper than ur friendly departmental store that sells it between $6.50 - $8.00.

9) Race Bib – this is the most important thing of the day!!! Without it, i can’t run the race!!

Ok, so i’m ready. But i know that i’ll unpack and pack…. again, hopefully only 1 time, before i really set out. :)

Looking forward to the race tomorrow! Though the cut-off time is 5 hours, i seriously hope to finish the race at somewhere 3h 30mins to 3h 45 mins.

Watch this space for updates, on 29-05-2011. I do believe i will blog, cos my hands aren’t doing the running. =)

Counting down 2 days to Sundown HM 2011

2011-05-27T00:23:00.001+08:00

I took this picture of my office calendar which records down important events for me such as the dates due for Payroll, Claims etc…. and also important running events. And u can see i DIY-ed a bit on my calendar to countdown to important dates. And that day is highlighted (literally).

As u can see, i value counting down a lot, and i always countdown to this, to that, to AC, to my runs….. I feel that it gives me the adrenaline counting down to it, and because i value these dates.

As at Blogging time, i am 2 days away, or to be more precise, 44 hours away from the starting line at Changi Aviation Centre. The HM starts at 8pm on Saturday.

I’ve finally bought something to store my power gels. And it’s not exactly a Fuel Belt, though that’s the name of the brand.

I’ve been thinking really hard about whether if i need to (able to) carry 4 bottles of water dangling by my waist as i run. Besides, i got a handheld water bottle as a Christmas gift which i can use while running. And my visit to Running Lab confirmed what i needed to be sure before i swipe my credit card to buy anything.

If i’m not wrong, it’s called an SPI (I dunno what’s the full name for it) belt. It has some sockets that supposed to hold the powergel in the open, and a pouch to hold other stuff (have tested and tried – don’t try putting in ur iphone or BB inside, it’ll just bounce along). And as a Citibank credit card holder, i get 10% off my purchases! =)

I’m 2 days away from my HM, and i guess equipability (see, i invented another word, haha) , i’m quite prepared. As for carbo-loading, i really tried my best, but i seriously cannot eat so much carbs in the morning! I tried eating noodles in the mornings, and i gave up yesterday for a cup of milk and a pack of Sky Flakes, which satisfies me.

Tomorrow will be a more important day. I need to sleep, i need to carbo load, i need to hydro load.

Psychologically, it’s a bit different. In a race, your completion is really determined in your mind – or what u call, MIND OVER BODY. I realised this in my first 10km. So i need to prep my mind to cross the first 10km, then next 11km and to the finishing line before i physically do that.

Though i have a goal on the timing, but, to me, it’s about the ability to complete my first HM.

I feel excited, yet apprehensive. :)

Boosting your run with Power Gel

2011-05-25T23:43:00.001+08:00

Over the last weekend at the Race Expo, i intended to buy power gel to boost my run. As u will have known, my usually training will be around 6 – 7km in one seating. Never have i done a 21km in one seating. Of course, my speed will be kinda slow for the first 3km, especially where my momentum will come around the 1.5km – 3km. But running 21km without stopping??? No joke ok!

Anyway, i’ve got 2 packs of powergels as above. Now the thing is, when do i eat it?

With this in mind, i googled it. And this are my results:

1) According to Half Marathon Running, they recommended taking a powergel 15mins prior to the race, and then 30 – 45mins into the race. When u take the gel, take some water too.

2) I’ve read quite a bit off the forums about the gels and half-marathons, and what they usually say is one every 45 mins or every 8 – 10kms.

So, what i’m gonna do is, to eat one Powerbar (yes i bought them at the Race Expo) about 20 mins prior to the race, and then i’ll take one powergel at about 8km and maybe one more at 16km, depending on the performance.

Now what i’m missing is the Fuel Belt, which i’m gonna take a look at Running Lab tomorrow. I figured that i will invest in one, and i will probably do a lot more running like Half Marathons until i’m fit enough and ready for a Full Marathon (maybe in another 2 to 3 years?)

As for the remaining 3 days to my run, i’m gonna drink more water, eat more carbos, and rest more. And i’m really excited and i know that i wanna complete this! :)

Long Sheng Million Fish ball Noodles

2011-05-24T23:07:00.001+08:00

I hasn’t really been recommending a lot of stuff for quite a while, especially when the ~~laziness~~ blogger blocks sets in. And i hope that u see that i’m really repentant by blogging a lot more.

Anyway, i was supposed to be running, and yet there were a lot of things on my mind on what i needed to do today. I needed to get the Top Schools papers for tuition tomorrow, as well as to run, as well as…… x 100 things.

The run didn’t happen. And i ended up eating fishball noodles at this place near to Jurong Gateway Road, next to the CPF building, where it’s just a road past the POSB Bank.

Seriously, there were 2 fishball noodles stalls at the same coffee shop. One of them is the Koo Kee YTF, which is one of my favs. And the other one is this stall called Long Sheng Million Fishball Noodles.

It looks promising, really.

Now, before my verdict of this fishball noodles, i need to clarify that:

a) This is purely my own view, it does not represent anyone else

b) My benchmarking of fishball noodles consist of a few very good imo fishball noodles, namely the West Coast Market (facing bus stop) Fishball noodles, the fishball noodles at West Coast S-11 (near to West Coast Post Office), and Sin Hing Hock Kee Coffeeshop fishball noodles.

c) Everyone will have differing views of what they have on food. As they say: One man’s meat is another man’s poison

This is my verdict of Long Sheng Million Fishball noodles:

Soup: 4.5 of 5
This is the very first thing i tried. And it was surprising good, albeit a little bit salty. I like it that the 冬菜 aroma is in the soup.

Fishball: 4 of 5
The fishball is QQ on the outside, and yet warm on the inside. And it doesn’t have much of the fishy after taste.

Noodles and chilli sauce : 3.75 of 5
The chilli condiment is good, shiok. But the noodles was kinda disappointing. The moment i put it in my mouth, i nearly thought i was eating kuey teow (actually i ordered mee pok). It’s way too soft, and doesn’t have the Q-ness at all.

But i may be wrong, cos, who knows, the mee kia will do really well?

Ultimately, i will say that i will go eat that again, if i bypass that place again. I think their fishball soup will sell really well, as compared to fishball meepok. :)

Before i forget, this is the address of Long Sheng Million Fishball Noodles:

130 Jurong East Street 13 #01-211 S600130

Countdown to Sundown Half Marathon – 7 days

2011-05-22T02:36:00.001+08:00

Despite the fact that i hasn’t been blogging very much about my running this year, i’ve actually been running and preparing for my inaugural (u won’t read this until i run my very first 42km full Marathon), Half marathon.

OK, Truth be told, i don’t feel totally prepared. For one, i do have frens with running teams who tell me to join them for the prep runs, which i couldn’t commit to. But what i do is to try to be diligent by going for weekly runs at the stadiums (Bukit Gombak, Pioneer, and the recently-renovated Clementi – check out the new and fresh red tracks!) At times, i also run to West Coast Park, which at many a times, it’s after work, and by the time i finish, i’ll prolly run fast, cos the park is really dark and i wanna really safeguard myself.

Usually, my runs are usually 6 – 7km in a single seating. Of course, i know that it’s nothing much compared to a 21km in one seating. But i’m gonna try my very best. I’ve bought powergels and powerbars in preparation, and been sleeping much earlier (though to many, 1230am can be considered early meh?)

However, i do have a confidence, and an EXPECTATION that i will complete, and hope i can meet my personal target for 3 and a half hours. Besides, the timing is in my favor (i’m a evening runner), and the terrain is in my favor (straight road for at least 3/4 of the way).

What i’m missing is an SPI, which i think i’ll just get a little waist pouch, and that will solve the whole issue.

7 days to go, what i can do is to continue to sleep early, and start on carbo-loading, as well as watching what i need. I need the bananas.

So in 162 hours time, my 21km race will start. And i know that it will be a new benchmark for my runs once again. And from there, what i will aim will be:
- Army half-marathon (Sep 2011)
- Singapore Half Marathon (Oct 2011)

It’s another exciting year of running for me, another benchmark to make this year! :)

Hazy days once again….

2011-05-17T23:17:00.001+08:00

If u haven’t been living in Singapore for the past 2 weeks, maybe this is new to you.

Singapore is once again, hit by haze once again!!!!

Above is the report on the haze as at today, 17-05-2011. And the reading at 54 indicates that we are in the moderate range. And it seems that it will get worse in the next few days.

To my dear NEIGHBOUR (ING COUNTRY) , if you would listen please….. We are suffering from cough and respiratory problems, and for those with existing problems, it will get worse for them. Pls STOP bringing haze to us. TM-KS!

We can only pray and hope for more rain in the next few days to dispel the haze away.

But then, if it rains, then how to run?! My Sundown’s in 11 days!! Oh man, may the weather clear in the next few days!!!! We need great weather for long distance runs!

Back… from my 2 month hiatus

2011-05-14T01:32:00.001+08:00

It’s been 2 months since i last posted my odw-to-no-more-dark-spots with the 14 days challenge.

And from then till now, i regret to say that it didnt work, so No changing all my cosmetics to Eversoft. And definitely aborting that 14-days program. Sorry to say that the program was halt on the 15th day, since it didn’t work, and i was really disappointed with wasting $30 for something that doesn’t work. I totally understood what it meant ‘value for money’. And i think it will mean this: SK-11.

Hehehe. But i’m definitely still using some form of creams to combat against dark spots. My journey towards beautiful (and flawless) skin continues.

I was having an impromptu Korean dinner with 2 good frens, who happens to be born on the same date, year, and month. And just right, i ran out of toner, and knew that i wanted to go to this place called Swanston (in the heart of Chinatown).

Thankfully we managed to reach it… 5 mins before closing time. And amazingly, i managed to decide very fast on what i wanted to buy – not just toner. I even found my favorite masks (as above). And at Amazing prices!!

Where else in Singapore can u find 1 box of 5 My Beauty Diary masks at $6.50 per box?! OmGod!!!! And i got 2, and i came home a happy girl.

Swanston is located on the 2nd floor of People’s Park Centre (yes, it’s that chui chui looking building), and they have quite a huge shop space there. Man, i will go there again, and earlier the next time, so i can slowly shop. God bless my wallet. Haha

Address: 101 Up Cross St #01-17 People's Pk Centre S(058357)

PS: I know my blog kinda died once again. I will try to post something interesting really soon, if i encounter them. Meanwhile, the most interesting thing upcoming in my life is the Sundown Marathon 2011 which will happen in *gasp* 15 days. I do start to feel intensely stressed, cos i hasn’t even hit a 10k in my usual runs.

Will share more on it, on how i shall do it. Expect more running tips and how i react to them in the next few postings. I promise, that i will post more, to revive this blog. :)

Day 3 of 14 : Eversoft Infinite Youth Recall Serum

2011-03-14T00:23:00.001+08:00

Ok, this is a 大头照 of me. (all 2.02mb worth)

And if u realized, i’ve skipped yesterday’s posting.

Today’s dark spots seems to be waving to us with much gusto. Well, i went swimming, albeit a sheltered pool. But i went into a open-air jacuzzi, so that explains the gleeful dark spots coming out to wave at me once again. And of course, that also explains the pinkiness on my face today.

Maybe i should do a moisturizing or some brightening mask tomorrow.

It’s been only 3 days of usage. Waiting for a product to take effect takes time, this is what i reminded myself after i see myself in the pictures. Will there be a significant improvement to the Dark spots in another 4 days?

Watch this space.

Take train really WANNA SI (die in Hokkien)

2011-03-12T13:07:00.001+08:00

I really like this song. Though i really hate what the song says.

Going to work if u are working in the city is really a pain in the arse. Especially when u have to squeeze. And i’m thankful for the past 1 year plus, i’m always on west bound train when i go to work.

Yesterday, i was on the way to Bukit Gombak and i boarded the train from Lakeside. Exiting at Jurong East was a pain. Because i kena blocked by people who’s not transferring train. Then people who want to board the train do not want to let me out. –_-|||

And the whole cycle repeated itself when i tried to exit at Bukit Gombak.

Sigh!

Take the public transport, 85% of the time, really wanna si (WHERE’S MY CAR?????)

Irony isn’t it, that we want to support public transport, yet we hate to squeeze and yet we don’t want to increase the carbon footprint with our own cars.

Day 1 of 14 : Eversoft Infinite Youth Recall Serum

2011-03-12T01:07:00.001+08:00

As mentioned yesterday, i am gonna document down the effectiveness of the abovementioned product.

Seeing is believing, and i commit to document my progression.

So, this is Day 1 of my skin.

Ok, my face looked a bit shiny, after applying the serum, the eye cream and the moisturizer. And obviously, the dark spots are still waving to the camera, as always, for the past many years.

We’ll see if this serum can really create miracles, in another 13 days time.

EverSoft Infinite Youth Recall Serum – Day 0 of 14 days Trial

2011-03-11T00:25:00.001+08:00

Ok, to be frank, this is the first time i’m gonna be determined to show the results of an in-progress-to-betterness product. And because Eversoft never paid me a single cent to do this, my review is 100% based on my own experience with this product.

I have to say that facial products will work for every individual on a case-by-case basis. It might work for me doesn’t mean it will work for u, cos we don’t have similar skin conditions.

I didn’t really think very much about wanting to write and share my experience. In fact, i didn’t even think that i’ll buy this product in the first place. It all started because of the rain….

I wanted to run, esp after a tough week at work, and lo and behold, the rain came and took away all abilities to run (at blogging time, it’s drizzling). So i had dinner, and popped to Sheng Siong. And this outlet is a 2 storey one, with lotsa stuff. One of my fav places to get stuff actually.

Then this promoter for this Eversoft product came and spoke to me for quite a long while (was it like 25 mins??) I usually don’t entertain such promoters actually, but since i was free, i just listened in…. and $30 left my bank account at the end of the day.

Despite that, i was pretty intrigued about how she claimed that this product is super good (i was previously ‘conned’ $9 for a palia PONDS whitening product, which i religiously use it for 2 weeks and nothing happened.)

A thought just came to me, that maybe it will be good for me that i document the progression of my face for using this product. If it works, my blog will help to promote the goodness of this product. But if it doesn’t, well…..

Today is my first day of using it. Without my make up, i actually have a lot of dark spots on my face, right below the eyes. This one was due to a lack of awareness (read: not bothered) of needing this thing called SUNBLOCK. To all my dear ladies and girls reading this, use as much as u can, before the dark spots comes to you!

It was time for me to open the bottle of serum.

’WELCOME TO THE DARK SIDE’. Hahaha! (If u noticed, Eversoft’s packages are usually in white). Pretty mysterious, yet, intriguing.

Wow! Cool black packaging within the DARK SIDE box.

Most of us ladies in our late twenties onwards will like the caption on the bottle itself : YOUTH RECALL SERUM

Oh yes, i want to have the good skin that i have in my youth. Whether or not if it can successfully recall that into my present 30-ish years old skin, that remains to be seen.

This is the serum. A 5-cents coin worth of it will be sufficient for the skin.

To be frank, after the first application, i hasn’t really have any special feeling. And where skin cells are concerned, it takes time. And it’s not like some magic potion where u ‘abracadebra’… ‘piang’! and u see the effect immediately.

From the next 2 weeks, i PROMISE TO DO MY BEST, TO TRY to upload my face on my blog (hopefully on a daily basis, if not once every 2 days), to see if there’s indeed any changes (for the good/for the bad) to my dark spots.

At the end of the 14 days, i’ll be able to conclude on whether if this is really a recommendable product.

Watch this space for my updates! :)

Food Review : Togi Korean Restaurant

2011-02-20T23:49:00.001+08:00

Today was a lazy day for me, and i got to laze in bed, until i got a wake up sms for Lunch.

I was initially told to meet at Tanjong Pagar for our Kimchi Lunch date (are the restaurants open on Sundays there???)…. and the location was changed to Chinatown (cause restaurants aren’t open in CBD on weekends).

Seriously, i’ve never eaten at an authentic Korean restaurant – the only Korean food i ate was only at Foodcourts (and usually they fall very short of my expectations, with crappy kimchi). So actually, i wasn’t THAT excited to eat at a Korean restaurant.

My kakis took me to this authentic Korean restaurant in Chinatown, which is among Mosque street, and i must say, it’s quite a cosy place, and the place was quite crowded. And we took our orders of food.

This is the appetizers.

(R1 L-R) : Ikan Bilis, Bean sprouts, braised potatoes
(R2 L-R) : Achar, Kimchi, Spring Onions

And, it’s so yummy! We even get to have refills of it! Even the Kimchi is so delicious (totally unlike those eaten at the foodcourt). I heard that the Koreans eat just these appetizers with their main meals. Wow!

This is the Spicy Rice cakes. It’s not too spicy, but the chilli is really good. This is the first time i ate rice cakes. And it’s very appetizing, and filling (at blogging time, i’m still feeling quite full from the rice cakes, despite it being at least 10 hours that i ate this). Love it that there’s the seaweed.

A closer look at the rice cake. It simply just oozes the spicy sauce, and with the seaweed…. it’s totally Sedap! :)

This is the Tofu and Seafood soup. Not too bad, but it comes in a small bowl.

This is the grilled Saba Fish. Underneath the layer of fish meat, is a crispy skin, which i devoured in enjoyment. My kakis were kinda amused that the base can be eaten. And by the time we finished, the only remnant was the bones. (No ‘after’ pictures shown here)

All in all, i was very happy with the food, and yes, in my kaki’s words – You won’t wanna eat Korean food in a food court, ever again. And, i am actually looking forward to eat Korean food again.

I won’t give a rating for this, until i eat at another Korean restaurant. But i am sure this won’t be my only time at this restaurant. :)

U can eat these yummilicious authentic Korean food (and more) at:

Togi Korean Restaurant
Address: 11 Mosque Street
Number: 6221 0830
Nearest Mrt : Chinatown

So my kakis, let’s eat Korean food again, soon!! :)

Happy Valentine’s Day everybody!

2011-02-15T00:22:00.001+08:00

Valentine’s Day…. to me is…. just a normal day. I’m single, and busy with my kiddo on this day.

But to many courting couples, it’s a special day that they wanna commemorate their relationships with one another. And a day where the ladies get to receive bouquets of 99 roses, diamonds (the best gift for gals – it’s their best friend), and the guys need to burn a hole in their pockets (willingly) to bring their partners to RWS, MBS and all the high-end expensive restaurants, and maybe the Singapore Flyer.

To many of the married couples, they will be at home, manning their children and being busy with looking over the childrens’ homework, and doing their usual stuff, like watching tv, with a bag of chips. Seems like it’s a normal routine.

So, as u can see, there’s a progression.

Singlehood (normal V day) –> In a Relationship (super duper expensive V Day) –> Married couple (What V Day??)

So…. what’s the difference between a Single person and a Married person on V day?

Ok, this is very on the surface. But the truth is, a married couple can be loving on other days. Everyday can be Valentine’s day, if one can make it to be. (Quoted from my colleague)

Well, V day or not, Happy Valentine’s day everyone! And this song brings out the lovely-doveyness for those who are loving, and do continue to be so loving ever more.

Very old school, but totally into the mood. =)

My Lunar New Year 2011

2011-02-13T23:33:00.001+08:00

It has been 3 amazing weeks with my BB Bold 9780….. that my blog has been stagnant since my last entry on 21st January. OMG! It’s like 3 weeks ago!!!!

First up, i must show u the most Kawaii one.

This is my niece, Luvelle Ching Xin Yu.

This pose was taken when i asked her to pose “Cute-Cute”

Oh, my niece is around 18months old, and this is the stage where she’s really becoming very fun. She has been yakking non-stop, and picking up stuff and then repeating the whole cycle. And she’s very very chatty, and imitating whatever we are saying. So we need to really say the correct things, so she would pick up weird stuff.

And Oh, she’s not just strutting, she has been running…. knocking on doors. Totally KAWAII!!!

And i love the following picture

This is my Mommy! Love her to bits!!!!

I posted this on my FB and everyone said that she looks so YOUNG. And i proudly say that the 不老的传说 (won’t grow old) genes are in my family. My mama is 50+ already, and yes, she has the good genes, coupled with good skincare (Cleanse-tone-moisturize) regime. And yes, i need to do that too.

*****

Actually, i didn’t feel very much this CNY, maybe because i have to report back to work on 大年初三. So imagine on the 2nd day of CNY, i have to adjust back to work mode, albeit for half a day.

First day was boring except for my Baobeis’ who came back for a while. Then i had to send them back to Uncle in the evening….. 2nd day was at Grandma’s house.

I really like my Grandma. Maybe cos she’s the only matriarch who can speak Chinese – my paternal grandparents could only speak in Hokkien, in which i’m self-professed 1/8 of a pail.

As for the dreaded questions, this year, it came once again. Argh. My annual pain. This year, it came at another level:

My oldest Cousin asked me when will it be my turn to give angpow. OMG!

But still, this CNY has been fantastic. Caught up with my older cousins, and their children. One more addition coming up! So exciting! :)

*****
Actually i got a lot more things to say, but that’s for another entry. Haha.

My 2011 Annual 捞金大行动 is starting tomorrow. My assignment with my Kiddo starts tomorrow. PSLE year. Pretty exciting. It’s either make it or break it. And we shall make it! Fighting!!!!!

Before i go, may everyone 發啊!

BB Bold 3 - Finally in my hands!

2011-01-21T00:52:00.001+08:00

各位观众… Presenting, my newest, and the latest Blackberry Bold 3.

And yes, i got it in white! The little boy at M1 didn’t trick me! Hahahaha.

I was really quite reluctant to change BLACKBERRY, not because i don’t wanna upgrade, or because i was thinking about DAKOTA. No! (No touch screens for me, remember?). It’s really because of this leh-cheyness in transporting all my contacts from the CURVE to BOLD3.

I often have frens who change BB and then they start adding me to BBM using their new phones. So i know it looks like a major change.

Sometimes, fear and leh-cheyness stops u from doing some things. And it did stop me from changing. But after doing the switch, i can tell u, it’s so easy, so idiot-proof (esp for me… i’m quite stupid at such things!). If i can do it, and i got it with some guidance from Google, it’s easy peasy lah!!!

What we can expect from now on:
1) Better speed – i upgraded from 2.5G to 3.5G. From a 8520 to 9780. And the speed is amazing!
2) Better Connectivity – From GPRS to 3G. Woot!
3) Better Pictures – This picture above is the last picture from my BB Curve. From now on, it’s better pictures since BOLD 3 comes with a 5MP Camera with flash. Too exciting!!!
4) Better in getting my directions – Google maps are installed! Good for me!
5) Better OS – From OS 5 to OS 6. Just doodling for a bit has got me so excited.

And yes, it’s a better day with better usability from now on. And i was glad, i didn’t fall onto the hand of another touch-screen phone. :)

I tried 2 times without success…. OMG

2011-01-20T00:37:00.001+08:00

And i hasn’t upgraded my BB to BB BOLD 9780.

I was at IMM, and have decided in my heart that i’m gonna upgrade to BB BOLD 3. So i started to queue…… and lo and behold, one of the customer service peeps came and said

”Sorry, the re-contract system is down currently. Would you like to come back at 8pm or tomorrow?”

OMG! Just when i’ve decided that i’m not gonna struggle with TO BUY or NOT to buy… Seriously, after my previous entry, i had been struggling with this NEED and WANT thingy. (As always, i struggle… )

Ok, never mind. I had a fantastic run and a yummy Teochew dinner with D…. after boarding the train at Gombak, a random thought stroke me, and “Maybe… maybe i can still get my BB 9780 today”

I silently rejoiced when i walked down the train station towards the M1 Shop…. and then i saw the shutters were down. It’s another OMG moment.

But i guess, all is not lost yet. According to the staff at M1, there’s WHITE BB BOLD 3. I wonder if the staff mistook it for BB BOLD 2.

I shall try again tomorrow, or until i successfully switch it over! Haha.

BB Bold 9780 Vs BB Torch 9800

2011-01-09T23:22:00.001+08:00

I really love my BLACKBERRY Curve 8520. I really do. To me, it’s the bestest and the worthiest investment i’ve made. I really thought that Sony Ericsson would capture my heart. Or, if ever, i get an IPHONE. But the moment i’ve set my heart on the BLACKBERRY, and got it on my hands, BAM! It’s a whole new world.

I love how i can access emails at whim, I love how it’s not a blardy Touch-screen, which irritates me to no end. I love how i can access Facebook, UberTwitter at any time. Oh wait! Iphone and Androids can do that too (i guess). And i love the QWERTY for typing.

Main thing is, BB is so easy to use!!! I won’t wanna turn aside from it!

However, BLACKBERRY CURVE, is after all, a very basic BB. Though it comes with a camera, it doesn’t have flash. There’s so many apps i wanna download for usage, but it’s not compatible to the many apps on App world. Oh, and besides, it’s already EOL for it.

I so wanna maximize the potential of BB App world. There’s too many things for me to even start exploring! And the only way is to get a better BLACKBERRY!

The 2 latest BLACKBERRYs that’s launched since the last quarter of 2010:

1) Blackberry Bold 3 (9780)

I’ve also read the review from CNet Asia.

My Telco carrier sells it for $398 (+ $100 for upgrade before plan’s up).

2) Blackberry Torch (9800)
I know, i so wanted a torch ever since i saw it’s intro video on Youtube….

The review from CNet Asia for BB Torch is here.

My Telco carrier sells it for $538 (+ $100 for upgrade before plan’s up)

Hmmm….. a bit hard to decide huh.

That’s why it’s such a dilemma to choose!!!

Let me combine the analysis of both phones from my review as well as the reviews that i’ve read:

BB Bold 9780	BB Torch 9800
Budget-friendly	Budget not-so-friendly
Similar to BB9700	First slide BB
Great user review on CNet	Not so good user review on CNet
Ok for web browsing	Great for web browsing

Both also run on Blackberry OS 6, which the review is said to be more popular for Torch.

I posted my question on FB via twitter, and surprise surprise! More people support BOLD. A friend mentioned that BOLD series are the best phones among all the wonder BB phones. (And oh yes, she’s been using the BOLD BBs) And the most important thing which is the whole crux of the whole thing is; i chose BB is because i don’t want a touch screen phone. Buttons are so… ME!

Whoa! It seems that it’s very clear on what i’ll be buying. =)

Watch this space.

Rain rain……… GO AWAY!

2011-01-05T22:28:00.001+08:00

BLEAH!

The rainy season that was inherited from 2010 is still here.

Officially, i have 5 months and 22 days from my inaugural half-marathon.

And i so wanted to run this week. And, aptly the saying in Chinese is
天不作美.

And to 雪上加霜, my ipod Touch went KAPUT yesterday morning. Totally spoiled my day. But the good thing is, i sent it in yesterday after work, and i just got an email from Sapura Hospital to say that my Ipod can be discharged. So am gonna look forward to it. I hope i will just get a change of battery, and not a 1-for-1 (which i’m hearing stories about them being refurnished sets).

Hope for great weather tomorrow!!! Am aching for a 7KM run!!!! =)

11 Goals for the Year 2011

2011-01-01T01:35:00.001+08:00

Managed to finish writing this at 2358h on 31.12.2010. ~Phew, just in time~

11 goals set for the year of completion for 2011. =)

1) Save $4,000
Ok, to be frank, i think it’s a comfortable range to save in one year. But of course, that need prudent planning. And careful (and tight) expenditure.

2) More sneakaways
Sneakaway (in Jenna’s dictionary) = a short, one day trip out of Singapore, just doing what i wanna do to relax. I wanna do more massages, more cheap-thrill shopping, eat good food, yet not pay as much as i will in Singapore. So the only 2 places that fill the sneakaways will be JB and Batam. So, if u wanna a one-day sneakaway to these 2 places, look for me!

3 - 4) Read the Bible (and complete it)
Pretty straight-forward. In 2010, i didn’t even complete 50%. In 2009, i was in SOT, so it’s mandatory to finish. To discipline myself, i’ve downloaded a 2011 Bible reading plan. SO hopefully in May 2011, when i evaluate, i hope to show that i’ve been quite update to date with it.

5) Lose 10kg
In Late 2009, i started on my running activity. In late 2010, i’ve evaluated - lost about 3-4kg. So as i continue to run….. run at least 2 times a week…. i hope to lose the weight and let the loss stay. That takes commitment. I resolve to count my calories more diligently, find out what are the workouts (besides 7km runs) that i can do while not at the track, to strengthen muscles.

6) Better Skin and appearance
I need to be more diligent to do my masks more diligently! Sleeping masks are just not as adequate. I admit, i got a bit lazy in 2010. But for better skin, i’ll do more mask. Besides that, i’ll sleep earlier. And maybe more uses of different products (SK-II miracle essence??? )

And yes, i need to dress better this year, to look better. Better appearance adds confidence.

7) Better Time management
I’m hoping for lesser tuition time commitments and maybe more moola to earn. At 30’s, i think i need more time for myself, need to let loose and enjoy life a bit. I need more cuppas with friends at cafes to chill out, and ponder on life a bit more. I wanna spend quality time with people who deserve and appreciates my time and efforts to.

Maybe i wanna do a basic Jap language course, if time permits. And yes, i need time to run.

8) Effectiveness in Ministry
I wanna be a better team leader. Not just to relate to them in an operational level; hoping to foster stronger friendships in the ministry. And to serve more.

9) 4 (or more) Major RUNS
There are 3 Major runs that i will definitely do this year, namely:
- Sundown 21K (28.05.2011)
- Standchart 21k (TBC on 04.12.2011)
- Nike City 10k (TBC on distance and date)

Though there’s the 2XU Compression Run that i’ve been contemplating for a while, i think i wont’ sign up. (When the clock stroke 12, the early bird rate has ceased)

I wanna do one more run. But i hasn’t got to decide which one. And maybe a few more.

10) Better Relationships
Be it at home, be it at work, be it at CG, be it in the ministry, be it wherever it is.

2010, i hasn’t been a good daughter/sister/auntie cos’ i get obviously much more frustrated with my dad this year, i didn’t really open my heart to little girl (because of my doggies’ incident), and yes, i hasn’t move an ounce of effort to talk to brother’s wife (not that i’m that hard-up for it).

I hope to be a better co-worker at work. I wanna meet requirements and exceed expectations in 2011.

I hope to see myself being a friend to people. To just be a listening ear, if i cannot do anything to help their problems. I hope to be more pro-active in my CG (If nothing serious puts me off). And yes, i hope to be more understanding/forgiving/social (whatever that means)/responsive this year.

I know that if this is where GOD calls me to remain, i will, Despite all that happened in the span of 2009 – mid 2010….

11) Enjoy life to the fullest.
Main thing is to live life happy. I wanna go for sneakaways, getaways, more shopping trips! Have people who i know will love me for who i am, and not have expectations that i definitely cannot/won’t want to meet.

I like what Dr AR Bernard’s Tweet on the last day of 2010:
As you prepare your new year’s resolutions, remember, affirmations without discipline leads to delusion.

I need to be disciplined in the goals that i’ve set. So i’ve paste what i’ve written on the wall of my table. It’s so in my face. Very hard to miss it! So if i can see it, i can have it!

I spent the first half-hour of 2011, committing this year onto the Lord. I know that it will be a year that i dunno what’s coming up. But i know that God’s grace is there for me (2 Cor 9:8). God is my Shepherd; He will lead me to rest, to a place of quenching of thirst….. through trials and yet He will carry me through. His Rod will chasten me, and yet His Staff will lead me through. (Psalm 23).

So, here’s to 2011. Let it be a fantastic year. Though i dunno what’s in store for me, but i know that my God will lead me through, whether good or bad.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011

My Favorite iPod game: Angry Birds

2010-12-29T00:48:00.001+08:00

Ever since i’ve upgraded myself from the PSP to iPod Touch in March this year, i’ve been exposed to the very magnificent world of Apple Apps store, as well as the many free games that we will download into our machines.

As u know, i initially wanted to get an ipod nano, so that i can sync it with the Nike Application. After some careful and very practical thoughts, i’ve settled on the iPod Touch. This also exposed me to many many wonderful games that i’m still playing today.

One of the first apps that i’ve installed is Angry Birds. I started with the Lite version, and oh boy it was fun fun fun!!! And i wasn’t even thinking about spending any money on apps. But u know, when u repeat something so frequently, u know that it gets boring over time.

Until one fine day, i decided that i need more than just playing the same few levels, and i paid USD0.99 for the full version of Angry Birds. I didn’t look back from there. Cos up till today, i’m still trying to finish all these levels.

After all, it’s one of the top game apps on iTunes store, even until today. And the fight between these birds and those silly green pigs will not cease (and the levels will continue to grow), apparently, their peace treaty didn’t work out. Don’t you love continuation of this game, and the quarrels between these 2 silly groups?

Disclaimer: My blog is still very family friendly. There’s a few words used that are offline from my non-vulgarity policy. Despite that, have a great laugh!!

And oh yes, ANGRY BIRDS is my all time fav game on my iPod!

Evaluation of year 2010

2010-12-26T00:20:00.001+08:00

Some time back this time last year, I blogged about my recap of 2009, and goal setting (very simplified version) for 2010.

About 12 months have passed, and now it’s time to evaluate.

Let’s Recap.

1) To be more financially secure.

Thanks be to God, that this year, i’m indeed more financially secure, and even managed to have some healthy savings. I’ve even managed to get a good COACH wristlet. And since moving on to my current company, my salary has grown by a bit.

2) Lose weight.

I started on gymming in November/Dec 2009. Then, i started my love relationship with the running track. And from there, i’ve been running more than i’ve gymmed. Actually, i’m quite insecure where my weight is concerned. And i didn’t weigh my weight often. I believed in feeling it. And i’m thankful that in this year, i think i’ve downsized a bit. The last time i weigh, i think i’ve dropped about 3-4kg.

I find that i fit into clothings better. There’s a bit more variety for me.

Not forgetting that as of 25/12/2010, i’ve completed 3 x 10km runs:
a) Singapore Passion Run
b) Nike City 10K run
c) Standchart 10k run

3) Blog more.

Maybe this year is a bit more boring for me. I’m a bit more busy. But when i blog, i blog in quality. So i still love blogging. And will aim to blog better quality stuff.

4) Wear Skirts and dresses

I managed to do it. I bought dresses to wear at a few weddings. I’ve got a jeans skirt, and i’ve more skirts where i wear for work.

5) Praying and serving more in the ministry

In this year, i’m more involved in the ministry, doing more stuff. And i’m leading a team in the ministry. Thank God for using me more.

6) Bringing my dogs back.

Apparently, it hasn’t happened yet, since there’s no celebratory entry on it.

7) Building meaningful relationships.

When i sent my dogs to the foster’s, I felt totally lost. And sadly i found no solace in anyone, no even from cg – no one bothered to understand and relate to my pain. And seriously, i was really at the point where i just want a change. And on a particular cg day, i decided that this is it! I want to part ways, and to make that my last meeting with this cg.

Then God intervened during the worship, and spoke specifically to me. And because of this, i turned my decision 180 degrees.

So far, life has been happier. I feel more connected, a bit more loved. As for the building of meaningful relationships, i guess, it hasn’t really happened much.

My score: 4.5/7

*****
I guess this year has been a good year. As compared to many other years, i think the many goals i’ve set, i didn’t even fulfil 20% of it. But this year, i’ve managed to fulfil more than 50% of the goals i’ve set. =)

In a few days time, i’ll be setting goals again. And hopefully when i recap this time next year, my score will get better :)

Merry Christmas with Love

2010-12-25T15:26:00.001+08:00

2010 Christmas. The day of the year that i am thankful to God for.

Because of Love, God gave His only Son.

I am Thankful.

Merry Christmas, with Love!

Getaway Prelude

2010-12-21T22:47:00.001+08:00

I still remembered my last overseas trip.

It was to JB in the month of October. And it was a day trip. It was 买东西吃东西, 买东西吃东西…

And my 2nd last was another 买东西吃东西, as well as attending a wedding.

Well, all these trips are relatively short trips.

But they are all therapeutic. I wanna do more short trips. Be it one day or 2D1N.

Gonna clear my leave next Thu-Fri. Looking forward to my mini-getaway!

Movie Review: The Chronicles of Narnia : Voyage of the Dawn Treader

2010-12-21T00:46:00.001+08:00

Considering that this is the first of the Chronicles that i’ve watched, i must say that it’s really quite good. :)

Initially when a fren asked me along for the movie, i got kinda worried. Cos the movie was adapted from a series of books by C.S Lewis. And knowing me, i will not potong jalan and skip the first 2 books.

Like Harry Potter’s movies, i’ll go read the book, digest it and then go watch the movie. To me, that will be really relating to the book.

For The Chronicles of Narnia, i didn’t read a single book, hasn’t watched a single movie. All i did to prep for the show, was to watch the trailers from the very first movie, and also read Wikipedia about the Chronicles of Narnia.

What about the movie (spoilers alert):
- Snobbish cousin of Edward and Lucy, who showed forth Greed, and became something else, and in the process became instrumental in saving Narnia.
- The adventures depicts a lot, besides greed for money (a few times), desire for power, coveting your neighbor’s house, desire for vanity.
- Aslan made a brief appearance. And i liked the part where he said that he will appear to the children’s life as another PERSON. haha.

My rating: 4.45/5

(my fren mentioned that some parts are kinda boring. i like it that it’s not sinister as HP7, and only some intense parts. Great graphics).

I recommend watching it. :)

Ps: Yeah i know, i’ve disappeared yet again on blogsphere for yet another season. I Will Be Back. With better and quality entries. :)

我问天... 为何台湾龙卷风来袭？

2010-12-04T01:58:00.001+08:00

If you are living in Singapore, this is one song u will definitely be able to hum to the tune, whether if you are a Hokkien or not.

As long as u have a TV set at home, u will know this song, whether if u like it or not.

This song is the theme song for 爱 the Channel 8 show at 7pm, everyday. U read me, EVERYDAY!

And it’s very hard to miss the show. It hounds you everyday.

Though i watch more 台湾龙卷风, but i’m still quite in sync where the plot of 爱 is concerned.

It’s an interesting trend where Taiwan Chinese-translated-from-Hokkien is slowly garnering a big fan base here. Not forgetting the jokes where kids just says the darnest things, such as:

‘7点要做爱了’

(They are just telling someone that 爱 is gonna start showing at 7pm…. bleah)

Let me list down a few reasons for its growing popularity:

1) People need soapy, draggy drama with at least 300 episodes. Who doesn't love megadramas?!
爱 is about 700plus episodes. Singapore’s showing up to about 400+. Another 300+ episodes of dramas. 台湾龙卷风 has 345 episodes. Drama’s still boiling in Singapore.

My favorite: 台湾龙卷风 (more business-like, and more scheming drama)

2) People love and hate the baddies in megadramas
In 爱, the hated characters include:
-郭聪敏 (the guy who's narcissistic, who cheats women of their money, and ended up stricken with cancer. Screen time ended)
-谢明明 (the bitchy woman who married twice, cheated the first husband, and got played out by the 2nd one who schemes to cheat her money. she's still as 贱 as ever. U really love to hate her)

In 台湾龙卷风, hated characters include:
-叶美琪 (man-crazy woman, who's consistently stubborn, and unrepentent)
-黄平秋 (unscrupulous businessman, who betrays his own family, and ended up having a taste of his own medicine. He portrays as a useless bum these days. Very 贱 character)

My favorite baddie: 黄平秋。。。。贱to the core of his being. It makes me shudder and yet i wonder: how is it possible that someone in real life is as 贱 as him??

3) People feels sad for those very 命苦characters in the show. Ahhh, don’t we love sappy characters!
In 爱: There's this blind gal called 娃娃, very poor thing. All because of 谢明明
In 台湾龙卷风: Yvonne was a very poor thing. Was raped by 黄平秋, went ballastic and went mental momentarily, and then was harmed to death by 叶美琪.

My favorite sappy character: Yvonne. Drama-max in her life.

U might have realized :I love Hokkien-translated-to-Chinese Hokkien dramas! Though i’m not at the stage where i’m CRAZY about them. i think they are even better than the 偶像剧. They are just way toooo exciting (albeit draggy)!!

Cheers to Hokkien Drama!!! Am proud to be a Hokkien (though watching more of these shows doesn’t/hasn’t improve my spoken/listening language in anyway,HA!!)… Oops, age is really catching up, i’m getting to be more LKK (lao koko if u know what it means)

Upcoming posts:
1) Celede Brekkie (OMG this is more than 2 weeks overdue)
2) Standchart Marathon!!! Oh yes, it’s 2 days away!!!

Harry Potter Part 7A (cause 7B’s coming in 8 months time)

2010-11-28T01:04:00.001+08:00

Gonna wait for the next half to this Phonomenal Finale to this decade-old blockbuster. And OH, how exciting!!

Graphics are great, and story plot, as usual is good.

Just one thing: I saw kiddos in the cinema. I think the show should be PG (Parental Guidance) or at least NC16.

The show will get darker and darker, especially when he-who-must-not-be-name is making his appearance more in the movie.

Nevertheless, great show!

For a Bigger Challenge in 2011

2010-11-20T02:15:00.001+08:00

Every since running came invading into my life, i’ve been feeling quite happy. It’s the sweating it out after a shitty day, and the eudophins just come rushing in. Not forgetting the adrenaline rush and the joy of ~~torturing oneself~~ completion of how much u wanna run.

As of 20/11/2010, i’ve completed:
1) Singapore Passion Run – 10km
2) Nike City 10K Race – 10km

The upcoming Standchart Marathon is happening in another 15 days.

Being in the FIT CLUB in the cg, allows for fellow runners to support one another, share great running tips, and train together. And we are looking forward to more runs.

In fact, the run that is on my radar is Sundown Marathon 2011. Since early this month, i’ve been periodically checking out the website to see when will next year’s run be open.

Its run is set on 28/05/2011. According to the website, the registration will open only in December 2010.

After the Nike Run, i felt that i can run more. And believing for greater breakthroughs in the area of running is concerned for me. And i was seriously contemplating that ‘maybe’, i should try for Half-Marathon (21km). But of course, the registration wasn’t even open, and i didn’t think very much into it.

Until this faithful afternoon. I received an sms….. And i jumped…. in excitement. SUNDOWN IS OPEN FOR REGISTRATION!

And i know that in my heart, i’ve already decided that 21k is THE race for me.

This was what i posted some time earlier.

When u post something like this PUBLICLY…… it may/can/does look grandiose, but talk is cheap, until ACTION happens.

And i’m very happy to announce that

Half-Marathon, i’ll conquer you in
6 months, 1 week and 1 day’s time!

So from now on, no more 5km mini-runs. I will run a minimum of 7km in 1 seating. And yes, i need to run more and more! I need to be much more disciplined than ever!! And yes, it takes a leap of faith for me. But i believe, that i can conquer this distance! =)

Phil 4:13
I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me!

Before Breadtalk is, Delifrance was, has been, and still will be (to me)

2010-11-18T01:03:00.001+08:00

Recently, i’ve stopped eating all the Fried bee Hoon / Mee in the morning, and opted for bread. Which is part of healthy living.
16Days (and counting) to Standchart Marathon 2010.

I was randomly looking around at Jurong Point, when i came across the Delifrance shop, and thought to myself that it might be a good idea to get some breads there.

I’ve always have a good impression of Delifrance, since my Post-secondary days. During those times (which is like about 10 years ago), there wasn’t any Breadtalk or Four Leaves. All we had was our neighborhood confectionary shops. Delifrance during that time was literally atas and very the high class.

I remembered having delicious Sultana Rolls from Delifrance at Tiong Bahru Plaza while walking up from the Mrt, bypass the Shop and then to classes. And the smell of fresh bread was just too overwhelming for me to miss any of the breads or pastries. i could the same bread every other day!

Back to my visit to Delifrance.

I was just browsing through the bread shelves and came across a cute muffin. And i know that i wanna buy and eat it!!!

After looking through the description, i realized that it is actually french bread.

If i’m not wrong, this bread is only available during the Christmasy season. Cos this bread is called Rudolph. =D

Besides this bread, i’ve not forgotten about my favourite Sultana Roll, and so i got 1. Talk about trying to lose the weight!!! Hahaha.

When i was paying at the cashier for the stuff, i was expecting to have them packed in the all-time familiar Delifrance paper bag. But, they didn’t!

They packed it in a cake box.

WOW!!!!!!

Actually they wanted to pack the sultana roll separately into a paper bag. So, the environmentally-conscious me asked them to just put everything into the very nice box.

And to top off the atas look, the cashier put it into a plastic bag.

WHA…. for a moment, i thought i was at Bakerzin. WAKE UP!! WAKE UP!!!

Not forgetting the very personalized services of the cashier. He held the package for me while i kept my change and thanked me, with a smile. =)

Great service!!!

I tell u, i (nearly) couldn’t wait for the next day to eat my breads! Just the thought of opening up the box made me salivate!!

SALIVATING YET??

The Sultana Roll has never failed me. I love having that all-time familiar crispy and yet lightly sweetened taste in my mouth.

As for Rudolph, the ‘snow’ is made of sugar icing. The cherry is additional taste for me. After a few bites, i realized that this bread contains some dried fruit, which makes it exceptionally tasteful.

Yummy!!!!!!

This trip to Delifrance has rekindled my passion for its breads once again. I wanna buy my Delifrance brekkie again! Really soon!!! =)

Delifrance has always been the most high-class bread to me. Since 10 years ago, now, and counting. Even though to many people, Breadtalk / (insert confectionary shop name) is their top bread, but to me, Delifrance is THE No 1 bread.

Wanna try some Delifrance Bread? U might see some DELIFRANCE EXPRESS CORNERS at selected petrol stations. Not forgetting the Bistros, Cafes and Bistros-at-Hotels.

Brekkie food Review: Knorr Instant Porridge

2010-11-16T00:53:00.002+08:00

I guess i’ve been watching quite a lot of TV. I know, because i’ve watched enough commercials to single out one that made me wanna try the porridge.

Knorr is known to produce chicken soup cubes.

But this commercial that caught my eye, is about porridge.

OK. There were times where i my maid/mother spice up the soups with chicken cube, and it will taste really great. Usually 1 is enough. But porridge??? Hmmm…

i told myself i gonna try it. Besides, porridge is appropriate food for dieters for me. Hehehe.

And i totally didn’t do anything until 2 Sundays ago. I was just walking at IMM’s GIANT and looking at Brekkie food…. Browsing at all the cereal foods and randomly walking until i came across the section where all the chicken stocks are. And, lo and behold, i saw the shelves filled with the porridge.

Besides, it’s selling at a great price of $2.45 for 2 cups!!!

So i bought 2 cups.

This is the WHITE porridge.

As u can see on the label itself, this is mushroom flavored with some bits of egg on it.

This is the ORANGE porridge. It’s filled with carrots and comes with crabmeat bits.

This is how it looked like when it’s opened.

There’s this aluminium package in side, which looked squashed. But when u open it up…..

U can see how the burbur (porridge) bits are segregated from the ‘soup base’. I estimate the segregation to be 70% burbur bits,30% soup base.

Open up everything and dunk everything into the soup. And fill to the indicator on the cup WARM water…. and the rest, we follow the same instructions as to how we prepare cup noodles.

Just before i wanna throw in everything into the cup, and thinking ‘HUH…. NO spoon????’, there’s a plastic spoon hidden below the aluminium pack. So, i used it to steady the lid while the porridge is being generated.

++++ 1 min ++++

++++++2 min +++++

OPEN SASAME!!!!!

This is how the WHITE porridge looked like.

This is how the ORANGE porridge looked like.

I ate the 2 cups or porridge for brekkie over 2 days. And this is the verdict from me:

1) Amongst the 2 cups, the WHITE one smells more appetizing. However, it proved to be a bit too salty for my liking. I had to down quite a bit of water.

2) The ORANGE one is not as appetizing in terms of first smell. But, i must say, it’s the nicer of the 2. It’s not too salty and it has a slight sweet taste (due to the carrot)

3) Not a bad option for brekkie. If i didn’t remember wrongly, each cup is about 170 – 190 calories. =)

Knorr Porridge comes in 3 flavors:
- WHITE porridge (mushroom)
- ORANGE porridge (carrot)
- YELLOW (Chicken)

My review : 4 out of 5.

Close to 1 year and loving it!

2010-11-04T01:06:00.001+08:00

It has been about 1 year since i’ve embarked on my exercising regime.

Seriously, it hasn’t been easy, trying to motivate myself to go to the gym very regularly. Not forgetting the laziness and the food that will lure you away from the gym

Hasn’t it been Diana, who encourages me to start going out to the running track to run, i think i’ll still be stuck inside the gym, aimlessly. Now, i’m enjoying my runs. In fact, without running a minimum of 4km in 1 seating, i will feel Shiok-not!

What started out to exercise this year, has changed me from needing the air-con to exercise, to loving the running track. And to date, i’ve finished 2 x 10km runs, namely the PAssion Run and the Nike City 10k Race. And i am looking forward to Standchart Marathon in about 4 weeks.

Even though i do run a lot on the track, but most of the time, while running, i’ll lost track of how far i’ve run. And on the track, it’s not like in the gym where i can see how far and how fast i’ve ran.

I got an IPOD Touch, where the Nike + Application has been there for the longest time. I’ve been quite an apple-idiot, thinking that with the app, i’ll be able to track my run. I am only half correct.

Without a sensor, this application is rendered useless.

And i know that Nike does sell the shoes where u can put in the sensor. And i didn’t even know that i can get a clip holder for the sensor to use the app, until after the Nike Run. Really Slow sia!!!

Anyway, it’s a good thing that i’ve learnt, and so i’ve gotten my sensor from Nike Shop (it’s retailing at SGD29.90). And the Clip Holder, i’ve bought from Challenger (retailing at SGD16) or RunningLab.

With this sensor and my very clever IPOD Touch, i can catch my run.

It’s quite in me to track my runs. And so far it’s great. I’m just hoping i won’t drop my sensor somewhere…. (i have 998 times to go before i need to change it!)

My cute E.T (I meant to say Gremlin, actually)

2010-10-31T01:15:00.001+08:00

Ooooo…… isn’t FurBy cute? =)

This picture is freshly taken a few hours ago, when i went to visit Kor-kor and Jer-jer today.

The first thing that came to my mind after i saw my kor-kor was ET. U know…

…

…..

Sorry! I meant to say Gremlin, but somehow, i thought it to be E.T.

This is an E.T

What i wanted to say is that Kor-Kor looked like this cute Gremlin.

Technically…. Gremlin is a kind of E.T, isn’t it?

Anyway, this entry is supposed to be about my doggies. Hehehe.

Something about Kor-kor’s haircut. He was supposed very furry. That’s why his full name is FurBy. Due to the weather, he needs to trim his fur, and it turned out really cute.

Even though his fur-cut turns out the same every other time (just like how an NS boy will end up after every cut – G.I) it’s always refreshing for me. Especially now when i don’t get to see him every day.

I’m waiting for the day that they can come back. Now, i just have to pretend that they are on boarding school, when in actual fact they are being fostered out.

1 year down, i’m counting down to 2012 – 2013 when they can come back. Hoping that the countdown will be shortened, but well…..

Nike City 10k Race Result

2010-10-27T00:29:00.001+08:00

Ok everyone, i’m pleased to announce that there has been a good improvement from my previous race. This is the latest updated result for my Nike City 10k race. This is the most correct chip timing.

1 Hour, 33 Mins, 13 Secs

I dunno if it’s due to the weather, or the timing of the race or because i made myself sleep early the night before, or am too excited about it. But an improvement’s a good thing.

As compared to my previous race (PAssion Run), i’ve improved 6 mins!

I will continue to do my best, train the best that i know how. And hope to see greater improvements in my running time.

Next up, Standchart Marathon on 05/12/2010.

The race route is out already, and it’s an interactive video. Exciting days coming up!!

And yes, i needa map my run. So getting a Nike+ Sensor is on the cards for me. So that i can improve my speed and maximize the application on my ipod.

6 weeks to go! 加油！！

4 days to my 2nd 10km run =)

2010-10-20T23:03:00.001+08:00

Seriously, i dunno if i’m really THAT ready for my run.

Besides running often, like at least once a week, i think i’m lacking in the various departments:

a) Waking up early
The run will be in 2 waves, at 7.25am and 7.35am. The gate closes at 7.40am.

This translates to me waking up at 5.00am… or 5.30am. And leaving the house at 6am, before grabbing a quick milo or something. Am gonna take a cab from my house to reach Raffles Avenue. Not forgetting that i need to change, deposit my bags, ready myself physically with some warm-ups (more on that later)

I wanna go for the first wave. When i start early, i can finish early.

b) Warming up
I’ve learn in the previous run that i need to really do warm up exercises. I’ve always practised running this year, but i realize that my momentum comes after the 3rd Kilometre, which will not be helpful for the run. So i need to do some warm ups so that when the run starts, i know that the momentum has come and i’ll be able to be in my best form.

So i’ve been watching some Youtube videos on warm ups and running. So, i do hope that the stuff that i’m watching will benefit my run.

I’ve just came back from a running session at the gym. Which i must say, is quite a conditioning run for me. I would prefer to run at the stadium, but the weather be damned, The haze has been blocking everyone’s throats and nostrils. I do hope the haze starts clearing up (though i’ve heard over the news that it will go on for another 2 days :(( ).

For the next few days, i’m gonna stock up on carbos, and also to sleep well.

I’m ready to run my 10km on 24.10.2010! =)

Steamed Butter Cakes

2010-10-14T00:26:00.001+08:00

And yes, i’m at it again, steaming cakes.

I dunno how many times, whenever i tell my mama that i’m gonna steam cakes, she will have the various reactions:

1) “I don’t even like to eat cakes! Why steam cakes?” (Oh mama, we don’t have an oven)

2) She will have a resigned look. Because my mama thinks that it’s only a 3-min fever that i have at the moment. But it seems that i’m still having the steaming-fever. Can’t blame the steams =P

I’m serious about this steaming thingy, ok. It’s been 2 months since i’ve started on it. And it will continue.

Anyway, i did a new steamed cake today. And yes, my Oreo steamed-cake entry hasn’t appeared…. Because i think that there will be a better Oreo cake coming up.

Today, i did 2 and 1/3 butter cakes. And oh-how-fragrant it is!!

Here it is!

A fren commented that they looked like Pau. But, their texture is comparable to a normal cake. U can see it from the picture.

And because i use the No 1 favorite Butter in Singapore, SCS ~~er… i mean CSC~~, it tasted totally heavenly. And not too hard. Just soft, and not too sweet.

Can’t wait to let my colleagues try my latest creation tomorrow, they have been my ~~guinea-pigs~~ tasters since my very first steamed cakes, besides my family members. I’m hoping to hear better reviews tomorrow. =D

I shall steam more cakes. Watch out for more steamed cakes here. Until an oven comes along.

The next flavor on my list is Banana with nuts.

More experimenting coming up! :)

Forever Reign – Hillsongs

2010-09-29T23:37:00.001+08:00

I really love this song, even though the way the song is structured is quite different from the other songs, the way the tune, the arrangement of the songs.

Before the leaders’ meeting yesterday evening, i was at office. And for some unknown reason, i was humming the song’s chorus.

Oh i’m running to Your Arms, i’m running to Your arms.
The richness of Your love, will always be enough
Nothing compares to Your embrace
Light of the world forever reign.

And best part, is, i dunno why i was humming the song! And i was totally clueless about the title of the song or the verse of the song!!

So i was very surprised when i was preparing to flash the song before the meeting, and i realize this was the song i was humming the whole day!!! =)

Beautiful song, isnt it? :)

Jesus reigns, Forever.

26 to Nike City 10k SG vs KL Challenge

2010-09-29T00:16:00.001+08:00

As u might have known, i’ve a lot of different things that i wanna do. Especially at the turn of the decade.

Baking/Cooking/Steaming is one of them. And hopefully inline with healthy living.

And i’ve started to run, and take part in runs. Guess what? It’s
26 days to go for my next run. It’s my 2nd run, and the first one as a 30yo.

Man, i’ve been slacking, by running only once a week. It’s really kinda sad. But i’m gonna work harder. Tml, i’ll be heading to my most favorite sports stadium at Bukit Gombak (thank God, YOG is over!!!) to do my as-usual 5km and beyond.

Before i forget, i need to cheer about something related to my run. Every since i’ve embarked on this gym-to-running track program, i’ve lost a total of 5KG!!!! I know to many people, this might be a small achievement, but believe me, it’s a grand achievement!!! So i’m even more motivated to work out (like run more… not forgetting swimming), and also to count my calories more diligently (it’s quite a pain in the arse to be so calculative) but i know that it’s doing good. I need to stop slacking in this area.

Based on this calculation, if i run 10km on a regular basis, as what i did with my 5km right now…. it means that i must run 10km to lose 10kg….. NAH, it doesn’t work this way lah!!!!

To prevent myself from disappearing from the blogsphere (which i’ve been…. Wha, my last post was like 2 weeks ago), i shall be very focused on what i will blog in my next entry.

So here’s for the next entry: Oreo Steamed cake-making
(I’ve already loaded the pictures only my laptop, i just need some time to draft out my entry. And yes, more improvements made) So, just watch out for it.

My 1st attempt at making steamed cake

2010-09-12T21:41:00.001+08:00

As i step into another decade, the things that i wanna do, are not things that i would wanna do, a decade ago. NOW, the things that i wanna do, add value to not just myself, and ppl around me.

Without an Oven, i can’t bake cakes.

But a steamer is easily available, so i shall steam cakes.

Firstly i declared on FB very publicly that i wanna do steamed cakes. That was Monday. So, 熟女一言，驷马难追. So i am gonna make it happen!

So i started by buying measuring cups and measuring spoons on Monday.

And then, i started to search for recipes online. And there are SO MANY!!! And i started to watch Youtube videos on how people bake cakes.

And finally, Sunday arrived.

I started with buying the necessities and making sure that what i need, i have or get them.

So i got Cake Flour, Caster Sugar (never use the normal sugar, because caster suger is the fine one, ideal for baking), chocolate rice, and aluminium cups (i didn’t wanna get cup mold, and beautiful paper cups are for a moment, so aluminium may not be as pretty, but they are sturdy)

And yes, if the basket looked familiar, it’s from my favorite neighborhood big big supermarket, Sheng Siong!! I know, i sound very ‘auntie’ right here.

So i got home and placed them on my dining table.

I got the Flour Sieve and Whisk the night before, and the weighing scale and Baking soda is courtesy of Ei Chien. :D

Before doing the steamed cake with Grace, we wayang-ed.

My mother insisted i posed this way, just like the picture on the apron….

We did the whisking of the salt, sugar and eggs…… add in the Milk, Cake Flour and baking soda….. (it’s about 20 mins of arm power) and we are ready to heat up the steamer and pour the stuff into the aluminium cups.

We added A LOT of chocolate rice. Looks good and ready for the ‘sauna’ awaiting them.

**after toothpick test at 15th min….. 19th min toothpick test**

Wow! What a vast difference!! =) And it looked really amazing.

There, it’s a nicer presentation.

The chocolate rice literally ‘exploded’ on the surface. And the color of the cake is kinda dark due to the much chocolate rice in it.

It has a nice eggy taste which seems quite good with the huge amount of chocolate in there. And the best part is, it’s not too sweet. My dad liked it. So does my mom. Gave some to my cousins for some reviews and feedbacks.

We did a 2nd batch, where there was some helpful intervention of Eichien and her bf. They helped with some whisking, and some suggestion about the chocolate rice. And we continued to steam like the first batch, with chocolate rice only at the top, which we added in the 5th min of ‘sauna’.

The chocolate rice was unevenly spread out, cos of the steam. Every steam cake looks different. And the chocolate rice melted very nicely and is still kinda ‘wet’ after a few hours.

Eichien and bf gave great suggestions which i’m gonna incorporate in my next attempt:
- Using of vanilla essence
- Use 1 egg instead of 2, to reduce the egginess.
- Use more milk

Met with Mich who suggested that the cake is a bit too thick. Am thinking that i could reduce the amount of cake flour in my next attempt.

Thanks to Grace who steamed the cakes with me today. If not, my first attempt might not be a successful one.

And yes, baking cakes is never easy.

So remember, when u are complaining why this cake and that cake is so expensive, do know that it takes HARD WORK and EFFORT to make it happen!!

More cake steaming coming up!! =)

Challenge of the Pyramidz

2010-09-12T01:04:00.001+08:00

My cg is almost (totally) won over by Apple.

Though i’m not one of the iphone owners, but it’s really kinda fun when we challenge one another at beating scores of games. And for us BB users, we are mostly Apple-Berries. We hold an ipod Touch. We can also join in the fun. :)

Just yesterday, a challenge came in the form of a game that’s found on Iphones and Ipods.

At first look, it may seem like Bejeweled Blitz, but it’s a totally different game altogether.

It’s more challenging. And it’s addictive. To the max!!!

I downloaded the game this morning. And being so addictive, my ipod battery barely lasted 12 hours. >.<

This is my highest score to date.

At press time, the highest score among us got broken, at upper half of 24k.

If u are bored, especially where u are travelling looooooong distance , this is a great game to play. And yes, prepare your iphone battery pack.

SG vs KL Nike City 10K Run

2010-09-04T02:14:00.001+08:00

It’s Finally OPEN!!!

I’ve been searching and googling repeatedly to search when the race is coming, but to no result.

WHEN IS THE RACE OPENING????? ONE WEEK BEFORE THE RACE?????

And all the insider tips of opening in August did not happen.

And i was still waiting aimlessly……. Until my cg member told me that it’s already open and there’s a registration form online.

WHAAAAAA???? KONG SIMI???

And it turned out, i need to register on Nike Plus first, and then the registration can be done from there.

At first, i viewed the process of registration on Nike to be quite a chore, but realized that it’s actually quite good…. Can map my run. Pity the part that i don’t have the Nike Sensor (i have Nike+ on my iPod) and shoes.

Within the next 10 mins, i’ve registered for the race, and i’m counting down 1 month and 20 days to my run. =)

And in time with the registration, my ipod armband has finally arrived in the mail, after 5 days of neck-stretching, and waiting for it to come. Sweet!

Looking forward to training more for my race!!! =)

Gonna get fitter and stronger, and healthier. Cheers to a great decade!

Recap of the last decade =)

2010-09-02T13:19:00.001+08:00

By the time this entry is published, i’ve turned 30…. from 29 years old, which literally was yesterday.

As what was mentioned in the title, this is a recap entry, not in random order, but will give the exact years as much as possible.

1) Getting my degree – Graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce (Management and Marketing) from Curtin University of Technology in 2004.

2) Entered and graduated from School of Theology in 2009. It’s the best thing that has ever happened to me. Glad that i did not wait ‘another year’.

3) Getting my class 3A (Automatic only) driving license at the age of 24, in year 2005.

4) Celebrated my 10th year as a tutor, with kiddos who matter (Ariel Su Bo Qi, my most favorite kiddo!!), in 2008.

5) Stepped into my career in the area of HR, from 2006 (Recruitment Consultation), 2006 Oct – Current (HR/Admin Officer).

6) Got my first and second dogs in 2002 – 2003……… and losing them temporarily for now until 2012/3. Thank God for a fosterer who stays nearby, and i can see them any time. Counting down about another 1.5 years to go.

7) Did my first 10km run with Singapore Passion Run in 2010. Completed 10km in 1hour 39mins. My next run is Nike Human Race (waiting for it to open), and Standchart Marathon on 5 Dec 2010 (Confirmed)…. Many more runs to come!

8) Finally saw myself getting off my butts and working out diligently in 2010. Really detemined to see myself losing the fats (for real), and getting healthier and fitter.

9) Buying my first branded purchase online – my Coach Raspberry wristlet (from Ebay) in 2010. And yea baby, more purchases to come.

10) Went for my very first Mission Trip to KL, supporting as Chorus Board in 2006, the week before i turned 26.

11) Had a most eventful Mission Trip with SOT last year to Medan. Very different from the one in KL. We travelled on dusty roads with scooters and NO helmets, shared testimony in a wonderful church above a car-repair worship, paid for our flight ticket in USD, spent the night at the airport, sleeping on the floor prior to the flight, ate Bak-Mee, preached at various cell-group locations and saw the fervency of the people (how fortunate we really are in Singapore), sense the strong presence of God at the children’s ministry when they worshipped God (oh man, i wanna go missions there again!), and ministered to people at the CG in darkness (the generator fused right after i finished preaching) and came back after the cg ended.

12) Wore a skirt (and many more) in 2010, after years of not really wanting to wear them after i finish secondary school. Hehehe.

What i want to see in this brand new decade.

1) With the bio-clock ticking more louder with the turning of age, it’ll be nice if i can move into the next phrase of life….

2) I wanna pick/take up:
- A language (Japanese)
- Baking (though i prefer to eat more)
- Value-adding certifications (psychology certificate…. or something else)

3) I wanna be more savvy in terms of financial planning. As what Dr AR Bernard taught, i’m still at the level of earning. And wanna move into the phrase of investing. So…. money come, money come!!!

4) New and exciting things that are in store for me… Which i do not know what.

So, Happy Birthday to myself, and let it be a beginning of another fantastic decade! =)

My love relationship with the black-berry

2010-08-29T22:45:00.001+08:00

I’ve brought my love relationship with this fruit to a deeper level..

From Phone…

After 9 months with my blackberry phone from RIM, i have nothing but praises for it.

I love it that i can be so updated with emails. The fact that i have 1GB data plan, helps me to find stuff from Google. I love it for its Facebook application (pre-installed), where i can check out ppl’s status when i’m on the go (which is 90% of my time), and also chat with them on MSN messenger.

I seriously take back my words about it being a minimal Blackberry. It’s the bestest phone that i’ve so far. And yes, my next phone is still gonna be a Blackberry (BB Torch, please come to Singapore soon!!!!)

To my hair…

I have black (actually, it’s really violet) hair……. and the morbid thing is my hair looks like the shape of a black berry fruit…

Or, i thought so.

I’ve always have hair in shades of gold-turned-hay yellow, orange-turned-golden yellow, red-to-purple-to-some-jepalang color. And having a dark color for a change is literally a no-no for me. But it seems to be a good decision. It’s refreshing, and brings out my fair skin.

I can’t wait to see the violet-ness of my hair color, under the sun, soon =)

Living life positively and to the fullest

2010-08-19T23:43:00.001+08:00

I was about to bath when i came across this Youtube video, which has been appearing in my FB pages. But i hasn’t really known what this video is about, until i saw it.

He is such a positive boy! And such an inspiration. He lost his arms in a freak accident. But, because he doesn’t want to just die, he wants to live a fulfilling life. And he is the ONE person that i know who can play piano with his legs and toes.

Though i’ve remembered reading in my Primary School reading about a story of a man without arms, it was hard to relate. But he has shown that he has come against all odds.

WHO SAYS THAT YOU CAN ONLY USE YOUR FINGERS TO PLAY PIANO? --- Liu Wei ---

It’s all about living your life well despite of your limitations.

There’s another person that i know of, who lives life beautifully and refuses to give up in spite of his limitations. His name is Nick Vujicic. He doesn’t have arms and legs.

So, in every situation, treasure your life. Live life the best that you know how. And don’t give up.

You are my Father – True Worshippers

2010-08-16T00:22:00.001+08:00

I feel very blessed by this song.

PK shared a message on the fatherhood of God this weekend. How our Abba Father loves us.

The whole message brought forth a very strong feeling inside of me.

I wanna take on the character of my Heavenly Father. He is
a) Faithful
b) Generous
c) Affectionate
d) Attentive
e) Accepting

We know that God is like that. But sometimes, it just didn’t sink in. Maybe because our fatherly figure in our lives is not very prominent or maybe we grew up with a concept that our Father God is judging (esp among Asian parents), and is ready to whack us at a moment of failure.

But our Father God in heaven is what the word of God says. HE loves us - way more than we think He does.

Daddy God, Help me to love You, to be more like You. =)

Written by: Arvid Gunardi & Sidney Mohede (True Worshippers)

It Doesn’t Matter Where I Run, You’re There For Me
It Doesn’t Matter What I’ve Done Your Love’s For Me
You Wipe Away The Tears, You Lift Me When I Fall
My Life Is Safe By The Mercy Of Your Grace

It Doesn’t Matter Where I Go, You Walk With Me
It Doesn’t Matter When I Fall, You Cover Me
You Wipe Away The Tears, You Lift Me When I Fall
My Life Is Safe By The Mercy Of Your Grace

You Are My Father, Provider
You’re My Deliverer
Your Mercies Embrace Me, Surround Me
Through Your Everlasting Love
Father I Worship You
Father I Worship You

And Your Love Is For Me
And Your Love Is For Me
And Your Love Is Forever

I wanna watch this! =)

2010-08-14T23:56:00.001+08:00

好莱坞，请站在旁边！
Please step aside, Hollywood!

(I can’t go on with this bilingual translation, so i’m back with ENGLISH)

What i’m gonna talk about is a movie that i’m really proud of. It’s a Chinese movie! i’m a 华人! A very emo-triggering show, that i’ve yet to watch. It’s a Chinese movie which i’ve heard reviews that it’s really good. Many people were weeping and full of emotions while watching the movie.

I’m not giving a review, because i hasn’t watched the movie yet.

Here’s the trailer.

If u know me, i’m someone who appreciates details in a movie (like Inception). And besides that, i like shows with a lot of 内心戏...Which this show has and is apparently full of it.

You can read about 唐山大地震’s story here

After reading the story plot, i feel very intrigued by it, and wanna watch the movie.

Watch for this space for my review after watching the movie. It should happen somewhere next week. =)

Rid Out Tea Garden

2010-08-10T22:38:00.001+08:00

It was just a thought to meet up with Mich over breakfast on National Day morning….. At MacDonald’s. From a simple thought of having brekkie at Clementi Mac evolve to a 24-hr Mac that i’ve never been before. And boy oh boy, it was great, that i come into contact with Nature once again.

Seriously, when Mich said that there’s such a place called RIDOUT TEA GARDEN, all in my my 29 years and 11 months old, i’ve never heard about such a place!! I mean, i know that there’s a Mac there, but never knew how to get there.

Our adventure started with taking bus 105 from Clementi Interchange where we stopped at Queensway (the road, not the shopping centre), and after some walking and crossing of an overhead bridge, we reached the always-crowded Mac.

Photo Credit: Michelle

I don’t remember what i ate, but it consisted of a Big Breakfast meal plus 2 hotcakes. And the natural surroundings made the breakfast more yummy!

There’s a small pond which have some fauna living in it.

Turtles …. Terrapins???

They certain enjoy life sunbathing in the Sunny morning sun!

There are some structures like this right behind Macs. And it’s so charming, despite being in the hot sun.

I feel like lazing inside the hut with a good book and some wind blowing in my hair.

Right behind Mac is Far East Flora. And it’s just natural for us to walk in to explore this place further.

One of the first plants that greeted me was the Brinjal plant. Never knew they could grow out of a pot.

This is an Orchid plant that grew on soil. Doesn’t look like one.

Purple Orchids. Just right, for our Nation’s birthday. =)

I like the way this flower is glowing. And its name describes it all :Gloxinia

My science teacher will be proud that i can still recognize this as the Venus Flytrap. It doesn’t look as scary as the ones we see in our science Textbook….

Besides all these, there are other floras that we saw.

Gardenias

Violets

Parsley plant. Might be a good investment if u are into Italian pasta cooking.

Nerve Plant. I thought it’s quite nice :)

There are many other plants that we saw and snapped, and i’ve uploaded them here.

There’s one particular one that i like it much more than the others.

Do u see a ‘person’ that’s doing something like ‘YAY’?

I liked it so much, i paid $4 and took it home. Hehehe.

*****
Rid Out Tea Garden is a good place to find some peace and quiet in the midst of some unhealthy breakfast. I never thought that going for breakfast would lead me to find such a haven where i get to experience nature and coming into contact with floras once again. I was so mersmerized by the many flowers there that i thought that i’m going 花痴. Hehehe.

It has also rekindled my passion to grow plants in my room. I hope my Crassula will survive at least for the next 6 months. =)

If you are interested to bask yourself in nature with Mac Breakfast somewhere Central-West of Singapore, you can consider RID OUT TEA GARDEN.

Address: 580 Queensway, Singapore 149066

My experience with Influenza B

2010-08-05T22:58:00.001+08:00

It was just last week that i’ve encountered Influenza B.

Well, when u hear about this word, INFLUENZA, it will mean the common flu to many. It is indeed flu, but a different kind of flu.

Influenza B is actually a virus. And, i’m not kidding you, Influenza A or commonly known as H1N1 is more common.

It actually started when i felt my throat burning last Tuesday. And i remembered having a really tough time, with Tuition after work and then visiting my doggies. And from there, my fever came….

Wednesday to Thursday: I was on MC. My throat went from sore to infectious. My nose was blocking and running (as always, it always have a life of its own), and my fever on started subsiding near to the end of Thursday. Of course, the doc warned that if the fever comes back on Friday, i’ll have to go back to see him… either it’s the accursed Dengue Fever or H1N1 (See, the doc likes to scare people)

Friday: Rise and shine, and back to work. The giddiness starting whacking me upside-down the whole day. 3/4 of the time, i was goggy and lacked focus at work. To make it worse, it was raining, and i was freezing like crazy. And the fever made a de-tour and hit me hard.

And i went back to the doctor, who asked me to monitor myself and to do a blood test the next day.

The very interesting thing that i did was to be wearing my jacket, and eating my dinner of fishball kuey-teow soup, and the fan off and NOT SWEATING. Very sickening right?

Saturday: Fever subsided. But the thing that was swimming in my mind was to have the truth set me free. If it’s Dengue, so be it. If' it’s H1N1, then may the truth set me free; and i need to move on, whatever it is.

So i went to the clinic…… Doc was surprised to see me, and told me that i don’t have fever liao, so don’t need the Dengue blood test. But he suggested that i do the H1N1 test, which uses the mucus in the nose, and that blardy test cost $35!!!!!

So i waited…… and the verdict is that i tested positive for Influenza B.

And because it is infectious, i have to stay home for the next 4 days. MC for Monday to Tuesday.

Darn! There goes my weekend, which i’ve so much to look forward to, be it FOP, 21st Anniversary (watched both services online), collection of my orders (my coach and beautiful fake eyelashes came in the mail).

Wednesday (Yesterday): Finally back to work. Had all clear to go back to work. But i still need to take my nose and throat meds for now. Up till today, i’m still having some coughs and my nose is still running and blocking.

But well, it’s a far cry from where i was, this time, last week. =)

Movie Review: Inception

2010-07-27T00:24:00.002+08:00

If there’s only 1 movie that you will watch for the whole year of 2010, this is THE MOVIE.

I won’t give any synopsis of this show, because it’s hard to give one – i dunno where and how to start. Cos there’s so many places to start from! And every part is kinda exciting, and yet it shows the inner emotions of the protagonist

Despite watching it late at night, i can fully appreciate the detailed-ness and the way that the show makes me think – A LOT. There hasn’t been another show that made me think this much. And I LOVE IT!

Sharing whatever that i think will lead to a spoiler, which is not what i wanna do. I want ppl to watch the movie.

If you are someone who is very low in ‘I’ (DISC Personality), and probably very high in ‘C’, you will enjoy this show greatly.

But for a pure ‘I’ person, maybe this show can come across as boring and hard-to-understand.

Whatever it can be, this is a must watch.

My ratings: 5 out of 5
(FYI, i’m someone low on ‘I’ and high on ‘S’ and ‘C’)

I love off days

2010-07-09T16:23:00.001+08:00

Technically, it’s not an OIL (Off in Lieu).

I applied annual leave for today, for me to rest and rejuvenate.

What i really wanted to do are the following:
- Go for body/leg massage
- Visit the Kate Spade store, and determine which wristlet i should get.
- Go for a run/swim

Apparently, there are some things that i’ve yet to do.

What i’ve done, up till 2pm today:
- Walked around my neighborhood, looking for a place to do body massage. But i couldn’t find any Thai Massage place, nor a place where there are female masseurs.
- Slept till about 10am (i slept 8 hours *claps*
- Bought myself some stuff, from the shops near to West Coast Market.

Good buy, best buy, MUST BUY!

This is a great buy!

Best part is, i don’t need to travel to HongKong to get this.

It’s unique and classy. It can be carried in 2 ways
a) The tai-tai way
b) The normal way.

I truly believe that there are gems of good buys around us, esp from the neighborhood that we live in. We just need to be a bit detailed to look for them.

Have you started to look for the gems in your neighborhood? =)

ISO I.A. Training Day 1

2010-07-07T00:31:00.001+08:00

Today is the first day of the training. And this uncle-looking trainer came and spoke to us since 1.30pm till about 5pm.

Some of my colleagues were either multitasking, or trying really hard to focus. For me, i TRY to attend, with a perspective of wanting to really learn more. And NOT everyone gets to become an internal auditor, ok.

Despite the boredom in the first half hour, i was pretty amazed at the metamorphosis of the trainer. He went from boring, to dramatic, to being lame (i sense the temperature getting exceptionally freezing at some juncture).

I think the room got colder with the passing hour.

If u have read my tweets, you would have read about 2 or 3 snippets of what was said during the training.

I know the trainer is trying to engage us, and to make the whole session more enjoyable. Good try dude, bring more mentos tomorrow. =)

And what i learnt from today:
- ISO is not just about the filing system! I remembered the sickening experience of ISO-ing in the recruitment agency. It’s all about nothing but the ~~damn~~ filing system.
- But it’s different in a Warehouse and Logistics environment. The filing is important, but the utmost important is more about IMPROVING PROCESSES.

RAISING ISSUES TO RAISE THE STANDARDS

See i’m quite an attentive student. Hehehe.

Half time in 2010

2010-07-01T00:29:00.001+08:00

Unknowingly, the first half of 2010 have gone by…… LIKE THE WIND.

And yes, (don’t remind me again), my blog is kinda un-updated for like 2 weeks ago. This only mean 1 thing.

My life is BOR-RING!!!

Maybe. To declare, i’m not giving up blogging. I’ve blogged for the past 5 years, and counting many wonderful years of blosphere presence.

Anyway. 6 months is not easy. Whatever errors made, whatever decisions made, it has already happen. Let’s move on. To. Greater. Things.

What have i done/accomplished in the last 6 months:
- Mastered doing payroll and still learning to do more (at work)
- Got Mac-ed in the form of an IPOD. Can’t wait to get MAC-ed in the form of a MacBook. =)
- Became a Team I/C and is leading a Sunday team.
- Asia Conference!!

I’m looking forward to the next 6 months. Though nothing much is on my cards, except for Standchart Marathon happening on 5th December. I’m still waiting for Nike Human Race to open. I’m getting crazy about running. I’m thinking of Singapore Bay Run and even the Yellow Ribbon Run.

Another thing that’s on the cards, is getting a new wallet. I’m quite into browsing online for selections these days. Coach or Kate Spade. I’m quite inclined toward KS. Just need to find a suitable one that will suit me.

Ah. i’m looking to go for a very short getaway (JB sounds great!) pretty soon. Before i get ISO-ed, which technically starts this month. Wooo. Exciting (and maybe stressful) times are ahead!

Looking forward to write more.

Topics will include
- How does it feel to be ISO-ed (i’m quite a process person, so i’m looking forward to learning it, but i know, half the time, there’s a lot of wayang-ing in progress, which is part of the stress)
- Preparing for my next run. What am i gonna run?? Singapore Bay Run?? Yellow Ribbon Run???
- Any other random stuff (that is, if it’s interesting enough)

Accident Prone – Lady Gaga

2010-06-20T23:48:00.001+08:00

I used to be totally accident-prone as a kid growing up.

Every other day, i’ll be falling on my knees and will end up with a lot of ‘50-cents’ on my knees.

Thankfully it didn’t continue as i grew and enter adulthood.

One of my accidents of this year was on Thursday, where i was out at a Job Fair with my Mgr. We were just walking past a block of flats when i missed a step. And i’m wearing new shoes!! Gah. Thankfully i didn’t sprain my ankle.

The next day, my colleague was telling us about how she slipped and fell down in the morning. And on the same day, she slipped and fell, again, right in front of the printing room.

Well, i came across this cute version of Lady Gaga’s Telephone. And, it being NOT VULGAR, is safe to be played on my blog. So here it is.

Have a good laugh!

Channel 8 ‘Precious Babe’ contender

2010-06-16T00:53:00.003+08:00

I guess i hasn’t been present online, especially on my blog.

For one, i have become a bit busy, and maybe a bit lazy, or worse, it means my life is a bit boring…..Blogger block, i’ll say.

But, i’ll be back. VERY. FAST.

For today, i shall introduce you to a very, very cute girl, who oozes cuteness every other day.

DO U agree that, she’s not just かわいい , but she’s かわいい to the max?

This is my niece. Her name is Luvelle Ching Xin Yu.

Something about her:
- Turning 1 year old next month.
- Loves to smile, and yes, she has big, beautiful front teeth. U can catch a glimpse of her teeth in the picture.
- Looks Japanese/Korean, but is 110% pure Chinese.

If this picture doesn’t convince, how about this?

Though this was taken like 3 months back, but u can’t deny that she still oozes かわいい-ness even at 11 months as of today.

Now, she’s taking part in this baby contest organized by Mediacorp Channel 8 called ‘Precious Babes’ contest. So, if u wanna see Luvelle win the contest, u can!

Simply log on to Facebook and click on this link, and ‘like’ her profile, just like what 112 people have done, and TADAH! She will stand a chance to win the contest.

So all the hand-some uncles/Gor-gors, and all the
pree-ti aunties/jie-jies, please vote for me!!! ok?

ありがとう
고마워
谢谢
terima kasih
Thank you.

My Inaugural 10km Singapore Passion Run – 22nd May 2010

2010-06-05T01:42:00.001+08:00

It’s been close to 2 weeks since my 10km run.

And i must say, it’s a really good good run that i had.

This is my number: 4045

That means, before me, there’s already 4044 people who have registered for the run. Not bad for a People’s Association run. =) And oh, if i’m not wrong, there’s a lot more people who did this run.

One week before the run, i went to collect the race pack, which consisted of:

1) The luminous yellow shirt (Yes, it’s very the luminous, the photo didn’t do much justification though)
2) Race Bib. (There’s my name and my number, once again)

For the race, i specially went to invest in a running shorts. And i must say, it’s a very comfy pair.

So it was, i started the run at about 5.20pm, where the wave of the 10km started. Before us, there were a few waves of runners who are doing 50km duo (2 person, each cover 25km), and 25km.

It’s really at such events that u get very amazed that there are very fit aunties who are running 25km (and u will wonder, what am i doing with 10km???). Well, someday, i’ll get there too. =)

For one, i didn’t have a good start at the race, just when i’m just at 50m of my run, i felt cramps in my right leg. So i allowed all the rest of the runners to bypass me, while i jogged and waited for the cramp to ease before i speed up….. and finish it.

I managed to complete my race in approximately 1 hr 40 mins.

Got a weird looking sports bag from the run (actually i still dunno what i can do with it). And i’m still waiting for the PAssion card to come.

This is my second souvenir from the race:

Ahhhhhh…. Muddy Running shoes!!!! :(

The results of the race are out, and this is my result. Not exactly fantastic, but at least i managed to complete it within my goal. =)

My results says 1 hr 38 mins and 32 secs. At least it’s within my acceptable target of 1 hour 40 mins.

My average is about 9min 51 sec every 10 mins.

Well, i must say, it’s a good run, and a good gauge for me to improve myself.

I’m gonna keep on training and improving myself for the run in December.

It is already open, in case if you didn’t know. As of today, the group category and 42km category is already closed!!! So if u are still wanting to sign up, do it asap before the places goes. It’ so hot, like Jay Chou’s tickets. =)

Post Singapore PAssion run

2010-05-23T08:54:00.001+08:00

I finished my inaugural PAssion Run yesterday.

It was a breakthrough that came through for me.

Right now, i’m awake after sleeping for about 8 hours, with body aches, especially at my right calf. Especially since at the start of the race, it’s attempting to cramp.

Will give a report soon with pictures. =D

And, next up, gonna sign up for Standard Chartered Marathon. Man, i can wait!! =D

StandChart Marathon – 5 Dec 2010

2010-05-19T23:41:00.001+08:00

Exciting times coming up!!! StandChart Marathon opens for registration tomorrow!!! Supder exciting! =)

There will be a road show at Raffles Place Park (should be the same place where HTC held their flashmob last year). Early birds will stand to get awesome gifts. I want, but…… i got a date with Fiona Ng tomorrow. =)

But definitely, i wanna catch the early bird.

Before i get all excited, the Singapore PAssion Run powered by Newton is awaiting me this Saturday. =)

Movie Review: Iron Man 2

2010-05-12T23:19:00.001+08:00

I’ve watched Iron Man 2 yesterday.

Before i watched the movie, there were ppl around me who were comparing it with the other very happening show, Ip Man 2, and how this other movie is way much better as compared to Iron Man 2. So all the comments were literally swimming in my head as my frens and i headed into the theatre to watch the show.

However, i decided to throw out all those comments, and be objective about it. No expectations. So there will be surprises.

But, i must say, it’s a really good movie. I think Robert Downey JR portrayed quite a bit of the inner struggles and thoughts in this sequel… Iron man does have emotions, though his heart is not made of flesh? Not to forget the exciting effects and clashing of metals.

I shall not be give a synopsis, because i truly think it’s worth the money to watch it (despite me spending only $6.50 on that movie ticket).

I will say this is a good movie, with common grace elements in it.

My ratings: 4 out of 5.

12 Days to Singapore PAssion Run

2010-05-11T01:05:00.001+08:00

Finally, all the updates that i’ve been waiting for, in anticipation for my 10km completion on 22nd May, is finally revealed.

The race map is out, after endless of daily clicking on the ‘Maps’ page. Didn’t see that impossible to accomplish, hor?

So, for the flag-off for my category, it’s gonna be at 5.20pm.

Sounds good for me.

May the weather be wonderful, and the sun be not scorching down on me.

For now, i need to run more. Totally skipped running the last week due to a bout of sore throat and runny nose. Now, if i could run as fast as my nose……

Fighting!!!! Can’t wait to run and sweat! My West Coast-Teban Gardens Route is awaiting me!

***And i’m a step too slow. Shape Run is closed for registration! Well… gonna look out for another run to go for!

Happy Foods are made of sugar and SPICE and all things that melts you

2010-05-03T23:34:00.001+08:00

While out with friends for a good time of fellowship, which involves food….. and drinks at MacDonald’s, i saw something new on the menu: Cinnamon melts.

I didn’t try that at that time, cos we were all filled with fish and garlic butter mussels, and green tea.

I dunno if it’s a craving or what, but as i stepped foot into Jurong Point today, i just wanna eat that!! (even though i dunno how it tasted like)

And here it was, ready to be devoured. 卖相不错, seriously.

It was a brave attempt on my part. Generally, i don’t eat stuff like cinnamon rolls, and i’m not into this spicy taste . So it was really a taste of faith.

But, i tell u,

IT’S SO NICE!!!!!!

The white-colored substance is melted sugar, and the cinnamon taste is just right, and it left me happy, and desiring for more.

Even though it came out of a typical MacDonald’s box (which always waits to be served out and probably ended up a bit cold), but inside, i assure you, my friends, is warm, really WARM.

And because of the sugars, i sacrificed my dinner to eat this. And it’s so worth it!!! I wanna eat it again!!! =)

Cinnamon Melts can be found at all MacDonald’s outlets for $2.60 per box

My ratings: 4 out of 5.

May Day!! May Day!!!

2010-05-01T11:23:00.001+08:00

It’s MAYDAY!!!!! Labour Day! =)

It’s a day of rest.. TGIF for me! =)

And this is the most apt song for the day. Enjoy!! =)

Things to look out for in the month of May:
1 May: Labour Day (which is today =) )
22 May: Singapore Passion Run powered by Newton. My 10km Run
26 – 30 May: Asia Conference cum Church Growth International, hosted by City Harvest Church, Singapore.

**PS: A fourth run is in the works. The registration for Shape Run 2010 opens today!

Enjoying our work is God’s gift to us

2010-04-29T00:38:00.001+08:00

Before i go on, this is a short (hopefully) sharing about this word which spoke to me this morning while on the way to work.

Ever since the iPod Touch came into my life, i’ve been installing applications on it, and one of them is the Bible. So i’ve been reading the Word of God electronically in the morning. And today is exceptionally revelational. =)

Have u ever felt like this?


And every single Monday you feel blue (in the face)?

Cross my heart, of course i do!!

And i guess, everyone at some point in time, hate their jobs.

At times, people are always complaining about their company that they are working for, the colleagues, the boss, the shit that they have to clear everyday, and even their pay. (Oh please, clear off that innocent not-me look; all of us are guilty!)

In times like this, everyone will become very unhappy in their work. And this leads to drop in productivity, lack of correct attitude at work and even start to complain about anything and everything about work.

While reading on my iPod, i came across Ecclesiastes 3:22

Eccl 3: 22   “So I saw that there is nothing better for people than to be happy in their work. That is why we are here! No one will bring us back from death to enjoy life after we die.”

Being happy in the work that we do, is also an enjoyment. U know, there are people who desire to enjoy life but can’t, even slogging at work, is a luxury to them.

Further reading led to this passage in Ecclesiastes 5:18-20

Eccl 5:18-20   “Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life. And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God. God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past.”

80-90 years of living on this earth is not a long time. (though it may seem like the longest time…)

The job that God has given to us, allows to earn money (which is receiving wealth), and He keeps us in good health (so that we can work and earn money, and not lay sick in bed) so that we can enjoy the fruits of it. This is a gift from God.

So, instead of always complaining about your job, the politics, the people, the environment, the distance, the pay…. Thank God that you have a job, and it allows u to enjoy the fruits of your labour. I guess that’s the source of your LVs, Gucci and all the glorious food comes from.

Throw out all the Monday blues, be happy and learn to enjoy your job. I’m sure no matter how shitty a job is, there’s definitely something about it that you will enjoy. For me, i enjoy my job when i managed to fill up resource requirements successfully, which gives me a sense of accomplishment. But of course, there are some elements in the job which are not that enjoyable…

So, let’s learn to enjoy our work, because it is God’s gift to us.

And YES! Every single Friday, we thank God because the all-time favorite Weekend is here! That’s why we will always T.G.I.F (thank God it’s Friday) =)

Shape Run 2010?????? =)

2010-04-26T23:54:00.001+08:00

My eyes lit up at the news that the Shape Run registration will be opening this weekend.

Man, totally cannot resist.

Should i? Should i not? Wha…. very very gian.

Watch this space for what’s gonna happen next.

=))

Marketing with my mommy =)

2010-04-25T13:29:00.001+08:00

Most of the time, i rarely talk about my mom. Except when the time she was hospitalized 2 years ago to remove her nodules (her maiden appearance on my blog, sans make up).

But for one, i love my mom, and i thank God for her. She’s not any typical housewife, who’s contented to stay home, look after the household. She’s a modern 安迪, who looks very young for her age. She has great dress sense, good skin (due to starting on skincare at an early age), and good figure (despite entering menopause in a few years time). The really AUNTIE thingy about my mom is that she dances 土风舞, but then, she’s an instructor, and a very HOT one at that.

My dad went to China for holiday for 2 weeks, and it was yesterday that i wanna spend time with her, just watching shows on the computer. And today, i went to the market with her.

Yes, i went to the market, the wet market.

Seriously, i’m impressed with the West Coast Market. Post renovations, the only wet part of the market will be the meats section. The fruit and veges sections are dry and clean, even though it’s still hot inside there.

And there are a lot of hustle and bustle there. And even for someone who’s a self-professing “i don’t do markets” person, i managed to even buy stuff there!

6 pairs of sports socks for $5!!!!

‘Agnes B’ pouch for $7.

All bought from the flea market at the Market. Who says Markets are for the Aunties?!

I shall visit the market more often to get great deals.

Besides that, i’ve bought more masks. Remember my entry on My Beauty Diary Face Mask in January? I decided to try another flavour as below.

I will write my review on this flavour after trying it. So watch out for it soon. =)

Today’s a Pampering Jenna day, cos i’m gonna do my face mask, eye mask and gonna cut-dye-highlight my hair!

I love myself!

粉圆？汤圆？傻傻分不清楚

2010-04-24T23:21:00.001+08:00

As someone who’s exercising and trying very hard to watch my diet, it’s not very advisable to snack and eat tidbits and whatever nonsense that we are not supposed to eat.

Technically speaking, in order to work our bodies towards losing weight, the formula should be that the output is > the input.

I’ve been trying really hard to resist the temptations of snacking. I think the last time i snacked was… hmmm CNY? Can’t resisted the koropok at my grandma’s house. Subsequently i repented with eating 陈皮梅.

But then, i don’t have a lot of time to think of what to eat, especially after work and rushing for tuition. So i usually grab a quick meal at JP2’s feast and then off i go. And it’s one time this week that kiddo requested to start tuition later. And hence i have a bit more time to eat. And that’s the trouble.

“I have room for dessert”

Darn, it flashed across my mind as i tucked into my dinner.

I ate this.

Ok. This doesn’t look very obvious.

This is 粉圆, not 汤圆

This particular dessert is called Iced HoneyDew 粉圆.

粉圆 is something similar to 汤圆, which is made of rice flour, but with different ingredients such as Yam (The one inside the spoon), Sweet Potato (Orange in color), and red bean (there’s one right below the strawberry). The texture is something similar to the sago that is found in bubble tea, which explains the shiny-ness.

Seriously, this is the first time i ate 粉圆 in cold. I liked better those that are warm and comes with either ginger/peanut/almond soup. The iced ones doesn’t really seem to match well, just like 汤圆 will always and only be pared with warm sweet soup.

Initial taste is really quite impressive, cos there’s honeydew and strawberry and sago, 2 rather out-of-place kidney beans and all the 粉圆. But after all these wonderful food has travelled to my stomach, what was leftover was not good.

Honeydew Puree not! It seems to be flavour and sugar and all things sweet.

No doubt, it’s a good try. I like how it was presented.

Looks really yummilicious.

粉圆 desserts can be found at Feast at JP2, and Kopitiam Foodcourts.

My rating: 3 out of 5.

The day that the hair on my goosebumps stood

2010-04-15T22:48:00.001+08:00

I know the Buzz about Taiwan’s Susan Boyle has been around for at least 1-2 weeks. And yea, i’m kinda slow in catching on such stuff.

I vaguely remembered reading some blog who was talking about him.

“Taiwan’s Susan Boyle. Hmmm……” i thought.

But i got hair standing on my goosebumps as i listened to him singing.

I’m SUPDER (meaning super-duper) impressed!

In this video, you can see how the judges of the show was totally intrigued by his rendition of Whitney Houston’s song.

The next shocking and most remarkable thing about Lin Yu-Chun, is that this is his voice POST-PUBERTY! And i thought he was still a not-that-young teenager! Paiseh lah. He looked kinda chubby, so i thought he was like 17 years old.

And with such a voice post-the voice cracking years, man, he has a bright future ahead of him!!!

Gambatte ne, 林育群!!

My First CRAZY run =)

2010-04-14T22:32:00.001+08:00

Here i am, sitting serenely in front of the TV, with the fan blowing gently at me. Very normal.

But 2 hours ago, i did something that i’ve never done before. And come to think of it, it’s kinda crazy.

Let me give u the closest estimate of the map that i’ve covered.

View Larger Map

According to the map, the distance covered one-way is 3.2km.

Let me tell u what i’ve covered today, starting from the time i started running.

Time	Areas and Distance Covered
6.30pm	I left my house, and headed for the running track. towards the left direction, and headed for Clementi Woods (>1km)
6.55pm	I headed into Clementi Woods and headed upslope all the way until i saw NUS, and ran downwards, bypassing Kent Ridge Interchange, and all NUS students’ fav The Cheese Prata Shop. (>1.5km)
7.25pm	Ran pass the 2 Fragrance Hotels and up Heng Mui Keng Terrace and continued upEnded the first half of my run at 328 Pasir Panjang, the Petrol Kiosk besides Royal Palm Mansion.(>3.0km)
7.40pm	Ran back from the Petrol Kiosk, bypassing Heng Mui Keng, the 2 Fragrance Hotels, through the Varsity Park Condominium down to West Cove. (>2.5km)
8.10pm	Ended my run at the road before the West Coast CC, and walked along the path (circular), bypassing Sheng Siong, the famous XO Fish Head Bee Hoon and back home (>1km)
1h 40 min	> 9km in total

I must say, it’s strangely satisfying, and i’m glad to say that i’ve managed to come back in one piece. HAHAHA.

Initially, i planned to just cover Clementi Woods, but when i realized i went the wrong path, i decided to just run on the outskirts of the park, and just on a spur of moment, decided to run to Pasir Panjang, and one moment after bypassing NUS at Heng Mui Keng, i decided to end my first part of the run near to Science Park.

And it’s only when i reached there, that i was getting doubtful that i can still run back home. But eventually, i did, and i’m very happy with it.

In fact, i’m gonna plan my next run: From Clementi West to Jurong East and back…. OK THAT SOUNDS MORE CRAZY !!!

Any takers, feel free to register! Hahahahaha…… =D

Movie Review: How to train a Dragon

2010-04-11T23:43:00.001+08:00

I just went to watch the movie as above.

”HOW TO TRAIN A DRAGON”.

And, oh yes, this is a Cartoon. And i think, it’s my 3rd Animation movie that i’ve watched this year, after Coraline (ewwww… gross and scary, can?) and also Alice in Wonderland.

But among the 3 that i’ve watched, this is the best of them.

My synopsis.
The story is about this little boy, who belongs to a tribe of people who are vikings (who forever seeks to annihilate all dragons). And being named ‘Hiccup’, it seemed that he’s really a mistake, and will cause hiccups in whatever things that he does (really kinda sad, seriously).

But this misplaced boy, apparently have dreams to run towards the expectations of being in this tribe, and wanna be like the rest of them, to be dragon slayers. And all these changed when he met and befriended a dragon, whom no other person in his tribe has ever known.

Thus began a friendship between the 2, and the rest i leave you to watch it. And every story will end with some crisis, and the protagonist in the story ended up victorious, but with a relatively different ending, but i guess that’s a beautiful thing when it turns out not so perfect.

Watch this in 3D. It’s just fantastic.

My rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Ps: I suddenly realized that i miss my doggies very much, when i watched this show. Can’t wait to see them after work and tuition tml…

New place to run =)

2010-04-06T22:09:00.001+08:00

My usual running place is at Bukit Gombak stadium, where lush and green and Little Guilin are. Then, there was 2 instances that i went to West Coast Stadium to run. And i don’t think i wanna go back there, UNTIL, they fix up the track.

2 weeks back, my running kaki and i decided to try Pioneer Stadium. It’s not too bad, seriously. Only that it gives us the feeling that it’s very much smaller than the usual stadium (Is it our perception or is it for real?).

And last week, i totally skipped running (And for a runner, i’m just getting the aches – miss running too much) as my nose cannot decide between being stuck up and being runny, and sabo-ed my throat. Health is very important, alright!

I am still not well yet. The nose is still as stubborn, and is giving me lotsa problems. Am feeling crappy and sick….. and i hasn’t even ran! And 1 month to go.

Despite discouragements not to go, i geared up and decided to try West Coast Park.

I started running from the track near my house, crossed the Highway and continued my run. Bypassed MacDonald’s and all the way…. and i saw Harbour Drive, where there are a lot of Containers parked there. Should be part of PSA, i think. And i followed the route back, taking about 1 hour.

Though i dunno how long i’ve covered. But it was a good run.

It’ll be good for my preparation for my run, since it’s at East Coast Angsana Green. Gaining momentum for the run at West Coast Park seems like a great idea. =)

I am learning to love sleeping =)

2010-04-05T23:37:00.001+08:00

Before last week, i think i never really like sleeping.

Like, right after SOT, i plunged into more late nights, out of my own will. With all the distractions of the internet, and all the various shows that i wanna catch up on, i slept late.

And when i started my job in November, i RESOLVED….. (once again) to sleep early.

I RESOLVED…. many times, to sleep early. And i think i resolve that many times that i can’t even count.

Though i know that sleeping early is good. The teachers in school tells us that 早睡早起，身体好。 But as naughty children, we will 左耳进，右耳出.

It’s only until we reach a certain age, that we realized that, what our teachers taught us when we were young, were so true.

Early in the year, i literally slept at 2am every other day. I dunno if it’s due to aging (Actually, you can really feel the difference when turning from 29 to 30). I feel more lethargic, and just feel sleepy after 1am.

Just last week, i was down with blocked nose, and sore throat. And was on MC for one day. And Oh-so-bliss…. NOT. I slept one whole day, and still feel like i’ve been in the boxing ring for the whole day. And since that day, i told myself that i need to sleep more.

So, i RESOLVE…… once again. That, I will sleep more. And that i should not sleep later than 12.30am. Computer off at 12am at the latest on weekdays.

This year, i aim to be more healthy, and i’m doing more running… in preparation for my 10km run (ARGH!!!! It’s next month!!). And i feel the difference with sleeping more than 6hours per day. I feel fresher at work.

So, this is another thing to do, to work towards a healthier lifestyle! =)

Like that also can???

2010-03-27T12:47:00.001+08:00

I was told of a situation that is so…….. uninmaginable!

The kind of thing that a person can experience, from someone he/she (supposedly, has to) account to.

Getting ousted out without knowing when and how and why, and needing another person to inform of such news.

SIGH….. Whatever happened to having the courtesy to inform before announcing to the rest of the world?

I say, 别在暗地里做出这种事情! It will just increase people’s emotional baggages unnecessarily and makes people wonder what the hell was going on.

My weekend in KL : 19-21 March 2010

2010-03-24T02:17:00.001+08:00

Usually on such an ungodly hour of the night, i should be in bed, trying to replenish my sleep. But here i am, writing my blog entry, and at the same time, trying to add more songs into my ipod while it charges. And i guess i’m still high at this hour was due to drinking my fav Starbucks coffee with my going-to-be-invalid Starbucks passport.

I was away in KL last weekend for my first overseas wedding that i’ve attended in my whole life. =)

Yes, this couple is very creative. This is the rarely seen chocolate that was given out at the wedding dinner. We have seen cakes with our faces on it. But this feature on chocolate is the first that i’ve seen, and every part of it is edible. And btw, i hasn’t ate mine yet. But i shall, soon. =)

By using chocolates, it signifies a sweet time ahead for them. And like what Forest Gump says…. Life is like a box of chocolates. You won’t know what surprises you will get. =)

Besides the much travelling on the cab and getting lost somewhere in Kepong and (yikes) missed the Holy Matrimony of the couple, we also got to do other stuff such as massages (at RM50 for shoulders and legs, which is seriously a good deal), and some shopping.

In the 3 days we were there in KL, we were at the City (near to KLCC), like Bukit Bintang (we stayed nearby at Jalan Alor), The Curve (near to Kepong), and Sunway Pyramid (we attended Sunday service at CHC KL). Not bad huh to travel this much in a span of 3 days, where the 2nd day was focused on attending the wedding.

What i bought, in Summary:
1) One RM25 top, which is a great steal! Should have got more!!!
2) One Clinique face powder that cost RM95 (it will cost close to SGD40, I didn’t get at the Singapore DFS which cost $44)
3) Three months worth of Ciba Vision Contact lenses for RM75 (which boils down to SGD9+ per pair. And that’s a good deal)
4) One ‘LV’ bag that cost RM50
5) One ‘Coach’ keychain that cost RM10 at the flea market at the Curve.
6) Four pairs of ear-rings at Sunway that cost RM10 (the price is slightly more attractive than Bugis street)
7) One pair of flip-flops at RM20.

All in all, it was a good get-away, away from Singapore. And even though it was really tiring to travel up and down through KL, but it was amazingly refreshing for my soul.

We need to get-away at times, just to step back and relax for a bit. As they say:

休息，是让我们走更长，更远的路

I am looking forward to my next weekend getaway! =)

TOUCH-ed by an iPod

2010-03-14T01:16:00.001+08:00

I finally succumbed to my desire, and got myself the 8GB Ipod Touch. Yes, this is the correct term. It’s not called I-Touch, as corrected by someone who’s a firm supporter of Mac.

Before the iPod, i had a few other MP3 players, including Creative. The one that i had, came in the form of a thumbdrive, and it was super duper easy to load songs, as it was simply plug-and-transfer. There wasn’t any leh-chey ness involved. And it served me well for about 1 year plus.

From there, i progress to PSP – a gaming machine. It was really fun to play with games on it, and watch videos on it. The quality is really great. Nothing less of such quality from Sony. And the voice quality is really good. But, with me leaving my ex-company, i gradually lost interest in the games, as i myself do not know how to get new games. And those around me on the trains who plays PSP…. are really young kiddos.

With the many friends among me who are really into iPhone, it was very surprising to many that i told them that i don’t desire owning one, because of my experience with a touch-screen phone. I own a Blackberry Curve, and i love it, and think that it’s the BESTEST phone that i’ve ever got!

And u know, i started running this year, and i aimed to do 2 runs. Right now, 3 runs are on the record and my first run will be in 2 months time. Rather than the initial decision to get a iPod Nano/shuffle, i decided on the iPod Touch. And i didn’t regret my decision.

I love it!

There are considerations like:
1) Huh!! So 麻烦!! Why must download i-Tunes????
But then, it’s really very easy to do that. I was totally surprised when it automatically converts my existing music files to i-Tunes!

2) Can i really run with it?
Oh yes. Someone blessed me with an armband. I just tried running with it, with plugging on my iPod Touch, and it’s not heavy. In fact, it’s so slim….. like Whisper Ultra-th……. (i shall not go there. But u get the drift)

3) Do i need so much storage?
Seriously, there are many forgettable songs out there that you won’t even need to listen. So just replace them with new songs. I bought an 8GB only. And with at least 200 songs on my iPod, i’ve only used about 1GB. But if u like more, why not. =)

4) Do i wanna be connected?
iPod is different from iPhone. The major and obvious difference is that you can’t be connected to the rest of the world 24/7. But, with a wireless connection, you can be connected too. Safari, eBuddy, FB… whenever u want, with a WIFI connection.

Is it worthy of an investment for my run? Yes, and it does more than just providing me music during the run. So many applications and games are awaiting me. =)

Passion Run, here i come!!!

2010-03-06T00:45:00.001+08:00

Alrighty people! My run is confirmed!!

Just last Friday, when i took leave to pick up my travel document, i de-toured (??) to Novena and registered myself at the Newton Retail store and made my payment. And yes, i’m confirm gonna run 10km!!!

Just a quickie update: my current pace stops at 5.2km at 55mins! That means at my own pace, and slow down at every 2km. It’s not a small accomplishment that i need to boast of, but i know that i need to improve even more in terms of distance covered.

I am…. urm, about 2 months away from the run, so i know that i need to run even more! So, i’m gonna aim at 6km, which is equivalent to 15 rounds on the running track……. really round and round until hin(2) liao. Hahahaha. Maybe i should try West Coast Park sometime soon. =)

Other updates:
- I’m gonna Arise and Build! Tomorrow!!! Excited about the land!!

- Finally seeing some light. In view of what i’ve been feeling about ……The change seems to bring a good mood to me. Just hope that it really works out well, if not a BIGGER change might really need to take place. What i can say is, i was really close enough to deciding on that.

- Started on doing payroll. It’s interesting, cause i really love numbers. There’s still a lot to learn. But i’m excited to do more things.

Review: Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief

2010-02-25T01:18:00.001+08:00

I just watched this movie about 3 hours ago.

Seriously, whatever that comes out from the Director of Harry Potter…. it’s really something to be anticipated.

A few times, i had to hide behind my jacket, as there were some scary scenes. Ok, they are not exactly scary, just that you see huge creatures appearing suddenly, woman with snakes as hair and if people meets with her eyes, they turn into stone statues. Not to forget the amazing protagonist in the story who could stay in water and not feeling out of breath.

The plot is good. But be prepared, cos there’s a lot more thrilling scenes. And the guy who acted as Percy Jackson, according to Janet, is really cute.. And i was really quite curious about the protagonist’s mum… she looks Asian.

My review : +++ and a half out of 5.

5.2km run today =)

2010-02-23T22:51:00.001+08:00

The title is self-explanatory.

I targeted to start hitting 5km in my running. Especially after i’ve decided on participating in the Passion Run, where i’m aiming for the 10km run.

Though i didn’t really plan to run today, but since there was a free slot at the last minute, the thing that just ran across my mind is to go for a run. And boy did i enjoy the run.

Usually when i run on the track, i will be very slow, as i’m getting physically ready to run. And not to forget the heaves of breathing and wanting to just walk. I get that all the time!!

And many a times, just when my momentum came, it was usually the time where the stadium closes!! And it’s quite frustrating actually.

Today, i aimed to reach the stadium at 7pm, and i did my run from 7.10pm to 8.05pm. And 13 rounds later, i’m glad to say that i’ve managed to run 5.2km! And i walked out of the stadium satisfied, and knowing that the stadium is still open when i walked out.

Maybe to some people, who are really veterans on the running track and on marathons, it’s really chicken-feet. But coming from someone like me, who can even faint from walking up Mount Faber, i know it’s a big effort for me.

And i’m gonna start counting down to the run, which will take place on the 22nd May 2010. And i’ll need to register for the run by end of this week before the early bird offer ends.

Looking forward to my next adventure on the track! =)

Happy new year of the Tig(g)er

2010-02-14T13:15:00.001+08:00

Just 13 hours ago, we welcome in the Lunar New Year of The Tiger.

And u know lah, tigers are represented as very ferocious animals and they are carnivorous in nature. Not forgetting before the year, there was this particularly very famous and lavicious Tiger who made headlines for nearly a quarter of the year….

But as the Bible says in Romans 12:2

罗马书12张2节
不要效法这个世界，只要心意更新而变化，叫你们察验何为神的善良、纯全、可喜的旨意。

So, in this new year, let’s renew our minds and look forward to a great year ahead.

Happy New year everyone! Huat ah!

Singapore Passion Run 2010 – any takers?

2010-02-13T02:06:00.001+08:00

This is an appeal for kakis to join me. I’m seriously thinking of doing the Passion run this year.

Though up to date, i’m still some distance away from 10km, but i’m wanting to work towards reaching 10km. I figure i’ll need about 2 months, since my current optimum is at 4.8km.

I really wanted to do Sundown, but it’s in the midst of Asia Conference, so i shelved the plans. And, if u are a regular reader on this humble blog, there’s 2 runs that i’m aiming for which will be in October and December. Slotting in the Passion Run will allow me to gauge my stamina and ability.

According to the website, for 10km, prices as below:
Early Bird (15 Jan – 28 Feb) : $38
Promo (1 Mar – 31 Mar) : $43
Normal (1 Apr – 22 Apr) : $48

I have about 2 weeks to catch the early bird promos.

So, my friends, if you are interested to do the run, let me know. Kaki-gathering starts from here. =)

I’m in love…. with the jogging track =)

2010-02-11T21:59:00.001+08:00

This year, i aim to be healthier and happier. U know, when u exercise, you began to stop thinking about all the shit that has been going on in your life, and began to sweat. And i guess, like chocolates, it releases eudorphines…. NAH i’m kidding.

Since early this year, i’ve started to become really diligent in going to the gym and swimming on Sundays. And so far i’m really enjoying every session. Exercising is really fun with friends. =)

Just last Tuesday, D asked me to try going to run on the track, instead of just running on the treadmill. Remember in 2 to 3 previous posts ago, i’m actually aiming to do 2 runs this year, namely the Nike Race 2010 and the Standard Chartered Run 2010. With that in mind, i went for my first time on the running track at Bukit Gombak Stadium.

i used to think that if i don’t exercise in the gym, i will really die of heatstroke.

But seriously, running on the running track has brought forth a new perspective. And do u know that Bukit Gombak track is surrounded by trees and all things natural? It’s such a joy to run on the track! On my first time, i ran 4.8km in a span of one hour! =)

Hurray to my way towards my 10km aim!!!

I ran another time on Tuesday, and as we didn’t know what time the stadium closes, we were also running happily and with the wind blowing in our faces. And just as i touched 2.8km in 30 mins, the bell rang (i didn’t know stadiums uses bells that schools uses), and the lights went off. It was 8.30pm. Gahhh….

I resolved to run today after work. So i rushed home after work, ate a quick dinner and walked from home to Clementi stadium (oh, that was really good warm-up and cool-down). The stadium is actually quite old (i had my primary school and secondary school sports day there….. see how OLD it is), and the track is really CHUI!!! They seriously need to revamp the track, which is practically peeling off. But i had a great time running. I started running from 7.40pm, and was really thinking that i could do an hour, when at 8.10pm, just as i hit 3.6km, one of the huge lamps started to have its lights off……. and i had to stop at 8.15pm, hitting 4km. Gahhhhh!!!!!

i should really run earlier. Looking forward to my next run on the running track…. before i succumb to all the CNY Goodies.