Saint3rdteen...

Beginner Triathlon Training

2010-12-12T00:07:00.000+08:00

Beginner Triathlon Training

As a beginner, the triathlon training that is right for you will depend upon a number of factors. A few of the most important ones are:

• Your base of fitness.
• Your background in swimming, cycling and running.
• The distances you want to compete in.
• How competitive you want to be.

Triathlon is a multisport event consisting of 3 disciplines:

RUNNING - SWIMMING - CYCLING

Each discipline is carried out in turn, with the swim first, followed by a bike leg, and finishing with the run. In between disciplines, there are ‘transitions’, where you change your equipment from swim to bike and then from bike to run. These are carried out in a “transition area” where you can store clothing, equipment and nutrition for the next leg of your race.

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

In order to build a triathlon training program for yourself, first ask yourself what your goals are:

→ Fitness?
→ Weight loss?
→ Completing a race?
→ Competition?

Look at the season ahead, and the races that are available to you. Remember to keep your goals realistic and achievable, and choose triathlon race distances that are suitable for your level of fitness and experience. If it is your first season in triathlon, you may want to choose a sprint triathlon as your goal. Sprint triathlons vary in distances, but are usually approximately a 400 meter swim, 8 to 10 miles cycling and a 3 or 4 mile run.

BUT I AM ALREADY A RUNNER … I NEED A NEW CHALLENGE…!

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

2010-12-11T23:20:00.000+08:00

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Portuguese pronunciation: [ʒuˈʒitsu], English: /dʒuːˈdʒɪtsuː/) is a martial art, combat sport, and a self defense system that focuses on grappling and especially ground fighting. The art was derived from the Japanese martial art of Kodokan judo in the early 20th century,^[1]^[2] which was itself developed from a number of schools (or Ryu) of Japanese jujutsu in the 19th century.

It teaches that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend against a bigger, stronger assailant by using leverage and proper technique—most notably by applying joint-locks and chokeholds to defeat the other person. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can be trained for sport grappling tournaments (gi and no-gi) and mixed martial arts (MMA) competition or self defense .^[3] Sparring (commonly referred to as 'rolling') and live drilling play a major role in training, and a premium is placed on performance, especially in competition, in relation to progress and ascension through grades/belts.

Origin

The art began with Mitsuyo Maeda (aka Conde Koma, or Count Coma in English), an expert Japanese judoka and member of the then-recently-founded Kodokan. Maeda was one of five of Judo's top groundwork experts that Judo's founder Kano Jigoro sent overseas to demonstrate and spread his art to the world. Maeda left Japan in 1904 and visited a number of countries^[2] giving "jiu-do" demonstrations and accepting challenges from wrestlers, boxers, savate fighters and various other martial artists before eventually arriving in Brazil on November 14, 1914.^[4]

Jiu-jitsu is known as more than just a system of fighting. Since its inception in 1882, its parent art of judo was separated from older systems of Japanese jujutsu by an important difference that was passed on to BJJ: it is not solely a martial art: it is also a sport; a method for promoting physical fitness and building character in young people; and, ultimately, a way (Do) of life.^[5]^[6]

It is often claimed that BJJ is a development of traditional Japanese jujutsu, not judo, and that Maeda was a jujutsuka.^{[citation needed]} However, Maeda never trained in jujutsu. He first trained in sumo as a teenager, and after the interest generated by stories about the success of judo at contests between judo and jujutsu that were occurring at the time, he changed from sumo to judo, becoming a student of Kano's Kodokan judo.^[2] He was promoted to 7th dan in Kodokan judo the day before he died in 1941.

In 1914, Maeda was given the opportunity to travel to Brazil as part of a large Japanese immigration colony. In Brazil, in the northern state of Para, he befriended Gastão Gracie, an influential businessman, who helped Maeda get established. To show his gratitude, Maeda offered to teach traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu to Gastão's oldest son, Carlos Gracie. Carlos learned for a few years and eventually passed his knowledge to his brothers.

At age fourteen, Helio Gracie, the youngest of the brothers moved in with his older brothers who lived and taught Jiu-Jitsu in a house in Botafogo, a borough of Rio de Janeiro. Following doctor’s recommendations, Helio would spend the next few years limited to only watching his brothers teach as he was naturally frail.

One day, when Helio Gracie was 16 years old, a student showed up for class when Carlos was not around. Helio, who had memorized all the techniques from watching his brothers teach, offered to start the class. When the class was over, Carlos showed up and apologized for his delay. The student asked for Helio to continue being his instructor, Helio Gracie then gradually developed Gracie Jiu Jitsu as an adaptation from Judo as he was unable to do many Judo moves.^[7]

Helio Gracie also held the rank of 6th dan in judo.^[8]

[edit] Name

When Maeda left Japan, judo was still often referred to as "Kano Jiu-Jitsu",^[9] or, even more generically, simply as "Jiu-Jitsu."^[10]^[11] Higashi, the co-author of "Kano Jiu-Jitsu"^[9] wrote in the foreword:

"Some confusion has arisen over the employment of the term 'jiudo'. To make the matter clear I will state that jiudo is the term selected by Professor Kano as describing his system more accurately than jiu-jitsu does. Professor Kano is one of the leading educators of Japan, and it is natural that he should cast about for the technical word that would most accurately describe his system. But the Japanese people generally still cling to the more popular nomenclature and call it jiu-jitsu."^[9]

Outside Japan, however, this distinction was noted even less. Thus, when Maeda and Satake arrived in Brazil in 1914, every newspaper announced "jiu-jitsu" despite both men being Kodokan judoka.^[5]

The Japanese government itself did not officially mandate until 1925 that the correct name for the martial art taught in the Japanese public schools should be "judo" rather than "jujutsu".^[12] In Brazil, the art is still called "Jiu-Jitsu". When the Gracies went to the United States to spread their art, they used the terms "Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu" and "Gracie Jiu-Jitsu" to differentiate from the already present styles using similar-sounding names. "Jiu-jitsu" is an older romanization that was the original spelling of the art in the West, and it is still in common use, whereas the modern Hepburn romanization is "jūjutsu."

The art is sometimes referred to as Gracie Jiu-Jitsu (GJJ), this name was trademarked by Rorion Gracie, but after a legal dispute with his cousin Carley Gracie, his trademark to the name was voided.^[13] Other members of the Gracie family often call their style by personalized names, such as Charles Gracie Jiu-Jitsu or Renzo Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, and similarly, the Machado family call their style Machado Jiu-Jitsu (MJJ). While each style and its instructors have their own unique aspects, they are all basic variations of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Today there are three major branches of BJJ from Brazil: Gracie Humaita, Gracie Barra, and Carlson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Each branch can trace its roots back to Mitsuyo Maeda and the Gracie family.

[edit] Development

Maeda met an influential businessman named Gastão Gracie who helped him get established. In 1916, his 14 year-old son Carlos Gracie watched a demonstration by Maeda at the Teatro da Paz (Theatre of Peace) and decided to learn the art. Maeda accepted Carlos as a student,^[2] and Carlos went on to become a great exponent of the art and ultimately, with his younger brother Hélio Gracie became the founder of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.^[14]

In 1921, Gastão Gracie and his family moved to Rio de Janeiro. Carlos, then 17 years old, passed Maeda's teachings on to his brothers Osvaldo, Gastão and Jorge. Hélio was too young and sick at that time to learn the art, and due to medical imposition was prohibited to take part in the training sessions. Despite that, Hélio learned from watching his brothers. He eventually overcame his health problems and is now considered by many as the founder of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (though others, such as Carlson Gracie, have pointed to Carlos as the founder of the art).^[14]

Hélio competed in several submission-based competitions which mostly ended in him winning. One defeat (in Brazil in 1951) was by visiting Japanese judoka Masahiko Kimura, whose surname the Gracies gave to the arm lock used to defeat Hélio. The Gracie family continued to develop the system throughout the 20th century, often fighting vale tudo matches (precursors to modern MMA), during which it increased its focus on ground fighting and refined its techniques.^[15]

Today, the main differences between the BJJ styles is between traditional Gracie Jiu-Jitsu's emphasis on self-defense, and Sport Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu's orientation towards competition. There is a large commonality of techniques between the two. Also, there is a wide variety of ideals in training in different schools in terms of the utilization of pure or yielding technique versus skillful application of pressure to overcome an opponent.

[edit] Prominence

Jiu-Jitsu came to international prominence in the martial arts community in the early 1990s, when Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu expert Royce Gracie won the first, second and fourth Ultimate Fighting Championships, which at the time were single elimination martial arts tournaments.^[3] Royce fought against often much-larger opponents who were practicing other styles, including boxing, shoot-fighting, karate, judo and tae kwon do. It has since become a staple art for many MMA fighters and is largely credited for bringing widespread attention to the importance of ground fighting. Sport BJJ tournaments continue to grow in popularity worldwide and have given rise to no-gi submission grappling tournaments, such as the ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship.

[edit] Style of fighting

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu emphasizes taking an opponent to the ground and utilizing ground fighting techniques and submission holds involving joint-locks and chokeholds also found in numerous other arts with or without ground fighting emphasis. The premise is that most of the advantage of a larger, stronger opponent comes from superior reach and more powerful strikes, both of which are somewhat negated when grappling on the ground.

BJJ permits a wide variety of techniques to take the fight to the ground after taking a grip. Once the opponent is on the ground, a number of maneuvers (and counter-maneuvers) are available to manipulate the opponent into a suitable position for the application of a submission technique. Achieving a dominant position on the ground is one of the hallmarks of the BJJ style, and includes effective use of the guard position to defend oneself from bottom, and passing the guard to dominate from top position with side control, mount, and back mount positions. This system of maneuvering and manipulation can be likened to a form of kinetic chess when utilized by two experienced practitioners. A submission hold is the equivalent of checkmate in the sport, reflecting a disadvantage which would be extremely difficult to overcome in a fight (such as a dislocated joint or unconsciousness).

Renzo Gracie wrote in his book Mastering Jujitsu:

"The classical jujutsu of old Japan appeared to have no common strategy to guide a combatant over the course of a fight. Indeed, this was one of Kano's most fundamental and perceptive criticisms of the classical program." Maeda not only taught the art of judo to Carlos Gracie, but also taught a particular philosophy about the nature of combat developed by Kano, and further refined by Maeda based on his worldwide travels competing against fighters skilled in a wide variety of martial arts.^[16]

The book details Maeda's theory as arguing that physical combat could be broken down into distinct phases, such as the striking phase, the grappling phase, the ground phase, etc. Thus, it was a smart fighter's task to keep the fight located in the phase of combat that best suited to his own strengths. Renzo Gracie stated that this was a fundamental influence on the Gracie approach to combat, these strategies were further developed over time by the Gracies and others, and became prominent in contemporary MMA.

[edit] Ground fighting

BJJ is most strongly differentiated by its greater emphasis on groundwork than other martial arts. Commonly, striking-based styles spend almost no time on groundwork. Even other grappling martial arts tend to spend much more time on the standing phase. It is helpful to contrast its rules with judo's greater emphasis on throws, due to both its radically different point-scoring system, and the absence of most of the judo rules that cause the competitors to have to recommence in a standing position. This has led to greater time dedicated to training on the ground, resulting in enhancement and new research of groundwork techniques by BJJ practitioners.

Along with BJJ's great strengths on the ground comes its relative deemphasis of standing techniques, such as striking. To remedy this comparative lack, there is an increasing amount of cross-training between the sports of BJJ and wrestling, Judo, or Sambo, as well as striking based arts such as Muay Thai, kickboxing, and boxing.

[edit] Training methods

Sport Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu's focus on submissions without the use of strikes while training allows practitioners to practice at full speed and with full power, resembling the effort used in a real competition. Training methods include technique drills in which techniques are practiced against a non-resisting partner; isolation sparring, commonly referred to as positional drilling, where only a certain technique or sets of techniques are used, and full sparring in which each opponent tries to submit their opponent using any legal technique. Physical conditioning is also an important part of training at many clubs.

[edit] Primary Ground Positions

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One type of Side control

Main article: Grappling position

During the ground phase of combat the BJJ practitioner strives to take a dominant or controlling position from which to apply submissions, these positions provide different options.

[edit] Side Control

Main article: Side control

The practitioner pins their opponent to the ground from the side of their body. The dominant grappler is across the opponent with weight applied to the opponent's chest. The opponent may be further controlled by pressure on either side of their shoulders and hips from the practitioner's elbows, shoulders, and knees. A wide variety of submissions are initiated from Side control.

Full Mount is considered one of the most dominant Grappling positions.

[edit] Full Mount

Main article: Mount (grappling)

The practitioner sits astride the opponent's chest, controlling the opponent with their bodyweight and hips. In the strongest form of this position the practitioner works their knees up under into the arm pits to reduce arm movements, limiting their ability to move or counter the submission attempts. Full Mount is mostly used to attack the arms or apply choke holds.

[edit] Back Mount

Main article: Back mount

The practitioner attaches to the back of the opponent by wrapping their legs around and hooking the opponent's thighs with their heels. Simultaneously, the upper body is controlled by wrapping the arms around the chest or neck of the opponent. This position is commonly used to apply chokeholds, and counters much of the benefit an opponent may have from greater size or strength.

One type of Guard

[edit] Guard

Main article: Guard (grappling)

In the Guard, the practitioner is on their back controlling an opponent with their legs. The practitioner pushes and pulls with the legs or feet to upset the balance and limit the movements of their opponent. This position comes into play often when an opponent manages to place the practitioner upon his or her back and the practitioner seeks the best position possible to launch counter-attacks. This is a very versatile position from which the BJJ practitioner can attempt to sweep (reverse) the opponent, get back to the feet, or apply a variety of joint-locks as well as various chokes.

The three main types of guard are Open, Closed, and Half. In closed guard, the bottom grappler has their legs around the opponent's trunk and has their ankles closed together to provide control and a barrier to escaping the position. In the open guard, the legs are not hooked together and the bottom grappler uses their legs or feet to push or pull in a more dynamic fashion. In the half guard, one of the top grappler's legs is being controlled by the bottom grappler's legs.

[edit] Submission

The majority of submission holds can be grouped into two broad categories: joint locks and chokes. Joint locks typically involve isolating an opponent's limb and creating a lever with the body position which will force the joint to move past its normal range of motion.^[3] Pressure is increased in a controlled manner and released if the opponent cannot escape the hold and signals defeat by submitting. Opponents can indicate submission verbally or they can tap out (i.e. tap the opponent, the mat several times. Tapping one's own body is dangerous because the opponent may not be able to tell if his or her opponent is tapping.) A choke hold, disrupting the blood supply to the brain, can cause unconsciousness if the opponent does not submit soon enough.

A less common type of submission hold is a compression lock, where the muscle of an opponent is compressed against a hard, large bone (commonly the shin or wrist), causing significant pain to the opponent. These types of locks are not usually allowed in competition due to the high risk of tearing muscle tissue. This type of lock often also hyper-extends the joint in the opposite direction, pulling it apart.

[edit] Joint locks

A practitioner attempting a type of armbar submission.

While many joint locks are permitted, most competitions ban or restrict some or all joint locks involving the knees, ankles, and spine. The reason for this is that the angles of manipulation required to cause pain are nearly the same as those that would cause serious injury. Joint locks that require a twisting motion of the knee (called twisting knee locks or twisting knee bars, or techniques such as heel hooks, and toe holds) are usually banned in competitions because successfully completing the move nearly always results in permanent damage that requires surgery. Similarly, joint manipulations of the spine are typically barred due to the inherent danger of crushing or mis-aligning cervical vertebrae. Leglocks are allowed in varying degrees depending on skill level, with straight ankle locks being the only leglocks allowed in the beginner division, or white belt level, straight kneebars being allowed in the intermediate division, or blue belt level and toeholds with the pressure applied inwards are allowed in the advanced division (purple, brown, black). Some competitions also ban submissions involving the crushing or compression of muscle tissue.

However, most joint locks involving the wrist, elbow, shoulder or ankle are permitted as there is a great deal more flexibility in those joints and those locks are safe to use under tournament conditions. Also, some fighters practice moves whose sole purpose is to inflict pain upon their opponent, in the hope that they will tap out. This includes driving knuckles into pressure points, holding their opponent's head in order to tire out the neck (called the "can opener" or kubi-hishigi) and putting body weight on top of the sternum, floating ribs, or similarly sensitive bones. These moves are not true submission moves - they are generally only used as distractions mostly in lower levels of competition. They are avoided or aggressively countered in middle to upper levels of competition.

[edit] Chokes and strangles

Chokes and strangles (commonly but somewhat incorrectly referred to as "air chokes" and "blood chokes" respectively) are a common form of submission. Chokes involve constriction of the windpipe (causing asphyxia.) Strangles involve constriction of the carotid artery (causing ischemia.)^[17]

Air chokes are less efficient than strangles and may result in damage to the opponent's trachea, sometimes even resulting in death. By contrast, blood chokes (strangulations) cut the flow of blood to the opponent's brain, causing a rapid loss of consciousness without damaging any internal structures. Being "choked-out" in this way is relatively safe as long as the choke is released soon enough after unconsciousness, letting blood back into the brain before oxygen deprivation damage begins.^[18] However, it should not be practiced unsupervised.

[edit] The Gi

Main article: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gi

The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner's uniform is similar to a judogi, but often with tighter cuffs on the pants and jacket. This allows the practitioner to benefit from a closer fit, providing less material for an opponent to manipulate, although there is a significant overlap in the standards that allows for a carefully selected Gi to be legal for competition in both styles. To be promoted in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the wearing of the Gi while training is a requirement, but recently with the growing popularity of "no gi" Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, instructors have been giving out belts to no gi practitioners (e.g., Rolles Gracie awarding Rashad Evans a black belt).

The term kimono is sometimes used to describe the outfit, especially in Brazil.

[edit] Grading

Age categories^[19]
4-6	pré-mirim
7-9	mirim
10-12	infantil
13-15	infanto-juvenil
16-17	juvenil
18-29	adulto
30-35	master
36-40	sênior I
41-45	sênior II
46-50	sênior III
51-55	sênior IV
56+	sênior V

Junior belt colors (15 and under)
White
Yellow
Orange
Green

Adult belt colors (16 and over)
White
Blue
Purple
Brown
Black

Main article: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ranking system

The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ranking system awards a practitioner different colored belts to signify increasing levels of technical knowledge and practical skill. While the system's structure shares its origins with the judo ranking system and the origins of all colored belts, it now contains many of its own unique aspects and themes. Some of these differences are relatively minor, such as the division between youth and adult belts and the stripe/degree system. Others are quite distinct and have become synonymous with the art, such as a marked informality in promotional criteria, including as a focus on a competitive demonstration of skill, and a conservative approach to promotion in general.^[20]^[21]^[22] Traditionally, the concept of competitive skill demonstration as a quickened and earned route of promotion holds true.^[20]^[21]^[22] Some schools have placed a green belt for adults between the white and blue belt ranks due to the long periods between advancement. The amount of time it takes to achieve the rank of black belt varies between the individual but the average time frame is between 8 and 10 years with a consistent training schedule of 3 to 4 times per week.^{[original research?]}

[] Notable Championships

Some of the most prestigious and recognized Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournaments in the world are the Pan American Championship and the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship (known as the Mundials), hosted annually by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation.^[23]

There have been other organizations like the CBJJE which also hosts World Class Championships in Brazil. On the other hand, Federation International of Jiu-Jitsu Association (FIJJA) hosts World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Cup in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.

www.2xucompressionrun.com.sg

2010-11-25T22:30:00.000+08:00

Race Details
Date: 10th April 2011 (Sunday)
Start & End Point: City Area
Email: info@2xucompressionrun.com.sg
Closing Date: 6th March 2011 (Sunday)

Start Time
12km Men's Competitive - 7am
12km Women's Competitive - 7am

==========================

just signed up for my 1st race in 2011

Sports Massage after a stressful week

2010-10-24T17:18:00.002+08:00

Oct18-24 has been a pretty stressful week for me. Work has been hell and each day is like on a roller coaster ride that is the most thrilling, scariest, non stop excitement. Working like a bull on the farm from sunrise till the wee hours of the morning to ensure that the farmer has a good harvest.

Both my partner and I new to the team, having limited knowledge on the flows and systems, we are both struggling like a fish trapped on land and surviving as hard as we can. Each day was always a new challenge and a new thrilling roller coaster ride. Living each day on the edge of the roller coaster ride was a heart rising experience.

Having a religious function on a sat for the family esp a religious send off for my parents to the holy land in Nov doesn't help either. Being bogged down with work the whole week, there are tons to be done for the function. Though food was catered, arranging the food, displaying the food, getting the fruits, miscellaneous etc was a chore..

Frankly, Sunday, 24 Oct 10 is my only officially rest day. Starting the day ay 5 am with a Nike City Run at 7am followed by a sports massage and ending the day with a concert.

Well, the tiredness of the family function ripped me off the NIKE CITY RUN. Though I am awake by 5am, my body is calling for a rest. Skipped the run and went back to bed and was awake by 9am. Surf the net for an hour before activating my siblings to assist in cleaning the house, washing the pots and pans, sweeping and mopping the floor…. By the time, we are done, it is 1:30pm. With the hands of 3 humans, things get done faster.

Met my friend, Jerry, a Fitness Instructor, with a degree is Sports Science to assist me in my muscular relaxation as the running lately has me aching or rather tensed up.

Man, I would say, sports massage is different is Thai/Oil/Aroma Therapy Massage.

MassageSports massage optimizes the sportsperson's ability to train and compete at their maximum level of performance and plays an essential role in preventing injuries. Our sports therapists are not only experts in the anatomy and physiology, but understand the particular demands of the body at your specific sport.

Applying a sports massage after a heavy training will help the muscle to relax, improve the circulation and restore the flexibility. This allows for a quicker recovery and return to training without the usual stiffness and soreness.

Sports massage will often utilize a variety of modalities such as remedial massage, trigger point therapy, cross fibre techniques and deep tissue work. It can be used alone or in combination with physiotherapy.

Sports massage can achieve excellent results in the treatment of:

Muscle strains
ITB pain
Tennis elbow
Golfer’s elbow
Shin pain
Fasciitis plantaris
and more

Sports massage was designed for athletes, but is useful for anyone with chronic pain, injury or range-of-motion issues.

Sports massage was originally developed to help athletes prepare their bodies for optimal performance, recover after a big event, or function well during training. Sports massage emphasizes prevention and healing of injuries to the muscles and tendons.

But you don't have to be in the Olympics to benefit from sports massage. Sports massage is also good for people with injuries, chronic pain or restricted range of motion. The massage therapist generally concentrates on a specific problem area. (Sore neck and shoulders, anyone?) This is the type of sports massage that you see in the spa.

What Happens During Sports Massage?

Sports massage is a type of Swedish massage that stimulates circulation of blood and lymph fluids. Some sports massage movements use trigger point therapy to break down adhesions (knots in the muscles) and increase range of motion.

There are four types of sports massages:

* pre-event sports massage -- a short, stimulating massage 15 - 45 minutes before the event. It is directed toward the parts of the body that will be involved in the exertion.

* post-event sports massage -- given within an hour or two of the event, to normalize the body's tissues.

* restorative sports massage -- given during training to allow the athelete to train harder and with less injury.

* rehabilitative sports massage -- aimed at alleviating pain due to injury and returning the body to health.

When Should I Get A Sports Massage At The Spa?

A sports massage is a good choice if you have a specific problem -- a tender knee from running, for instance. It is also be a good idea to see a movement therapist, who can help you identify and correct the movement pattern that might be causing your injury in the first place.

The therapist generally focuses in on the problem area -- a frozen shoulder or pulled hamstring, for instance -- rather than giving you a thorough full-body massage.

Sometimes men who are new to the spa are more comfortable getting a sports massage because it sounds more masculine. That's fine, even if they don't have an injury.

One area of problem down for me. Though, frankly i was like a wimp during the massage, cuz its the first time, i wasnt able to relax and its was pretty tensed up for me. I was as stiff as a robot. Literally screamming and biting through my teeth...

Though pain, after each tortutous parts, i felt better. Queried my friend, aint a massage suppose to be relaxeing?

Well, according to him, sports massage aims to tackle your problem areas and as for me, my problem areas are my legs.

My legs feel very much better and i need to see a doctor soon to get a referral for a specialist soon. My calf is having a blood clot again. Its the 2nd time of the year.

See a doctor and get it treated.

Hahaha.

This week, my milage of running is 0km... hahaha. i must get back to running and swimming tml....

haiz the weekend is almost over and time for me to rush over to my next appoint ment. A wopnder ful performance by the Singapore Men Choir at NAFA.

Reporting from Hans Cafe National Library

OPSUNBIRD - The motivational by Joe

2010-10-03T08:21:00.002+08:00

OP SUNBIRD FLIGHT 001

2010-09-22T04:59:00.003+08:00

Opening a new chapter in my life

2010-08-21T18:32:00.001+08:00

It is time….

Time for me to move on and grab a grip of myself…

I have decided…..

To love someone doesn't mean, one has to be in a relationship with the other party.

To love someone doesn't mean, both parties need to be unhappy to accommodate each other.

To love someone means, sacrificing oneself at the expense of one's happiness and seeing the other party happy.

I know it aint going to be easy but it's a step that I have decided and will preserve to move on in life to close this chapter and open a new chapter in life.

shagged, tired and broken

2010-08-11T06:29:00.001+08:00

as the tittle post suggest, i am mentally and physically worn out.

taking things in my stride one day at a time.

the fragile pieces of me needs time to be mended and affairs of the hearts going to take me a long time to recover.

Running home

2010-07-05T21:26:00.002+08:00

Running home on 1 July 2010

Phew... Been a while since I last blog
Apologies guys 

Been bogged down with work and relationship.....

Did something different last nite. Instead of taking the rain home as what I always do, I ran home

Not all the way home though but halfway through.

My running route
start at the btm of marang trail run up to mt faber - henderson wave - alexandra skywalk - hort park - science park - NUH - Clementi.

From clementi, took train home in running attire

My clothes and personal belongings all left in office. Would say this is the 2nd time I do run at Mt Faber

Remember running the mt faber run was a challenge ESP the slopes 

I wouldn't do the run after work if alone. Run with a friend of mine; jeff

Frankly, it is his running home route once a week. Since both of us sign up for marathon, thought it be good to train together if time permits us since he is occasionally in harbor front office

Marang trail run
Short route only about less than 2km
The challenge was not the distance but rather the gradient. Marang trail run is an upslope run. Running the path up ain't easy. It gets one to perform at the peak and gets one fully warmed up. It is sure a demanding up slope run.

Out of marang trail, run pass through jewel box at Mt Faber heading down to Henderson waves

Frankly these two routes are pretty nice and quite serene. It's a good way to distress after work.

Alexandra skywalks is pretty amazing. Nice place to run. A pity it rain earlier and the ground was a bit wet. It was a breeze jogging through since it's a gentle downward slope and in zig zag format.
End of Alexandra is the deciding point whether to continue forward, stop and take bus home or u turn back to office.

Having picked up the pace, we continued our slow jog to hort park then to science park. An upward slope all the way I say.... It's amazing I ran the route without water
But I hydrate myself well before the run

Just a note, hitting hort park is
Point of not return. Once u hit hot park is all the way to science pArk and out to civiliasiation..

It's a nice scenic run with many upwards slopes

Sundown Route - So Sianx ----- Repeated scenes

2010-04-08T11:44:00.001+08:00

2010-04-08T11:38:00.000+08:00

Sundown Shuttle Bus Services

Apr 6, 2010

Two-way Sundown shuttle bus services will be provided to ferry participants from the race site and Pasir Ris Interchange. A fee of $1 per way (payable by EZ-Link or Cash) will be applicable.

Aside from two (2) shuttle service pick-up points, participants are also able to board and alight the Sundown shuttle services at the bus-stops along transport route. (Changi Coast Road, Nicoll Drive, Loyang Avenue and Pasir Ris Drive 1)

Shuttle Service Location: Pasir Ris Interchange

Shuttle Period A
Start Time: 4.30pm, 29 May 2010
End Time: 8.00pm, 29 May 2010

Shuttle Period B
Start Time: 9.30pm, 29 May 2010
End Time: 12.15am, 30 May 2010

Shuttle Period C
Start Time: 6.00am, 30 May 2010
End Time: 8.00am, 30 May 2010

Shuttle Service Location: Race Site (Changi Exhibition Centre)

Shuttle Period A
Start Time: 5.00pm, 29 May 2010
End Time: 8.30pm, 29 May 2010

Shuttle Period B
Start Time: 10.00pm, 29 May 2010
End Time: 12.45am, 30 May 2010

Shuttle Period C
Start Time: 5.15am, 30 May 2010
End Time: 9.30am, 30 May 2010

*Road Closure: Aviation Park Road and Changi Coast Road (From Aviation Park Road till Changi Ferry Road) will be affected from 8.40pm till 10.00pm on 29 May 2010.

FIRE AT SAKAE SUSHI NORTH POINT ON 28 FEB 2010

2010-03-01T11:04:00.009+08:00

It was the last day of Chinese New Year.

I was having dinner with my friend at SAKAE SUSHI NORTH POINT. We wanted to order the Yu SHENG but since we did not pre order, we were told to wait till after 6pm if we wanted any and be put on the waiting list. We decided not to wait since it be long, thus deciding to have sushi and soup.

When we came ard 5plus, the restaurant was not packed but service was slow. Guess the service staff was pretty shorthanded. Slow service is understandable as the restaurant was shorthanded but i would expect the service staff to be vigilant especially when diners are ordering hot pots. Let me share with you the reason why which my friend and i encounter yesterday. Thank god, we were alert less we would have suffer some minor burns due to the lack of diligence of the staff.

We order sushi and some soup.

oops the sushi are gone before pics were snapped... My apologies

The culprit that made us unhappy at SAKE SUSHI NORTH POINT

I must highlight that when the soup was served, the pot was not lighted up. We had to wait for 10 mins later after getting the attentions of the servers for our bowls for the soup and for the pot to be lighted up. The flame for the soup was pretty big, i would say for that day. Soup was boiling within minutes and we had our servings our soup. We called for the attention of the servers to five us more soup for the pot as the heat was drying up the soup too fast and the vegetables getting overcooked. after getting the attention of one server for more soup, the wait was a longer one. We called for assistance via the online system for the ordering and assistance not once, not twice not thrice but countless time but no one came over to attend us. soup was drying up with minimum water base. Vegetables and salmon getting burnt. Smoke was seen from the hotpot and i was desperately trying to get the attention via calling for assistance n via the computer.

Decided to put the pot at the end of the table as it was smoky and my friend was coughing. i stood up and decided to demand for attention by speaking in a loud harsh tone for help when the fire break out. The pot was burning and the servers that we requested for help earlier on was stunned and did not move an inch. I managed to get hold of the attention of one of th staff, whom i believed was the manager, a female.She was quick to react though she was at the opposite end of me.The stunned server upon seeing the manager rushing over then decided to take action by rushing to our table with a piece of damp cloth hoping to put out the fire. Mind you, the fire though small was abt the height of my waist down. How can one put out a fire with damp cloth?
By miracle? Thank god for the quick action of the female staff, she pour cold water over it and the fire was out within 5 minutes.

THE FEMALE STAFF(WHOM I BELIEVE IS THE MANAGER) WHO PUT OUT THE FIRE

OUR TABLE AFTER THE FIRE.

IT WAS SADDENDED TO KNOW THAT A DINING EXPERIENCE AT SAKAE SUSHI NORTHPOINT WAS A TRAUMA. STAFF WERE UNAWARE OF WHAT TO BE DONE AND DINERS AFFTECTED IE US WERE LEFT UNATTENDED LEAVING US BEING STARE BU OTHER DINERS WHO WERE SHOCKED BY THE FIRE. ALL THE WHILE AFTER THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT, WE WERE NOT OFFERED A NEW TABLE, NOR WATER TO CALM OURSELF BUT MADE STANDING FEELING ANGRY AND DISAPPOINTED. THOUGH THE FEMALE SERVERS OFFERED US A NEW HOT POT FOR THE ACCIDENT, I DECLINED. WHO WOULD WANT TO EAT HOTPOT AGAIN AFTER THE FIRE IMMEDIATELY.ITS FRUSTARING TO KNOW THAT DINERS ALERTED THE SERVICE STAFF AND REQUESTED FOR ATTENTION AND ASSISTANCE AND NO ONCE CAME TO ASSIST.SAD TO SAY, THIS IS MY LAST TIME DINING AT SAKAE SUSHI AND PERHAPS NORTHPOINT. THIS IS A SMALL FIRE BUT WHAT IF IT WAS BIG AND THE POT EXPLODED AND CAUSE INJURY TO ME NOR MY FRIEND.ALL THIS COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED BUT IT WASNT. WHY? LACK OF DILLIGENCE AND POOR SERVICE.

ARE SERVICE STAFF TRAINED TO HANDLE HOT POT AND HOW TO REACT IF FIRE BREAKS OUT DUE TO HOT POT OR EVEN MINI EXPLOSION?

I DO NOT WANT THIS TO HAPPEN TO ME, TO MY LOVED ONES NOT STRANGERS.
THE LEAST I FELT THAT THE RESTAURANT COULD HAVE DONE WAS TO SERVE US DRINK TO CALM DOWN AND SEAT US AT A CLEAN TABLE INSTEAD OF MAKING US STAND THERE LIKE IDIOTS BEING THE STARS OF THE MISHAPS BEING LOOKED BY OTHER DINERS AND PASSERBY. - LACK OF INSENSITIVITY AND COMPASSION.

WOULD YOU WANT TO READ A NEWSPAPER HEADLINE: EXPLOSION IN XXX RESTAURANT.... 2 INJURED... ETC....

WOULD YOU WANT TO BE IN THIS SITUATION N GO THROUGH THE UNHAPPINEESS?

2009-12-20T20:14:00.008+08:00

Hey peeps....

Been ages i updated my blog... Pretty busy year i say and super tough. The year is coming to an end and i hope 2010 will be a good year for all of us.

Lets See... I did my SCM this year and it was a great run i say. Did a better timing as compared to previous run.

Billy & Me after the SCM 09

Desmond, Myself and Billy resting while waiting for Massage

So sad, i lost my Shades at the run... No more shades to run while running

Me before the Run @ the memorial park getting ready for the race

My JC Buddy - STEVE ONG HOCK GUAN after the run
Super shacked Steve... Congrats mate on your accomplishment

My well deserved saucony Shoes has been decommissioned.
SCM 2009 has seen the last race of it.
The shoes will be worn casually as of now as it is not suitable for LDR.
Thanks mate for accompanying in all my run

2009-12-03T23:51:00.001+08:00

Registration is now Open. Please Click Here To Register

If you would like to be a volunteer, please Click Here To Submit Volunteer Details

Get ready for a Banana Fiesta in the 3rd Edition of the Banana Relay

Are you game to have some fun in a relay? We are proud to present our very own SGRunners Banana Relay, an event which aims to promote friendship, teamwork & bonding, regardless of speed, height or gender... And we have a very special Banana Hero contest for the 3rd Edition of the Banana Relay. Read on to find out more!!

Event Date
30 January 2010 Saturday

Venue
West Coast Park, along West Coast Highway, Shelter at the extreme right end of Car Park 3 Banana Relay 2010 Route Map.jpg (96.09K)
Number of downloads: 127

Flag Off Time
8.15am

Reporting Time/Registration
7.00am to 7.45am

Maximum No. Of Participants
210 participants

Eligibility to Participate
1. Open to all SGRunners.COM members, family members & friends.
2. Minimum age of 16 years old and above.
3. Only registered pariticipants who have paid in full can take part.

Registration Information
1. Cost - $20 (inclusive of a medal, tea reception, drinks & lucky draw)
2. Registration Deadline - 31 Dec 2009 or earlier if we have reached the maximum no. of participants.

Registration Options
You may register via one of the following modes:

1. Online Registration – Please Click HERE

2. Registraton via Personal Message – Please send a message via SGRunners.com to ironmandreamer with the following details:

Full Name:
Nickname in SGRunners.com (if applicable):
NRIC/Passport No.:
Date of Birth:
Gender:
Mobile No.:
Home No.:
Email:
Home Address:
Blood Type:
Name of Emergency Contact Person:
Relationship to you:
Emergency Contact Person's No.:

Please note that by registering, you agree that the organiser will not be held responsible for any injury/accident/death that occurs to you as a participant. We strongly recommend you are covered with a personal health/medical insurance in case any incident occurs although you can be rest assured we will strive to make this event a safe one for everyone to have fun. Medical personnel & an ambulance will be on standby in case of emergency & to render first aid.

Payment of Registration Fee
1. After submitting your registration, Ironmandreamer will contact you via email or your mobile no. to arrange payment.

2. Please retain proof of payment e.g. Bank in slip, in the event the organiser needs to verify your payment.

3. Once payment has been made & verified, Ironmandreamer will then send an acknowledgement email to confirm your payment & participation.

4. It is not necessary to bring along the confirmation email on event day.

Relay Format
1. There will be 3 members in each team.

2. Each member will run 3 laps of 1.5km per lap, but not consecutively. Each team will clock a total of 9 laps, accumulating a distance of 13.5km.

3. Bananas will used as a baton, to be carried throughout the relay by the team member who is running. The 1st runner for each team will collect 1 Banana just before the race commences. The banana baton(s) must be handed over to the next member within the Handover Zone before commencing the next lap. The Handover Zone will be marked by Red Tape on the floor.

4. One Banana baton shall be carried during the 1st to the 3rd lap. For the 4th to the 6th lap, the team has to carry an additional Banana baton on top of the 1st Banana baton. The first member to start the 4th lap for his/her team must be ready with the 2nd Banana baton (available at the handover point) prior to the commencement of the 4th lap. For the 7th to the final 9th lap, each team are required to carry a 3rd Banana baton. This is where your Banana Holding Skill will be a great asset.

5. The Banana batons can be carried in any manner but it must be with the member at all times during the run, failing which, the team will be disqualified due to the Banana MIA(missing in action). Officials will be situated along the route to be on the lookout for the presence/absence of Banana batons.

Formation of Teams
1. Teams of 3 will be formed by a lucky draw format instead of self-arranged teams. A draw will be conducted to form the teams, similar to the World Cup group draw. By leaving the team composition to fate, it helps promote friendship and bonding with others whom we may not know.

2. The draw will be conducted after registration has closed. The exact date of the draw is to be confirmed.

3. The list of team members will be posted in the forum on 23 Jan 2010, 1 week before event day.

4. Should any member of the team be unable to take part on event day, the organiser reserves the right to merge/split teams to allow every registered & paid participant to be a part of the Banana Relay. There may also be circumstances where members have to run additional laps if they have a lack of team members.

Timing
1. Although this is a fun event, the organiser will record the timing of every lap and the total timing for each team so that participants know their lap times.

2. There will be no appeal cases accepted as this is a non-competitive event.

3. No time limit will be imposed to complete the run.

Race Briefing
A race briefing will be conducted at 8am, which is 15 minutes before the race commences.
You are strongly encouraged to attend it so as to be clear on the race procedures & rules.

Route
1. The Start/Finish point is at the shelter located on the right end of Car Park 3. Please click on Banana Relay 2010 Route Map.jpg (96.09K)
Number of downloads: 127

2. Each participant has the option to run/walk/crawl 3 laps of 1.5km along a designated route on the footpath within West Coast Park Area 3.

3. Marshalls or Directional Signages will be deployed along the route to guide you.
Deviating from the route will result in disqualification & no medals will be given.

4. Marshalls/Checkpoint officials will be present at strategic points to ensure every participant completes the full route.

5. Do be alert and give way to other users of the footpath e.g. Walkers, joggers, cyclists, etc.

Hydration Stations
1. Hydration Stations will be set up at the mid point and the Start/Finish area as shown in the Event Map/Layout.

2. Water & Isotonic Drinks will be provided.

Medals
1. Every participant will receive 1 limited edition Banana Relay medal.

2. The final runner of each team will receive the medals for his/her team after crossing the finishing line at the end of the final lap. He/she will then pass the medals to his/her team members.

Lucky Draw
1. A Lucky Draw will be conducted shortly after the conclusion of the run.

2. Winners of the Lucky Draw are to collect their prizes immediately during the Lucky Draw upon showing your race bib.

Banana Hero
Ever dreamt of being a Hero? How about a Banana Hero? Come in your most oustanding/outrageous attire!

To add fun & colour to the 2010 edition, we are introducing a special segment where all participants & volunteers can dress in their most outstanding/outrageous attire. Everyone gets a chance to vote for their favourite Banana Hero at the end of the run. The top 3 Banana Heroes will be rewarded with attractive prizes. You do not need to register for this special contest. Just turn up in your most attractive attire and WOW the crowd. This contest is open to all participants & volunteers.

Photography
Please look for any of our photographers if you would like to have your photo taken with your team or the Banana Heroes.

Event Day Programme
7.00am – Registration & Collection of Bib/Safety Pins
8.00am – Phototaking & Race Briefing
8.15am – Race Flag Off
10.00am – Expected completion of run & Tea Reception
10.30am – Lucky Draw & Banana Hero contest
11.00am – Home Sweet Home

Upon Arrival at Race Venue
1. Proceed to the registration table

2. Register according to your team/bib number (will be announced prior to race day but not to worry if you do not know. However, your team number might change at the last minute if there are absent runners)

3. You'll be issued 1 Race Bib with 4 safety pins (To be placed visibly on the front. It is not transferable to others)

Baggage Deposit/Retrieval
1. You may leave your belonging with us at the hut but we will not take responsibility for any damage or loss of it. Hence please refrain from leaving valuables in it.

2. For identification of your belonging, we will write your bib number on a piece of masking tape & stick it to your bag.

3. You may retrieve your belonging at any time but do present your bib to the baggage official to facilitate collection.

Waste Disposal
To do our part for the environment, all rubbish are to be placed in the trash bags which will be provided by the organiser as all rubbish must be removed from the race site after the end of the event.

Race Safety
1. Your safety is most important.

2. Please ensure you are well-hydrated & well-rested prior to the event.

3. Please hydrate during & after the event to prevent heat-related disorders.

4. First Aiders will be on standby at the Start/Finish Area. Should you feel unwell at any point during the race, please stop & seek help from the nearest Marshall, who will then call for the First Aiders if necessary.

5. In an emergency, you may be evacuated to the nearest Hospital/Medical facility, e.g. National University Hospital, 24hr Main Line is (65)67795555.

6. Your Emergency Contact Person will be informed in case of an emergency.

7. Please refrain from taking part if you are feeling unwell or if you are just recovering from any sickness/ill health recently as we will not be held responsible should any crisis/injuries occur to you as a result of taking part in the Banana Relay 2010.

8. If any of the race officials are of the view you seem unwell or display symptoms that may be detrimental to your well-being, the organisers reserve the right to pull you out of the event without a refund of your registration fee.

Sponsorship
We welcome any form of sponsorship to make this event a fun experience for everyone. Just send a personal message to ironmandreamer with your contact number, email address and area of sponsorship, and we'll contact you accordingly.

Calling for Volunteers

For those who are keen to volunteer for this event, pls Click Here. You can even rope in your family & friends who are not SGRunner members to be a part of this fun event.

We will have various positions available such as route marshall, registration, time keeper, checkpoint i/c, etc. We hope to attract volunteers who like to have fun & have the passion to cheer people on. And don't worry, you won't need to carry a banana

Please provide the following details:

Full Name:
NRIC No.:
Date of Birth:
Gender:
Contact no. (Home & Mobile):
Email add:
Home Address:
Blood type:
Emergency Contact person, relationship to you & no.:
Preferred position/role (subject to availability):

Thank you.

Volunteers
1. alecchua
2. teelee
3. laserrunner
4. joeline
5. tekko
6. bananaman30
7. takeshi_lum
8. mystic
9. tekko
10. miramis
11. wanfong1
12. irunalot
13. Tan Yi Jun
14. Shanice Lim
15. thelonelyrunner
16. Devika Kumaran
17.

Registered
1. Aerosolcan
2. Super_slow_runner
3. Wheregot
4. Loo Fook Keong
5. eatrun
6. Batx
7. iceman_77
8. devilism07
9. Jm81
10. keltong
11. Momoko
12. SwaKu
13. Catchervir
14. C3nts
15. brentvarnado
16. Razalee
17. V Gyana Sambandan
18. Devi Sambandan
19. Athian Manikam
20. Jen Lem
21. Zann
22. NoobieRunner
23. PeaCeFOol
24. wanyu
25. cocacolaisit
26. Neyton
27. Sivakumar
28. Rainforest
29. cheehow
30. -licht
31. keeluh
32. sebsong
33. cexist
34. fagfark
35. dhuto777
36. Beginner
37. Selfer
38. Gordon Foo
39. Chuanzai_87
40. cgred
41. chenwk
42. tao
43. yankee
44. anthcourtney
45. Susan Lee
46. yamkamhoong
47. alfachua
48. bbwolf
49. Alvin Samuel
50. Kuan Mei Peng
51. mac9961
52. Mui
53. Patrick Lim
54. Chan Swee Seng
55. boonyeong
56. hao nan ren
57. Yoyo
58. Rossidah Dawood
59. Girthwider
60. Ku Seow Yen
61.

2009-11-08T20:58:00.001+08:00

17 March 1980

Your date of conception was on or about 25 June 1979 which was a Monday.

You were born on a Monday
under the astrological sign Pisces.
Your Life path number is 11.

Your fortune cookie reads:
Love is the triumph of imagination over intelligence. H.L. Mencken

Life Path Compatibility:
You are most compatible with those with the Life Path numbers 2, 4, 8, 11 & 22.
You should get along well with those with the Life Path numbers 3 & 6.
You may or may not get along well with those with the Life Path number 9.
You are least compatible with those with the Life Path numbers 1, 5 & 7.

The Julian calendar date of your birth is 2444315.5.
The golden number for 1980 is 5.
The epact number for 1980 is 13.
The year 1980 was a leap year.

Your birthday falls into the Chinese year beginning 2/16/1980 and ending 2/4/1981.
You were born in the Chinese year of the Monkey.

Your Native American Zodiac sign is Wolf; your plant is Plantain.

You were born in the Egyptian month of Pachons, the first month of the season of Shomu (Harvest).

Your date of birth on the Hebrew calendar is 29 AdarI 5740.
Or if you were born after sundown then the date is 1 Nisan 5740.

The Mayan Calendar long count date of your birthday is 12.18.6.13.11 which is
12 baktun 18 katun 6 tun 13 uinal 11 kin

The Hijra (Islamic Calendar) date of your birth is Monday, 29 Rabi'u'th-Thani 1400 (1400-4-29).

The date of Easter on your birth year was Sunday, 6 April 1980.
The date of Orthodox Easter on your birth year was Sunday, 6 April 1980.
The date of Ash Wednesday (the first day of Lent) on your birth year was Wednesday 20 February 1980.
The date of Whitsun (Pentecost Sunday) in the year of your birth was Sunday 25 May 1980.
The date of Whisuntide in the year of your birth was Sunday 1 June 1980.
The date of Rosh Hashanah in the year of your birth was Thursday, 11 September 1980.
The date of Passover in the year of your birth was Tuesday, 1 April 1980.
The date of Mardi Gras on your birth year was Tuesday 19 February 1980.

As of 11/8/2009 6:47:56 AM EST
You are 29 years old.
You are 356 months old.
You are 1,547 weeks old.
You are 10,828 days old.
You are 259,878 hours old.
You are 15,592,727 minutes old.
You are 935,563,676 seconds old.

Celebrities who share your birthday:

Caroline Corr (1973)	Mia Hamm (1972)	Rob Lowe (1964)
Arye Gross (1960)	Gary Sinise (1955)	Kurt Russell (1951)
Patrick Duffy (1949)	John Sebastian (1944)	Paul Kantner (1941)
Rudolf Nureyev (1938)	Nat 'King' Cole (1919)	Mercedes McCambridge (1918)
Bobby Jones (1902)	Shemp Howard (1895)

Top songs of 1980

Lady by Kenny Rogers	Upside Down by Diana Ross
Call Me by Blondie	Starting Over by John Lennon
Another Brick In the Wall by Pink Floyd	Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Queen
Rock with You by Michael Jackson	Magic by Olivia Newton-John
Funkytown by Lipps, Inc.	Another One Bites the Dust by Queen

Your age is the equivalent of a dog that is 4.23796477495108 years old. (You're still chasing cats!)

Your lucky day is Thursday.
Your lucky number is 3 & 7.
Your ruling planet(s) is Jupiter & Neptune.
Your lucky dates are 1st, 10th, 19th, 28th.
Your opposition sign is Virgo.
Your opposition number(s) is 5.

Today is not one of your lucky days!

There are 129 days till your next birthday
on which your cake will have 30 candles.

Those 30 candles produce 30 BTUs,
or 7,560 calories of heat (that's only 7.5600 food Calories!) .
You can boil 3.43 US ounces of water with that many candles.

In 1980 there were approximately 3.6 million births in the US.
In 1980 the US population was approximately 226,545,805 people, 64.0 persons per square mile.
In 1980 in the US there were 2,406,708 marriages (10.6%) and 1,182,000 divorces (5.2%)
In 1980 in the US there were approximately 1,990,000 deaths (8.8 per 1000)
In the US a new person is born approximately every 8 seconds.
In the US one person dies approximately every 12 seconds.

In 1980 the population of Australia was approximately 14,807,370.
In 1980 there were approximately 225,527 births in Australia.
In 1980 in Australia there were approximately 109,240 marriages and 39,257 divorces.
In 1980 in Australia there were approximately 108,695 deaths.

Your birth flower is DAFFODIL

Your birthstone is Aquamarine

The Mystical properties of Aquamarine

Aquamarine is often used to experience love and mercy. It is said to help ease depression and grief.

Some lists consider these stones to be your birthstone. (Birthstone lists come from Jewelers, Tibet, Ayurvedic Indian medicine, and other sources)

Jade, Rock Crystal, Bloodstone

Your birth tree is

Lime Tree, the Doubt
Accepts what life dishes out in a composed way, hates fighting, stress and labour, tends to laziness and idleness, soft and relenting, makes sacrifices for friends, many talents but not tenacious enough to make them blossom, often wailing and complaining, very jealous, loyal.

There are 47 days till Christmas 2009!
There are 60 days till Orthodox Christmas!

2009-10-25T11:10:00.002+08:00

Be part of the action on 6 December 2009…

Running a marathon is a great challenge for each runner, and every shout and cheer will motivate them to the finish line. With a wide variety of activities lined, you don’t have to run to be part of the fun and excitement!

Spread the word and rally your friends to join you this 6 December, and stand a chance to win attractive cash prizes by participating in the following Supporters’ Competitions:

Cheer Day Out

Get creative and show us how you will be cheering for the runners. You could juggle, form a mini marching band, cheer leading team or dance – it’s open to anyone and everyone!

Check it out here: http://www.singaporemarathon.com/Supporters/Supporters%E2%80%99_Programme/Cheer_Day_Out.aspx

Trigger Happy

Share with the world moments of the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon as seen in your lens. Tell us which of your photograph best captures the spirit of the event (be it about personal determination, family bonding, friendship, etc) and stand to win attractive cash prizes.

Check it out here: http://www.singaporemarathon.com/Supporters/Supporters%E2%80%99_Programme/Trigger_Happy.aspx

Fancy Dress Carnival

This is the time to go wild! Come in your most outrageous, most fun and comical outfit you can think of. This will be the only day – besides Halloween – when you can come dressed in something insane and get away with it!

Check it out here: http://www.singaporemarathon.com/Supporters/Supporters%E2%80%99_Programme/Fancy_Dress_Carnival.aspx

Your spirit, our inspiration

New Balance has appointed Team FatBird as the official marathon pacers!

Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at 7:04pm

Aiming to finish your full marathon in less than four hours? What about five?

Fret not, because New Balance has appointed Team FatBird as the Official Marathon Pacers for the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2009!

Appointed by the Official Apparel Sponsor, New Balance, Team FatBird comprises of experienced distance runners and marathoners who will offer Pace Groups for the full and half marathon categories on 6 December, helping you get closer to a variety of finishing times.

Riding on the success of the team’s Marathon Pacing efforts at the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2008 race, Team FatBird is thrilled to bring the " Follow Our Pace, Win Your Race" philosophy to the Singapore Marathon 2009, complementing this year’s belief in the ‘Your spirit, our inspiration’ theme.

“We are very pleased to be working with Team FatBird on this project. I believed the experience that they have picked up in previous races will enable them to assist all, whether you are first-timer and/or a seasoned marathoner, in having a better race this year.” Patrick Wong, Country Representative of New Balance.

Wanna know more? Visit Team FatBird’s website at www.teamfatbird.com

If you want to get details and activities about the pacers, drop a note to Anthony Sum (Chief FatBird) at Anthony.sum@teamfatbird.com

On event day, marathon pacers will be on route to help you achieve targets of…

Full Marathon: 3:45h, 4:00h, 4:15h, 4:30h, 4:45h, 5:00h, 5:15h, 5:30h and 6:00h
Half Marathon (21KM): 2:00h, 2:15h, 2:30h

See you guys on race day!

(45 days to the marathon, people!)

For a chance for you to win New Balance goodies, look out for the SCSM double-decker buses!

Friday, October 9, 2009 at 11:55am

Just snap a picture of the buses, post it on the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon Facebook photo album and tag yourself in it!

The first 20 pictures posted will win New Balance goodies.

Contest ends Sunday, 18 October 2009.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1) Contest runs from Friday, 9 October to Sunday, 18 October 2009

2) Participants are required to take a picture of the bus, post it on the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon Facebook album, and tag themselves in the picture

3) Prizes will be awarded to the first 20 participants

See more notes

The Official Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon's Notes

Calling all supporters!Oct 23, 2009

New Balance has appointed Team FatBird as the official marathon pacers!Oct 21, 2009

For a chance for you to win New Balance goodies, look out for the SCSM double-decker buses!Oct 8, 2009

2009-10-24T17:02:00.001+08:00

Convocation Ceremony Nov 7 2009

Yes, I have graduated from UOB after suffering for 3 years. Though I did not get 1st Class Honours as what I wanted, I am happy to have graduated. Finish my course in Dec 08 and only to be conferred the degree in Nov 09. Way back then in school, yes I was waiting anxiously for the day to arrive. To be in the gown receiving the degree from the Chancellor but now, I really am not motivated for it. It is like being forced to attend the ceremony. Told my parents about the ceremony out of respect to them though I footed the course of education myself as I am pretty aware that they are pretty excited abt it.

Perhaps, cause for me, this is just a piece of paper for me and things are kinda rough for me. Partially cause of some mistakes I made in life which I am paying dearly for it.

Well, people made mistakes and people learnt from it. Carrying the mistakes alone can be quite enduring and dearing straining one mentally and physically. My lifestyle changes a lot lately and I am more of a loner nowadays. In fact, I did not keep in touch with lots of my friends. Having a partner now really means a lot as if one is really meant for each other, this is one pit of my life where we both will share weal and woe together having happiness and rainbows at the end of the day. Well, wake up boy… there is no such thing as share weal and woe till death do we part. All this is crap.

To me, this is just like a passe where I have to go through it.Booked 2 guest tickets for my family as each graduand is only allowed 2 guest and have to pay for their reception which cost a bomb. With the gown rental and the reception tickets for my guest, easily abt SGD400 has flew off my pocket. This amt if under my inconme a year ago before resigning from CS for studies is justifiable and affiordable for me. But for now, this is a lot. I am more cautious with my cash now. In fact, pretty "NGIAO" about it. Perhaps I know I don’t know enough and have is just sufficient for my living expenses.

Though I earn lesser now, I have mixed feelings. Happy and sad at the same time.

There are too many changes in my life that I really do not where to begin. All this is only known to myself only. All I hope, I will come out strong, happy and successful at the end of the day.

Anyway, I will be going down to Broadway Studio on Nov 4 to try and collect my gown and get ready for the convocation ceremony on Nov 7. Will anyone offer me congratulatory message for my graduation or …..

Sigh…Life aint as rosy nowadays… Time to wake up from your dreams and move on in life..

Moving on in life like the death railway………..

Oct 1 =====> Happy Childrens' Day

2009-10-01T11:50:00.001+08:00

Wow…. I am now 29 turning 30 soon… Feeling so old out of sudden. Been a while since I last blogged.

Well here is an update for me.

I struck lotter in the month of Sep. Last month, I was diagnosed as aconfirm case of a H1N1 patient. I was like &^$%^&$^$%&^$&^$^&$&^$

Thought it was just a common fever and flu, I went to see the family doctor to get it treated. Under his diagnosis and test, I was diaganosed as H1N1. I was surprised but at that juncture, I was too weak to argue. Took the medications and went home to sleep. Mind you, H1N1 aint cheap. I was charged abt SGD100 for the consulations and medications.

Frankly, I was like bedridden. My body was aching, am running a temperature non stop as though as one is on a roller coaster ride and of course the flu. Later that evening, feeling unhappy that I have H1N1, I went to see another doctor but this time company doctor… heheh thus charged to company direct. Did not tell the doctor that I was diagnosed with H1N1. Told him abt my conditions and after some testing, the company doctor diagnosed me as H1N1.
Haha 2 doctors say the same. Must be confirm right…. With that I was on MC for two weeks.
Not many people knows I have H1N1 then. Cuz too many Singaporeans, it is an illness that many will stay away from. I had to stop fasting for 2 weeks, As I was not in the condition to fast at all. It wasn’t a good break at all for me as I was sleeping most of the time, having body ache, feverish,tired and lethargic And feeling wobbly and drowsy all the time. The medications really knocked me out I would say.

Thus, Raya 09 wasn’t an event that I was celebrating. I was back in office 3 days before Raya. Even though then, I was still lethargic and sickly.I totally skipped out on
Raya 09. Told my parents that I was not feeling well and will not do any visiting. Was home I would say during the festivities. :-(

My mum, especially was upset abt it, but what to do, I am still unwell.When my relatives came over for visting, I quickly serve them and hibernate them in the room.
Of course, relatives will queried why I am so "TAO". I told them I am recovering from H1N1 an dthey quickly kept their mouth shut. Would say, it is a blessing in Disguise, as I wasn’t queried why I was single, when I am getting married, match making etc. That is the only blessing in disguise I would day, Cheers mate

Would say, I am feeling much better now physically but I realised my immune system is now very weak and my asthma resistance is now bad. Back to where I was many years back.
I went back to running last Thurs and I couldn't even jog 500m and I am out of breath.Running, cycling and swimming which was an activity I used to do often with no problems… now seems
Otherwise. I am out of breath after doing a short distance of my normall speed… damm useless now sia….

I really wonder whether I can get myself prepared for my 42.195km run in Dec 6 with my current physical condition.
Am thinking of going back to see the doc for consulations as I feel I am not as active as last time.

btw, Happy Childrens Day

=====================================================================================

Coaching Behaviour and Coach-athlete Relationship on the Athlete's Sporting Performance and Outcome

2009-09-24T23:12:00.001+08:00

Check out this SlideShare Presentation:

Coaching Behaviour and Coach-athlete Relationship on the Athlete's Sporting Performance and Outcome

View more presentations from Xiaohao .

Group Dynamics and Facilitation

2009-09-24T23:11:00.001+08:00

Check out this SlideShare Presentation:

Group Dynamics and Facilitation

View more presentations from Xiaohao .

Ugly Tees of SCM 09

2009-09-23T09:48:00.001+08:00

The iconic and much sought-after official runners T-shirt for the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) has a fresh new look this year as new apparel sponsor New Balance unveiled the SCSM 2009 running and finisher’s T-shirts at their flagship store at Novena Square today. The leading global athletic products company also revealed that it has specifically designed the runners T-shirt for athletes to combat the typically-humid conditions of the race.
This marks the return of New Balance, which was the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon’s first apparel sponsor back in 2002. The new sponsorship deal inked this year sees New Balance providing the official running and finisher’s T-shirts from 2009 to 2011.
To commemorate New Balance’s return as apparel sponsor for the SCSM, a special-edition finisher’s T-shirt will be awarded to every competitor who completes this year’s Full Marathon.
For the first time ever, runners in this category will be given the option of printing their finishing times on the back of their finisher’s T-shirt. They are invited to bring their finisher’s certificate to any of the four New Balance Concept Sores at the Raffles City Shopping Centre, Velocity @ Novena Square, Junction 8 Shopping Centre and Tampines 1 to get their special finisher’s T-shirt printed. This is a complimentary service extended by the race organisers and New Balance.
Patrick Wong, Country Representative of New Balance said, “Most people have a love-hate relationship with running and it is our mission to tilt the scales in favour of love. We have specially designed the official runners’ T-shirt of the SCSM 2009 to offer runners an even-better race experience. We are also proud and honoured to design and provide the special-edition finisher’s T-shirt this year to commemorate our return as apparel sponsor for Singapore’s premier running event. We hope that this special-edition finisher’s T-shirt will be a much-treasured item in the participants’ wardrobe.”
Participants of other categories have also not been left out, with New Balance extending a 30% discount off regular New Balance items at their concept stores to all runners. Runners need only bring along their confirmation slips for verification to enjoy the SCSM privilege.
Registration for the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon closed on 27 August, after just six weeks since registration opened. Members of the public who are keen to be involved in the marathon can do so by either being a supporter, signing up as a volunteer or by supporting our official charities – Lions Befrienders, Rainbow Centre Yishun School and Bukit Ho Swee Family Service Centre

2009-09-09T00:49:00.000+08:00

2009-07-20T22:04:00.000+08:00

Monday 20th July 2009,

Waking up in sombre mood, I dragged myself up in bed. I really wish I am off dead. I would say I am now a walking zombie. A living man with no soul, no pride, no joy lugging around a heavy burden where no one else knows. I have been lifeless. Even walking around nowadays, I have no pride. My sense of pride is gone forever.

I am kind of unwell today. Fever, dehydrated & loss of appetite. My friends say I have no glow today. I am like a walking zombie today.

I dare not share or do not know who I can trust with my problems now. I am screwed.

2009-07-16T22:15:00.000+08:00

Thursday, 16 July, 2009

It was a rough day at work today & rougher even when home. My worst nightmare came true. The notice was served. Deep in my heart, I was hoping that the notice will not be served as I planned to settle it end of next week.

I am really scared and worried. My future just goes bleak from now on. How am I going to overcome this? Am I going to ruin my future just like?

Cancelled my plans totally for the week as I am now in this mess

2009-07-07T22:22:00.000+08:00

Tuesday 7th July 2009

It was a pretty busy day today. I made a few mistakes today. Have 4 trades that I was unable to ensure that settlement be done today. I fail to ensure that the Stock Loan Team settled all their transactions and get covers for deficits for the settlement for the equity trades.

I would say I am at a pretty sensitive position. To ensure that equity trades be settled accordingly and not overstepping my barriers to ensure that Stock Loan team does their work. Apparently, they check the positions but I am not sure how they check and based on what clientele. By the time, I wait for their reports, I only have 5 mins to call my front desk and get the necessary details out for cover and get Stock Loan Team to process it. Don’t forget, I also have to analyse positions across 2 entities and decide on the best course of action. I admit I am a bit slow in analysing the positions. Its challenging for me I would say but I hope to fare better…

Pretty tired today.. so wont blog much..

Danke,

3rdteen

2009-06-26T22:32:00.000+08:00

Thursday 25 June 2009

Just got home and its 11;20pm.
Left with 10 dollars in my wallet & about $8 worth of value in my Ez Link card. As Highlighted by HR, I will not be paid this month as I came in past the HR cut off date for payroll which was on the 10 of every month. I asked for a loan of about SGD500/- from my month for my daily expenditure for now till July 24. Damm fucking embarrassed about asking for a loan from my mum. What kind of son ask Mum for a loan?

Been kind of busy this week. Told Nick I be free this week every evening & I be busy watching the comedy series “Are you being Served?” I was wrong, up till today, I have yet to watch it.Sigh.

I am leading a life that is so complicated and too many lifestyles in me. I am kind of happy with the current life style that I am leading right now. Though busy with work, I am happy though I am worried. Life goes on.

Feeling sleepy now. Going to remove my lens and head for the DreamLand. Good Night & Sweet dreams.

Au revoir,

3rdteen

2009-06-15T22:09:00.000+08:00

Monday 15 June 2009

Today is the 2nd day of work. Was in ORL earlier on today for an induction & say hi to my ex-managers & colleagues. Induction was boring as per usual on the first day as it was more of administrative matters to be signed & completed with HR and do clear some compliance issues.

In between, I went up to the 4th floor and did some communications with the people I had worked with previously and gave them some cakes especially to my ex-managers for her strong recommendations to my current managers when he is in a dilemma on who to hire; between me & another candidate.

Even before work proper starts, I am already stressed as I have to prove my worth doubly hard and be more proactive in my tasks & learning.

I even did my employment check up today & I say hi to my favourite company doctor. The nurses were shocked to see that my data existed in their client database & welcome me back. Even the doc was surprised & happy to see me again. I am quite popular with the company doctor as she knows that I will only see her when I am seriously sick or when I need advice on health. She was my consulting doctor when I started my exercise regime a year ago.

X ray check up is no longer with SATA nowadays. Been changed to a private practice in Orchard. Hehehe.

Met Shane earlier on after the x-ray. Saw his bag outside California Fitness & the next moment I know he is on my left smoking. Did not chat long as I was in a hurry, as a friend, I say hi and bye to him.

Got my staff pass and building access pass today. Gosh, my staff pass is damm ugly… Hehehe

Hopefully, I can prove my worth to CS and they will hire me on a permanent basis at the end of my contract. I am happy to be part of CS again.

Hehehe

Au revoir

Wednesday, 20 June, 2009

2009-06-11T12:51:00.001+08:00

Today was a good day. I do hope I will receive a call frm CS Hr tomorrow & notify me that my application has been approved & I am to start work on Monday. A new week, a new beginning & I can lift my heads up high and be happy.

I do hope with the blessing of the Almighty, CS HR in NY will approve my application though it is a contract position.

I don’t wish to be a burden to my family & my friends. A job is what I need & is what I will do.

Tuesday June 9 2009

2009-06-10T09:57:00.001+08:00

It was a pretty slow day today. This morning, I received a call from CS HR. They called me up and asked how I felt I fare for the interview and my reply was that I feel it was a good interview.

Good news came after that. HR told me that the interviewer decides to hires me and they are currently processing my application and submitting to NY for approval. Tentatively, it is a contract position for now paying me a decent amount with a contractual bonus if I stay till the end. Tentatively, my last day will be till 20 Nov 2009. Hope I will perform well and will be recommended for a permanent position internally and be given a pay that I used to get. In fact getting a contractual bonus is good enough for me as they are willing to factor that in.

I do hope that the application will be successful. So far, my mum knows about it and 4 of my close friends know about it. Told 4 of my close friends briefly that I may be offered a job real soon and I do hope to confirm the good news with them real soon. It is better than nothing. I really need the job and the money badly and I don’t wish to be in trouble. Hope this will cover me for a while and I will be able to find myself a better job.

Lets hope this piece of good news be a reality soon and I can meet Wee Chieh also for lunch one of these days once a week. Will notify him of the good news once it is confirmed and I will also get to enjoy I-run.

Anyway, I am happy that I am now 78kg. From 80, I have dropped to 78kg. I must start running soon and dropped to 68 or even better 65kg. I am kinda of obsessed losing weight and looking good and feeling good. Imagine 95kg a year ago and now 78kg.

A lean & fit body with good health is my target. Too bad, in reality, I need to be fit n healthy. Life isn’t all about work. A work life balance is a must. Work, health, fitness is a must, happiness & companionship. It is lonely being alone and to have someone by your side is kinda cool.

Keeping my fingers crossed and awaiting good news from HR tomorrow. Hope I will be able to start work asap and money wise, again, I will have to borrow from Mum for daily expenses. I am such an unfillial son to keep borrowing money from Mum for daily expenses.

I must made sure I don’t get myself into the same trouble and learnt from the mistakes I made.
Think with your brain and your circumstances & never with your heart. Work is always stressful but there are ways & avenues to release it.

Au Revoir

Sunday, 7 June, 2009

2009-06-08T11:00:00.000+08:00

It was a simple lazy Sunday, as usual. Wake up early, read papers, ate 2 slice of bread and shower. Today is the day, my mum will be back in Singapore, guess and as usual I will have to fetch her from the airport.

I will be going for an interview tomorrow with my recent ex-employer. Left with a good name, hopefully, the interview will bear some fruits. Seriously, though I am not mopping and feeling down as I was weeks ago, my worries are getting more real and deep inside I am getting more worried.

Though single, I have too many commitments. The only piece of good news that I have this week is that UOB finally reply me that based on my results, I am graduating with a Bachelor Degree-Pass which is better than nothing. Though I did a direct honours degree programme, I knew myself too well. A pass is better than nothing.

How I wish I have a companion now who will support me mentally, physically and physiologically. I have come to terms nowadays that life ain’t all about work, studies and voluntary work. There are many things in life that are just too precious.

Few people I met have changed my perspective in life. To have a companion is better than nothing.
I just hope the right one will appear before me and its chemistry and fate that brings us together.

Will I be able to survive the crisis I am in & clear the mess I am in? God, give me the faith, confidence, blessings from you onto me to get a good paying job asap and overcome the mess I am in. Only you, The Almighty knows the mess I am in.

Saturday, 06th June 09

2009-06-08T10:59:00.000+08:00

Just home. Was home most of the day. Did my normal routine. Wake up at 8.am, read papers, breakfast with a cup of coffee & shower and did some household chores.

Plan was to go down to Henderson Waves later & take a walk today. It was a nice walk, I would say…

Simple and relax, I walked with my frenz down to Henderson Waves. Chatted and chill at the park for a while before heading home.

A simple day for a simple man like me.

Au Revoir.

SImple day for a simple man like me

2009-06-06T23:53:00.000+08:00

Saturday, 06^th June 09

Just home. Was home most of the day. Did my normal routine. Wake up at 8.am, read papers, breakfast with a cup of coffee & shower and did some household chores.

Plan was to go down to Henderson Waves later & take a walk today. It was a nice walk, I would say…

Simple and relax, I walked with my frenz down to Henderson Waves. Chatted and chill at the park for a while before heading home.

A simple day for a simple man like me.

Au Revoir.

MY PRE OFFICIAL TIMIMG FOR SUNDOWN 09

2009-06-03T13:01:00.002+08:00

Me - Sundown 2008 & 2009

2009-06-02T15:18:00.002+08:00

Comparison of me in 2008 & 2009 for Sundown Marathon

Sundown Marathon 2009-05-31

2009-06-01T14:42:00.002+08:00

Good news…… I cried when I was at the last 2km of my run to day. Dun noe why, tears began rolling down my cheeks at the last 2 km. It seems a sense of achievement for me.

Before I go in details of my race, report card of myself.

- No blisters, no black toe nails

- No nipple abrasion. (Only had a slight abrasion as the running tee I wore on the outer layer was slightly too big for me on my left hand(minor). It was the same running tee I wore last year. Guess, the loss of weight was too evident tat it seems so much real. Hehehe.

- Muscle sore. Sore was not as bas as previous marathons. Instead, after breakfast, I went to soak myself in the pool for the rest of the morning before heading home with a friend, Victor, who wanted to come down to take pics of me running. Well, as I really do not know what time I will end, I dare not commit my ETA due to lack of training.

- PB for 10km was 80 mins

- PB for 21km was 180 mins

- Gd effort for being on the last 10km by 5:30am. Was targeting to end by 6:30 am but my ankle hurts like mad and I had to slow down a lot in terms of speed and also to minimise injury. Instead, I finish my run around 7am. It was a gd effort I say. A year ago today, at 7am I was on the stretch of my last 10km and I completed the race ard 8:30am. With minimum training, my timing has improved by an hr. Hmm.. Perhaps I should train more and get under 5 hrs for std chart marathon 2009… Dreaming Hehehe

Anyway, this year was a much better run than any other runs I had. Each race I participate is a better run and guess wat, I had hunger pangs during the race. Something new for me and perhaps not safe for me. Bananas was limited in supply and it was often out of stock. So sad. I only had one power gel during the race to consume to satisfy my hunger.

Run and walk was my technique this year. Run and walk all the way. This was the only way I felt was feasible for me and it works out well.

I only had to psycho myself the last 10km tat my ankle pain was never there and I am perfectly fine and motivate myself to finish the 10km. It helps otherwise I would sitting at the bus stop just relaxing and refusing to move an inch.

This year Finisher tee was so damm cool. Love it a lot and I took sz L and I actually can wore it. Nice and cool. Damm sexy.

Even my friend Hong Ping who have not seen me since Sundown 08 complimented that I slimmed down a lot. Nice. Good motivation. People that I met last year at Sundown 08 were pretty amazed by my perseverance & the physical change in me from last year to current…

Hmm perhaps I should put 2008 sundown photos and compared against myself in 2009.

& last but not least, I wanna thank Salsa frm my running grp unknowingly pacing me in my last 15 km…. I always have to made sure that he is always behind me… Hehehe.. The moment he overtook me, I must paced myself up & made sure I am in front of him…. Sigh, Salsa overtook me in the last 2km of the race and I am unable to overtake him again. Anyway, Salsa from Sgrunners, Thanks for pacing my pace…You will never know it but u have helped paced a fellow runner.

Anyway, in LDR race, I always find myself a pacer who is a stranger and I made sure that the pacers are either within visible distance in front of me or behind me. That is to motivate myself to do better.

Pre-Race Jitters Sundown Marathon 2009-05-30

2009-06-01T14:38:00.001+08:00

Hmmm… Tats me on the eve of the race at my friend’s place and this was taken around 5pm which I was supposed to be sleeping. Guess anxiety and anxiousness took over me resulting in me being worried & unable to sleep.

According to my friend, this was my facial expression the whole day since I reached his place at 8:30 am. Wow, I did not realise it & btw this blog is heng not written on the eve. If it was, I will be pouring out my feelings again… Hehehe

Anyway, on the eve, was at my friend’s place helping him out with his grocery shopping for the bbq later in the day. Helped prepared marinate the steak, baked brownies, quish & a mushroom & asparagus pie.

In fact by 1pm all this was done & I decided to chill out by watching DVDs & watched 5 episodes of Are you being served? Though a nice British comedy, I was unable to enjoy it fully. Reason caused my mentality was on the race and nothing else was on my mind.

Though I was yawning heavily the whole afternoon, I forced myself to sleep, I was still awake. Played PSP, listen music and still I am wide awake. Hehehe…

In the end, I had a chat with my other friend before its time for me to shower and get ready for the run. I prepared myself physically as early as 7pm to meet my friends at 9:45pm. In the end, by the time we left Pasir Ris Mrt station, it was abt 10pm and took the bus shortly after that..

Few of my friends called me before that wishing me all the best for my race and not to injured myself.

I only hope that it was a good race.

All I could say before my race, I met my friend, TLR, founder of SG Runners, the running grp that I belong to. He finished the 1^st lap of his 84km route by 11:30 and he was one of the top 20 ultra atheletes running 84km. Many people were rooting for him when he ran past by and overhear some people saying tat this guys must be famous since so many people are rooting for him… Hmm guess, those bunches not aware of the running scene. Well, if you ae in the running scene, u will roughly know who is who.

All the best in my run…

2009-05-28T16:31:00.000+08:00

PERSONLAITY PROFILING

2009-05-26T16:15:00.003+08:00

Results for Mohammad Raman

At a Glance

• Punctual, completes work on time.

• Detailed, meticulous and observant, quick to pick out abnormalities.

• Objective, but may appear detached.

• Sees people as nice and friendly, not comfortable to wheel and deal.

• A good supporter of others.

• Less expressive verbally.

While at Work

Mr Raman is prepared to put in hard work moderately but he may at times prefer to work at his own pace.

Time is a major concern for Mr Raman. He is frequently punctual and even early for appointments. When time is critical, he moves quickly and acts promptly. Having a sense of urgency means that Mr Raman pushes to get things done when there is a deadline and allocates time properly when planning or organising activities. He can be depended upon to get work done on schedule.

Mr Raman generally will persist with work until it is completed but may at times not complete his tasks.

Mr Raman is likely to be quality-conscious and achievement-oriented. He is motivated to produce work that is of a high standard. He is observant, quick to spot errors and critical where work is concerned. He is likely to be meticulous, careful and pre-occupied with detail.

Mr Raman is an objective person who is impartial and rational. He speaks factually and often does not involve his own feelings and emotions. He may sometimes be perceived as distant or detached.

Although Mr Raman is usually a sympathetic person, he may at times be selective about being involved in the personal problems of people.

Mr Raman is friendly and outgoing when he is with friends although he may at times prefer to be quiet.

Mr Raman selectively forms strong bonds with people although these bonds may not be very deep.

Mr Raman is moderately serious about his responsibilities and selectively takes ownership of his work.

Mr Raman is moderately concerned with prestige, rank and reputation.

Mr Raman sees people as friendly, reliable and honest. He is trusting and believes what people say. He tends to be unsuspecting of people.s behaviour and motives. He is uncomfortable when he has to wheel and deal.

A good supporter to the people around him, Mr Raman does not desire to lead or influence people. He is uncomfortable taking charge and does not feel the thrill of challenge in leading others. He prefers to responds rather than initiate. He looks to others to provide direction and does not naturally want to persuade or motivate others to take a certain course of action.

Mr Raman is as keen to explore abstract concepts when the topic appeals to him and he is as interested to discuss theoretical issues as the average person.

Mr Raman puts in effort to plan ahead some of the times. He may at times not be as detailed in his planning.

Mr Raman is not an expressive person and may have difficulty expressing his ideas, thoughts or plans. His language ability may not be strong and he could be described as a person of few words.

Mr Raman is generally able to tolerate some uncertainty although he would be uncomfortable if uncertainty or changes increase.

Summary
You have received this report because you have completed your Personality Profiling on JobsCentral. You may or may not understand the information fully. However do take a moment to reflect bearing in mind that your decisions are based on these sub-dimensions. This report can help you understand yourself better once you start making use of the information. You can contact C-VAT at enquiries@c-vat.com for further assistance on interpreting this report. Consultation fees applies.

WORK RELATIONS
A Hard Work 12 D Affection 6
B Time 20 E Empathy 13
C Finish Job 15 F Sociability 15
P Good Work 17 G Loyalty 12

CONTROL THOUGHT
H Dominance 15 L Abstraction 11
I Status 11 M Planning-Organizing 13
J Politics 10 N Exposition 10
K Leadership 9 O Tolerance Ambiguity 11

Visualization

Personality test taken on : 26 May 2009
This report is generated on the JobsCentral Network of portals.

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Monday, 25 May, 2009

2009-05-26T11:28:00.001+08:00

Hmm... Met Mike and Richard for breakfast today. I was early today. Arrived at 9am and no one was in sight yet. Richard arrived around 9:10 am and Mike around 9:30 am.

Being adults, all trios had coffee with our breakfast. Am surprised that Richard was a slow eater today. He normally gulps down all his food within minutes but today think he takes a long time. Guess cause he is not that hungry. Otherwise, I will see a glutton… hehehe…

Anyway, the purpose of the meet up was to talk about me. 2 matters have been bogging me all this while.

~ career
~ Relationships
At this stage of life, I am now at the crossroads of life. Career & relationships.

Career
Have none at the moment cuz unemployed. Sigh. Career that I embarked on for the past 5 years just gone in a flash. Resigning from my job a year ago to focus on my studies seems a good idea to pursue personal goals.

No carrer. No job. I do know that I am not sick and tired of what I am doing. Rather, I find it a challenge when I am doing them. Though back room or middle office is processes and can be mundane, it is still a challenge for me. Today Soc Gen came back to me after I decided to call them, the VP told me that the bank has decided to seek internally for the position I am applying for. That means, I am back to square one. Nothing to look forward and no potential.

The process of job hunting and interviews is starting all over again. Even If no permanent job drops by for now, at least a contract or temporary helps a lot. Financially, physically, mentally & physiologically drained out. This has taken a toll on me and I am very drained out man.

I know the economy is in recession and banking industry is badly affected. Life needs to go on, bills to be paid, and life just goes on. Time and tide waits for no man. I must strive and preserved to move forward. Let each day be a challenge for me and strive forward to ensure success at my end. I been lamenting long enough on my plight and focus all my energy on seeking employment, which I been doing. Hehehe

While looking for full time employment, I should be looking at temporary assignments and contracts. Keep me busy & occupied & “ka-ching” coming in.

“Jia you” and keep your heads up high.

Relationships

Single and available but still unattached. I admit for the past 5 over years of my life, I have been denying relationships in my life. Work, studies, voluntary work & running are the components of my life for the past few years. Upon completion of my studies, with no career, taking a break from voluntary work and just marathons, I am quite free. Not as busy as last time, I begin to feel lonely and envious of all the people around me. I am just envious to see people getting married, starting a family or just attached. To be accompanied by your loved ones be it in terms of happiness or sadness, it is heavenly.

Lately, having spend time with a friend, doing simple things like cooking, baking, watching dvds, movies, spending quality time, talking a long walks and having common interests made me enjoy it. Don’t get me wrong, I have no feelings for this friend. Treat the friend as just good friends. I only hope that this is something that I can do with my loved ones. It made me realised that life isn’t just all about work and getting busy. I have missed so much of life that I am just lost.

My partner needs to understand that in the industry that I am in, I don’t work regular hours but rather long hrs. Have to note of my busy schedules on weekdays, not sticky as I really don’t gel well with people are sticky, rather turns me of. Same interest, intellectual, chemistry and have great personality. Main thing we must clique well and have good chemistry. Guess that’s not a difficult criterion. Having fun together and sharing sadness & woes and being there for each other is a must.

2009-05-26T11:27:00.001+08:00

"Some people say I have attitude - maybe I do...but
I think you have to. You have to believe in yourself
when no one else does - that makes you a winner
right there." -- Venus Williams

24 May 2009

2009-05-24T21:15:00.002+08:00

Was up by 6:30am today. Early for a Sunday morning. Laze in bed for an hour before I decided to be up. Woke up, shower and went to Pasir Ris to meet up with Vic for a morning swim. Planned to go Civil Service Club @ Changi but the pool was crowded so we decided to head the one down @ Race Course Road.

Pool was big, an Olympic Size Pool and it was great. Sat by the pool, tan, chat, chill and soak in the pool and Jacuzzi. While there, Victor introduce me to 2 of his friends, Alan and Okkoto (hope I got his name right). One is a well known chef and he is back in Singapore to assist one of the hotels for the casino to draft up a menu for the resort in Singapore. Interesting to know that they will be here for 2 years especially since they had been travelling.

Anyway, swam a bit n soak myself. Was there at the pool till around 2pm where we just chat and have fun. Frankly bunch of guys who are successful in their life and yet humble. Apparently meeting up with people who loves cooking and they are all quite good cook. Seems guys or rather male, the male community are better chef than females around in Singapore. Too bad, did not meet anyone from my industry who can assist me in getting a job. Haha…

Anyway, Alan did something with me. He asked for my palm and decided to read my palm. Interesting for an Caucasian who speaks and behaves like a local, he likes to read my palm. COINCIDENCE or actual palm reading, he got like 90% of the facts right about me.

Okay, here’s a brief analysis of me.
According to Alan, I lead a long life, outspoken and have people flogging around me. People like to be with me cause I am funny, humble, and just nice to be around with and a personality that people likes.

Though outspoken and friendly, I can actually be an introvert and shy which I agreed.

Another fact was something that he says that I am someone who avoids relationship all this while and he asked me why. When I say about failed relationships, he was able to give me the number of failed relationships and he was dead right. I don’t know why I am avoiding it even though I am seeking for one. Hehehe………

Deep inside my hearts, I am envy for the relationships that Victor, Alan & Okkoto are in. I wish I am in one of these days.

PS: it was a short palm reading. Perhaps next time we meet up, I want a detailed analysis. Haha.. be it career, health and perhaps more on relationships.

We had late lunch around 3 plus at Airport Road. Had thai food… The tom yam was good I say. Rest was passable I say. The mango salad was too spicy that we just cant stomach it.

Good food. Good company. Good fun.

It was a good day. At least it keeps my mind off my worries.
Thanks

Tear Jerker of the day

2009-05-24T21:14:00.001+08:00

How I Got to Heaven

Three men were standing in line to get into heaven one day. Apparently it had been a pretty busy day, though, so Peter had to tell the first one, "Heaven's getting pretty close to full today, and I've been asked to admit only people who have had particularly horrible deaths. So what's your story?"

So the first man replies: "Well, for a while I've suspected my wife has been cheating on me, so today I came home early to try to catch her red-handed. As I came into my 25th floor apartment, I could tell something was wrong, but all my searching around didn't reveal where this other guy could have been hiding.

Finally, I went out to the balcony, and sure enough, there was this man hanging off the railing, 25 floors above ground! By now I was really mad, so I started beating on him and kicking him, but wouldn't you know it, he wouldn't fall off. So finally I went back into my apartment and got a hammer and starting hammering on his fingers.

Of course, he couldn't stand that for long, so he let go and fell -- but even after 25 stories, he fell into the bushes, stunned but okay. I couldn't stand it anymore, so I ran into the kitchen, grabbed the fridge and threw it over the edge where it landed on him, killing him instantly. But all the stress and anger got to me, and I had a heart attack and died there on the balcony."

"That sounds like a pretty bad day to me," said Peter, and let the man in.

The second man comes up and Peter explains to him about heaven being full, and again asks for his story.

"It's been a very strange day. You see, I live on the 26th floor of my apartment building, and every morning I do my exercises out on my balcony. Well, this morning I must have slipped or something, because I fell over the edge. But I got lucky, and caught the railing of the balcony on the floor below me.

I knew I couldn't hang on for very long, when suddenly this man burst out onto the balcony. I thought for sure I was saved, when he started beating on me and kicking me. I held on the best I could until he ran into the apartment and grabbed a hammer and started pounding on my hands.

Finally I just let go, but again I got lucky and fell into the bushes below, stunned but all right. Just when I was thinking I was going to be okay, this refrigerator comes falling out of the sky and crushes me instantly, and now I'm here."

Once again, Peter had to concede that that sounded like a pretty horrible death.

The third man came to the front of the line, and again the whole process was repeated. Peter explained that heaven was full and asked for his story.

"Picture this," says the third man, "I'm hiding naked inside a refrigerator..."

Post Office

A man worked in a post office. His job was to process all mail that had illegible addresses. One day a letter came to his desk, addressed in a shaky handwriting to God. He thought, "I better open this one and see what it's all about." So he opened it and it read:

"Dear God, I am an 83 year old widow living on a very small pension. Yesterday someone stole my purse. It had a hundred dollars in it which was all the money I had until my next pension check." "Next Sunday is Easter, and I had invited two of my friends over for dinner. Without that money, I have nothing to buy food with." "I have no family to turn to, and you are my only hope. Can you please help me?"

The postal worker was touched, and went around showing the letter to all the others. Each of them dug into his wallet and came up with a few dollars. By the time he made the rounds, he had collected 96 dollars, which they put into an envelope and sent over to her. The rest of the day, all the workers felt a warm glow thinking of the nice thing they had done. Easter came and went, and a few days later came another letter from the old lady to God. All the workers gathered around while the letter was opened.
It read:

"Dear God, How can I ever thank you enough for what you did for me?" "Because of your generosity, I was able to fix a lovely dinner for my friends. We had a very nice day, and I told my friends of your wonderful gift. " "By the way, there was 4 dollars missing. It was no doubt those thieving bastards at the post office."

Race Jitters & Saturday Blues

2009-05-23T22:45:00.001+08:00

Exactly a week from now, I will be now on my way to Changi Village to run the race again. Sundown marathon 2009, 2nd year in running, 3rd Marathon race of my life. I be happy of I can complete it this year. Reason being so is that my back been aching up and I fear it may go against me on Saturday.

Billy, CG, Ping & Desmond are some of the people out of SG RUNNERS that are running the race this year. I wonder what my motivation this year is to run especially when things are at low, low all times for me.

TO RUN AND FINISH THE RACE THAT I STARTED – THAT’S MY MOTIVATION THIS YEAR

At the same time, race jitters n the idea of feeling lonely kills me. Thinking of all my friends attached and spending the time with their loved ones kinds of made me an envy man.

Look at Mike. Happily married with his wife. Though no kids, I believe they are happily married. Though busy with their daily work, I am touched by the fact that they made an effort to spend time together daily. Simple things like having dinner together daily, hubby cooking dinner, fetching wife from work are just simple things in life that made a relationship works. Despite burden with heavy workloads, Mike made an effort to made thing work despite busy with work. Though, being bogged down with daily work, making such an effort daily means both will have to work from home. Simple gestures but I believe it is this small little things in life that made a marriage/relationship works. It ain’t easy but having a companionship for life is a match made in heaven. I know what I have just commented are just the smooth journeys in life of a relationship. But who says, life is smooth sailing? Look at my life now.. Full of turbulence, obstacles & so many mishaps. Lonely, feared of the future and not knowing when light will seeps in.

I know I am rather pessimistic. Just as I might as I am to be optimistic, I am having a difficult time.

Looking at my friends like Andrew, Richard, Caleb, Desmond – all happily attached and spending time with their spouses. I can’t help but feel jealous and lonely.

I know I told myself for the past few years that I am too young to be attached. Relationship is something that I will never think of it.
Being kept busy with work, school, social service work are just the obstacles of a relationship for me the past few years. Though few did drop by and wanted to start a relationship with me, I was not ready and furthermore I have no affinity for the other party. I feel it’s a waste of your time just to start on a relationship with no feelings/affinity.

With the scars of the failed relationships, will I ever dare embark on one? Will my partner be patient with me? Will my partner be able to tolerate my long hrs of work especially I am back into banking. Being a small fry, I often spend long hrs in office and will not bring work home. Will my partner be able to tolerate it? So many questions? Having a partner to accompany you now and cuddling each other keeping each other warm & just enjoying each other company is a blessing.

Do I have the blessing? I know I am in a state of whys? Loneliness is kind of scary. Serious. It is scary.
Running a race is easier than anything else. Physical pain & mental pain is that I only need to endure.

Human relationships are complicated and tricky. A wrong move and everything disappears.

Saturday May 23 2009

2009-05-23T22:44:00.000+08:00

Was at the library today. I was surprised by the turnout at the library today even though it was 9:45am. Library opens at 10:00 am but the crowd was like a GSS. People were queuing up way before the opening time of the library. Thought I was early, there are people earlier than me.

Anyway, when the shutters open at 10:00 am, it was lika The Amazing Race. Library users; be it the young and the old are all rushing up the various floors to get a seat or get good books… It seems like the library is having a sale. A sale not to be missed. That was the impression I had at the library.

Anyway, today I came cleaned with a friend. Told him my actual roots and what I am actually. Cuz all this while, I was not comfortable introducing myself as myself. So I was using my other name and intro myself as that name. Well, finally, I came clean with the friend. Thank you for accepting me who I am and as what I am.

2008 was a tough year for me and 2009 even tougher. It is almost into June and I am still useless. Useless bum. Many things weighs on my mind. Sigh.

Sigh is the only relief that I can think off. It is like my best word now. Sigh… A sign of relief.

Remember the friend I spoke about tat is pissed with me over the phrase “I wonder when”. Dropped that friend an email to find out how he has been doing. I was surprised by his reply.

His reply to me “ Don’t you understand English? I have say that I am not keen to be your friend. Buzz off”

Sad and disappointed to hear that reply. Are people that sensitive? And this reply came from someone in his 40s. I was wondering whether I am the kid here or did I show him some disrespect. 

It ain’t easy to be a human being today. To satisfy everyone that one knows ain’t easy and it is rather tiring.

Am I listening in so much to people’s problems that I am being affected? AM I STRONG?

I emailed the VP that interviewed me weeks back today on the outcome of the application as she mentioned that she will get back to me latest by this Friday. I just hope that the application is successful and I am able to see light finally.

Is there light at the end of the tunnel?

Sundown Marathon 2009 Race Pack Collection

2009-05-23T10:34:00.003+08:00

Anyway, I was out at Milennia Walk earlier today. Went to collect my Sundown RACE PACK. Quite breezy and fast for the collection. Sigh, the event is a damm budget one. Even the athletes guide is not printed out, to be downloaded online as a soft copy. Anyway, I was a bit pissed. The organiser was unable to find my name in the system but managed to find it under my email. Almost blew my top. Thanks god I did not have to made a 2^nd trip to collect the race pack.

Can I survive the marathon?

:-)

My Runnng Top and race Bib. However, dun think be wearing this top. So ugly. Wearing Sundown 08 and stand chart running top 08 over it with tights.

Wish me luck in it

Friday, 22 May, 2009

2009-05-23T10:33:00.002+08:00

Went to pray today. Though I am not staunch muslim, more to modern malay and Ibanese side, this is the faith that I follow by birth. Out of sudden, I just need to seek solace with him. I wonder if he grants me audienced.

Frankly, getting the email today was dejection. One after dejections, rejections, failures, and tons of commitments are all my buddies for now.

Frankly living a day now ain’t easy. No matter how I try my brightens up my sunshine, the dark clouds kept over powering me and just push me into the darker circle.

Be it career, relationship, or even friendship – all is in a mess.

In the past one mth, I feel I lost 2 friends. Losing friends at my end seems to be a phenomenon. Did I say something wrong which just upset them? For a friend, that has always been playing me out, I have been rather patient with him based on his circumstances whenever he arranged to meet me. However, 95% of appointments made, it wil be cancelled as early as a day to an hr prior to it. Recently, I think I just blew up. The friend asked me to meet up soon and I say a casual remark “I wonder when” and there goes in a flash, the friend told me that is the end of a friendship and don’t ever disturb me again. Mine, I was shocked. I apologised for my bluntness and I was shut down like a pc. The friendship is gone.

The other friend, since the hike, he has been giving me attitude. I don’t know what I did wrong but I was just given the bad attitude by him. It seems I did something wrong or pissed him off. I confronted the friend whether I did anything wrong to have upset the person. His reply was none. If that is the case, why the cold shoulder?

Hey come on? I am already in deep shit.. Facing so many problems…
Pls don’t bug me with unnecessary ones. I am already stressed out by now… That at times, I wonder what and where I did wrong. I admit, I am very pessisimistic now. Can’t be blame! I am trying to stay optimistic but aint easy. Sigh.. Sigh is like a common word.

Even daily things like my hp aren’t helping out either. Hp keeps hanging and data kept losing. Sms cant be sent out dud to an error. Sigh…Too many error…

Modem at home is down. Cant surf net at home. Service provider wont provide a new modem as it is out of warranty and asked me to buy a new one. NO CASH, SO I TERMINATED MY SUBSCRIPTION. SURFING NET IS NOW VIA WIRELESS @ SG. Either I go down to Mac, library etc or I be at my void deck surfing to look for jobs and replying emails.

What else can go wrong? Did the decision I made YEAR AGO THE BIGGEST MISTAKE OF MY LIFE?

To resign to focus on my studies for the final semester of the degree? Is that a wrong move? Sigh. Thought having a contract job in dec will be better? But who knows it is temporary. Savings frm last year are dwindling down a lot. I don’t know how long I can last. It is quite devastating and draining. I am hoping things will be better asap. Please I beg u….. I hope things will look good for me.

Wednesday, 20 May, 2009

2009-05-20T22:19:00.001+08:00

Updated my head-hunter on the progress of my career search.

Seems to be a slow path/journey for me. I am dejected and tired by the slow progress but I really hope things will get better for me with the interviews that I attended. Hopefully, I will be offered a permanent job by the end of this week and start work asap.

I know many people are worried for me. And I feel bad to have them worried over me constantly despite them being busy with work. Frankly, I don’t feel good making my friends over me but I myself ain’t confident of myself.

Rather slow day today and my mum is heading down to Kuching in June to visit my relatives to attend a wedding.

I pray I will hear good news by end of this week.

Please….

:-)

Tuesday, 19th May 2009

2009-05-20T14:29:00.000+08:00

Out of ten, I rate my day 3 out of ten.
Today, I was back @ Hansapoint. Many changes have I seen in a year. Finally, the place has a name display at the entrance and more and more buildings are being built at the moment. Changi Business Park is getting crowded day by day.

It was like walking down a memory lane. When I was @ CS, have always had the impression that CITCO was an engineering co but I was wrong.

Citco Fund Services is a division of the Citco Group of Companies and is the largest independent administrator of Hedge Funds in the world with offices in Curacao, Amsterdam, Dublin, London, Luxembourg, Miami, New York, Toronto, Halifax, Cayman Islands, the British Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, Bermuda, San Francisco and Sydney. The division provides full service administration, which consist of advice on the set-up and structuring of a fund, legal and corporate services, investor relations, accounting and net asset value calculation and transfer agency services, to over 2,600 Hedge Funds for multinational banks and international Investment Managers, totaling over $470 billion in net assets.

Anyway, was there for an interview. I hope the interview was a success and hope to hear from HR by end of next week.

A job at this juncture is very important for me.
I am really at my lowest peak now. And I fear I am at my wits end.

At this moment in time, I wish I am attached. Emotional support is very much appreciated now.



Thursday, 14 May, 2009

2009-05-17T10:50:00.000+08:00

Another day of being unemployed and frankly, I am very worried now. I am now down to my last dollar. I am totally squeezed dry.

Wonder whether my decision to quit my well paid job @ CS a year ago was a right decision? Somewhere this point of time a year ago, I tendered in my resignation giving 3 months notice to the employer.

Did I make the right decision? And is the sacrifice that I made worth it.

TD Securities has made their final decision. And as expected, I was not short listed for the post. After the 3^rd interview with them, I felt I will not stand out a good chance with TD Securities.

Reason being so is that in this interview I sensed that the Country Manager is looking for someone who has done reporting to MAS. For me, the only reporting that I have done is with the SGX for daily reporting. Though I have the product and industry experienced, I failed to stand out to the other short listed candidate though she is new. TD Securities has decided to offer her the position.

Upon hearing this, I was super upset and dejected. This was one of the interviews that I went was supposedly to be looking good and was harping on it. My heart broke when I heard he news earlier on at the end of the day.

Sigh.

I am broke. Useless. Alone. Never have I felt so hopeless before. I am so dejected and worthless.

Am crying internally but who hears my worries and sorrows.

Sunday May 10 2009

2009-05-12T13:44:00.014+08:00

Mother’s Day.

This year Mother’s Day was a different story. I admit that as I am unemployed and flat broke, I used whatever cash I have to do a nice Mothers Day Celebration for my mum.

And frankly speaking, I am surprised by this year celebrations.

Planned was to buy Mum breakfast but was unable to do so as she has classes at 10 am. Planned changed to KFC delivery for lunch but in the end as the saying goes, “Man proposed, God disposed it”

Received a phone call frm my elder brother at 10 am. He called to notify me that he has delivered a box of cup cakes this morning for Mother’s Day. My, I am surprised that he remembers and actually spend some money on it. I am rather quite happy about it.

This was what my elder brother got for out mum… I believed this was baked my sis-in-law ;-)

Cupcakes in the box wrapped with beautiful ribbons

Simple and yet a Beautiful Gift

And coincidently, my younger brother ordered cupcakes too…

In the end we had two boxes of cupcakes….. 2 different types of cupcakes

Cupcakes ordered by my younger brother

Two boxes of cupcakes for Mother’s Day

Cupcakes for all…

Another shock this year was my dad. Told my dad that we are going out for lunch. He took out some cash and passed it to us.This is the first time in my life that I saw my dad contributed for something like this.

Simple lunch we had @ Swensens but this was fun. Though, I had fun, I was worried.. My heart was aching and filled with worries. We also did something new today. As a family, we went for movies.

Anyway, photos say a thousand words. This was our day today.

My mum @ KFC waiting for us with her sister

Family photo with our Auntie

My and sister and I being playful

Mum having ice cream @ MacDonalds

Mum @ arcade playing

Cool Mum

We ended the day with a show @ GV.

2009-04-27T16:09:00.000+08:00

Joke: Just Like Dave

Morris walks out into the street and manages to get a taxi just as it comes driving by. He gets into the taxi, and the cabbie says, "Perfect timing. You're just like Dave."

"Who?"

"Dave Aronson. He's this guy who did everything right. Like my coming along when you needed a cab. It would have happened like that to Dave."

"There are always a few clouds over everyone," says Morris.

"Not Dave. He was a terrific athlete. He could have gone on the pro tour in tennis. He could golf with the pros. He sang like an opera baritone and danced like a Broadway star."

"He was something, huh?"

"He had a memory like a trap. Could remember everybody's birthday. He knew all about wine, which fork to eat with. He could fix anything. Not like me. I change a fuse, and I black out the whole neighborhood."

"No wonder you remember him."

"Well, I never actually met Dave."

"Then how do you know so much about him?" asks Morris.

"Because I married his widow."

Joke: True Meaning Of Male Statements

Statement: "I'm a Romantic."
True Meaning: "I'm poor."

Statement: "You're the only girl I've ever cared about."
True Meaning: "You are the only girl who hasn't rejected me."

Statement: "I really want to get to know you better."
True Meaning: "So I can tell my friends about it."

Statement: "She's kinda cute."
True Meaning: "I wouldn't kick her out of bed but a pillow over the head might be necessary."

Statement: "I don't know if I like her."
True Meaning: "She won't sleep with me."

Statement: "Was it good for you?"
True Meaning: "I'm insecure about my manhood."

Statement: "I had a wonderful time last night."
True Meaning: "Who are you?"

Statement: "Do you love me?"
True Meaning: "I've done something stupid and you might find out."

Statement: "Do you 'really' love me?"
True Meaning: "I've done something stupid and you're going to find out sooner or later."

Statement: "How much do you love me?"
True Meaning: "I've done something really stupid and someone's on their way to tell you by now."

Statement: "I have something to tell you."
True Meaning: "Get tested."

Statement: "I've been thinking a lot."
True Meaning: "You're not as attractive as when I was drunk."

Statement: "I think we should just be friends."
True Meaning: "You're ugly."

Statement: "I've learned a lot from you."
True Meaning: "Next!!!!"

Statement: "I'm on a long distance call, can you call me later?"
True Meaning: "I gotta turn on my answering machine."

Out of job

2009-04-21T23:23:00.001+08:00

Sigh,
i am getting very worried...
Been searching for a job for abt 2 mths since i know my contract has been short lived and up till now still nothing...

WOnder how i am going to survive and pay my bills?

Worried... looking for part time jobs... anyone

sigh

2009-03-08T20:25:00.000+08:00


It has been a while since I blog. A decision I have made in my life has
cuased my life topsy turvy.
I will not be in this mess then. Financially I am drained out. Physicall
I am tired. Mentally and emotionally drained.
I have never been in such a dire state.

But the decision I have made has passed. I believed I made the right
decision. Either way I will have suffered but life will be better now.
I have never been worried. So worried so far. I cant confide in my
friends as too many things are happening at my end,

Too many changes in me... I don't think anyone can share the burden with
me...
It will just be me... Me alone sharing the burden...

Walking down the dark alley lane as I stab myself in pain

Thursday 15 Jan 09

2009-01-16T11:09:00.001+08:00

A mth ago, today was my first day here @ Barclays. My, it is sure fast
that a mth has passed by.
I am now in office...

Btw met a Facebook friend for lunch... Weird but strange. He was a
friend of mine in the Accounting world....Have met him before but no
recollections till I was brough back to memory lane... Actually know him
when I was in in my early 20s thru Leo Club... And he was one of the
peope that I have worked with many years ago... Thanks to Facebook, not
only you meet new people but also reconciles with people that you have
lost touch.

Mike was the guy that assisted me in running of the Leo Convention back
then. He was a gd mentor and a good friend. Couldn't recognise him as he
aged.. Wahahahaha. He is now married and in his mid 30s... Time sure
flies very fast... I am now approaching 30 soon..

And the pressure of getting married is getting stronger....
I will still remain single for at least the next 5 years..

Anyway, there sre so many things that I need to do in life and
explore...

I am proud to announce that I am still single.

Jan 09 2009 - IN office while blogging. taking a break

2009-01-10T14:01:00.001+08:00

It has been 9 days since 2009 came. 2008 came and go and I would rather
say that it was pretty fast...
Within a glimpse, I realise that 2008 has gone and disappear and never
to come back.

In a way, I was happy that 2008 has passed. I admit it was a challenging
year for me and there are many turns that I have taken in 2008 that hjas
changed my life., the good and bad. I realise I was too busy in the last
quarter in 2008 that I did not have time to blog nor post anything....

Will get to that in a while when I walked down 2008..

The present. I shave my head bald in 2009, Shaved my head on 3rd Jan 09.
I dont know the reason why I did it but one thing for sure, I felt good
when I shaved. It felt as though as load of burden was off my chest and
I felt good.... Nevertheless, I have committed myself to shaving my
head in July for the "Hair for Hope Project" in July 09.

Though it is still early in the year, I have heard some shocking news
that has affected my friends. Two of my friends have been informed that
their mum is diagnosed with terminal illness.... One frenz, Paul, his
mum was diagnosed with an illness few years back and her condition has
turn for the worse.. From what I have gathered, she is in her last stage
and is in on oxygen daily to enable her to breathe properly. In fact,
she has been in and out of hospital many times. Paul and his siblings
are holding on tight together to overocme this tiring situation.
Basically, I know Paul has left his job to care for his mum as he knows
she doesn't have that long to live anymore. I hope Paul and his family
will be strong enough top overcome this enduring situation and emerge
stronger as a family.

Another friend of mine, Richard, his mum was recently diagnosed with
cancer. Tried to comfort my friend as I though it will be in the ealrier
stage but consultations today bu the doc shows that his mum is in the
3rd dtage of cancer. A further diagnosis is required before a surgery
and appropriate treatment can be administered. I do hope in this year, I
will not hear anymore bad news that affects people around me or even
me...

I relaise that as we grows older... Calamities never fails to befall
us... One thing for sure, it is a test for us... And if we overcome it,
we emerge a better person.

I will stop for now.. I am still in office as I am blogging this. Am
waiting for the Pm report to be ready. It is now 11.30pm Local time and
only 3.30pm In London.

Will I be able to leave office by 1 am today? Or will I still be stuck
till quite late as per normal......

I don not knows... it all depends on my Pm report.....

Have a great weekend!

Dec 26 2008 - Happy Boxing Day

2008-12-29T04:25:00.001+08:00

It's a public holiday in London and yet I am in office today... Frankly
I am still not settled down yet.... Rather, I have yet to be tasked with
any work as of now... There's a lot of work but I gues due to
insufficent access given to me, there aint much for me to do... As most
of the staff are on leave for the year end, my accesses are all
pending..

Anyway, I had a quiet Christmas... Compared to Christmas the past few
years, this year was very quiet.. Guess I have toned down nor meeting up
wif all my frenz....Settling down in one place with a bottle of wine in
hand drinking wif few close friends is godd enough... we drank
throughout the whole night. Did not talk much.. Just sipping wine,
enjoying the stuffed turkey lying on the sofa at my frenz penthouse
relaxing staring at the sky and enjoying the breeze... Drank the whole
night and we ended opening up a few bottles... We drank so much that all
of us ended on the bed together....

My bro n sis in law came ocer for lunch today... They brought my niece
also... It was nice to spend christmas as a whole family esp with my
niece... As usual, my niece is also photgenic.... Waiting for me to snap
shots of her all the time....She just mades made my day yesterday.. Did
not talk much to my sis in law rather.. Haha.. My bro wa sin my room
playing PS3 and Wii while I play with my niece... Quiet but nice
christmas

In fact, 2008 was a difficult and a challenging year for me.. In a few
days time, 2008 is over and 2009 comes in...
2008 was a year of many challenges and chnages in my life, opening up a
new chapter n closing off certain chapters... I admit certain things
were not handled by me very well and will always stay that way till I
overcome my fear...

Each and everyone of us has a fear.. And mine is a psychological fear...
Pls, I do hope I will be a better person in 2009 n things will look
better for me and I will excel in all aspects in life. Be it career,
life, personal, personal best, relationships, fun and happiness...

To all, Happy Boxing day and Happy New Year 2009

Dec 26 2008 - Happy Boxing Day

2008-12-29T04:25:00.000+08:00

SIgh..... it almost Christmas

2008-12-24T01:38:00.001+08:00

Today is the 7th Day of work with Barclays Capital. Frankly speaking,
the culture here is different from CS. In a way, I feel it is good as my
brain cells will be fully utilised. And I will be able to explore and
stretch my limits. My banking life has revolves ard Treasury &
Derivatives -Futures { be it Processing, Settlement and/or
Investigations} The only thing new to me at CS was Swift message, Nostro
Funding and Team management and being answerable for the whole team
performance.

With Barclays Capital, it is a different scenario here... CDS

Current Defualt Swaps is a new pdt for me. Have never heard of this
product till I actually come to Barclays...... It is basically a
Derivatives pdt... Tat is what I can say
Product wise, processes, work demands,invetsigations and applications
wise are all new to me..

Basically, I have to start from scratch... It aint easy and it aint
going to be smooth. I do jope I will be able to survive the ordeal.

Working London hours is something new to me... My body is still
accustomed to APAC hrs... NO matter how late I sleep, I will still be
awake latest by 8am... Tat kills me... I don't have enough sleep man..
The alternative I came up wif myself is to drink a glass of wine each
night to allow me to sleep well... tats the only way, I feel I can sleep
well and wake up late and have a sound sleep ensuring that I am wide
awake for work.

Changes in my lifestyle I have yo adapt. Not been able to clean my room
for the past few days as I was too tired... Sooner or later, it will be
like a rubbish dump... Sigh..

Btw, changes in the attitude of one of my friends surprised me. A friend
who has hurt me before deeply has decided to reconciled wif me. Though
there is no words of aoplogies between us, I sense that he is trying to
make things as it were before.

Anyway, I have decided to sign up for Sundown'09.

Along running with me are Hong Ping, Billy and CG.

I hope to better excel myself this time and pick up DB in 2009

Till then, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

SCM 08 Dec07 - The day has arrived

2008-12-08T14:15:00.007+08:00

It was 8 hours before the race and ideally, i should be asleep to get sufficient rest. Tried as i might, i was tossing in bed. Though this is not my 1st marathon in my life, this is my 1st marathon with Standard Chartered and 1st day marathon.

Unable to sleep, i was on msn and chatting till about midnight before i fell asleep at one and waking up at 2 plus. The day was a nice morning and i don my running attire.

In the SGRunner's Top & SKINS Tights, 2XU Visor and Nike Shades and Pouch are the gears that i don for the run. I must admit that i did not have proper training for the run. And my desires was to finsh the run.

I did a PB for my 10km in this marathon. My PB in the marathon for the distance of 10km was 80 mins. An improvement since a year ago when i first ran 10km in my life where i took 110 mins...
Look at the state of my shoe... It was a muddy run at some point.. Haha bluff u guys... shoes was muddy as the Padang was wet n muddy... Sigh.. Need to wash my shoes soon....

One thing i hate about running is running at ECP. Guess there are too many runs organised at ECP.. Till i was kinda sian liao.... In fact at ECP, I lost my momentun and slowed down a lot. MY paced was getting slower n slower... Rather, i cant wait to reach the 30km mark of the run where i can get support from SGRUNNERS.

The moral support nad encouragement by the volunteers were great. And the best part was the treat that i got from them. I got a frozen hydroloyte -orange flavor. Nice.. As i was running and sucking something nice n cold, many envy eyes were looking at me with jealousy.

Well there was only one and i am too selfish to enjoy the delicacy with strangers.... I continued enjoying the hydralyte myself. Thanks to the volunteers who offered me hydarlyte... it made a difference... it was like a power and a morale booster.

Running at the F1 track was a torture... So hot and sunny and there was no trees nor shelter...
The F1 track is not meant for human walk..

Anyway, i am happy that i finished the run though again i had stitches, nipple abrasion and blister on the sole of my right feet... To finish the run was my main objective.

Collection of race pack

2008-12-05T23:36:00.008+08:00

Dec 4 08, was the first day of the race pack collection. This year abt 46,000 runners are taking part in the Standard Chartered Marathon 08 and there are more people running the Half marathon nd the full marathon.

This is the 2nd Marathon in my running career and i had spent approximately 2.5 hrs queuing up to get my race pack and another half an hour to collect my bus tickets. There were separate queues for everything that the runners have purchased even for Pasta Party ie Carbo Loading this afternoon.

This is the queue outside Hall 5 for the Race entry Pack Collections. In the hall, there is approximately about 3000 plus runners in the hall queuing up to collect their race bib.

I was in the queue for full marathon abt 2 hours before i reach the front 3 rows... Phew... Finally, the end is near for me.....

Its going to be my turn soon.... A while more and i will get my race bib soon. The wait is worth it

Yeah.... my Race Pack... Finally on displayed pn my bed at home.

My BIB NO is 10085
To a great race this Sunday... And may i acheived a better timimg this Sunday as to Sundown.
Gambate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Carbo Loading for marathon

2008-12-01T11:48:00.001+08:00

below is a good write-up on carbo loading including a sample daily menu from Australia Institute of Sports - who consistently produce world class athletes (swimmers, runners, cyclists).

http://www.ausport.gov.au/ais/nutrition/fa...hydrate_loading

What does a high carbohydrate diet look like?
The following diet is suitable for a 70kg athlete aiming to carbohydrate load:

Breakfast
3 cups of low-fibre breakfast cereal with 11/2 cups of reduced fat milk
1 medium banana
250ml orange juice

Snack toasted muffin with honey
500ml sports drink

Lunch 2 sandwiches (4 slices of bread) with filling as desired
200g tub of low-fat fruit yoghurt
375ml can of soft drink

Snack banana smoothie made with low-fat milk, banana and honey
cereal bar

Dinner 1 cup of pasta sauce with 2 cups of cooked pasta
3 slices of garlic bread
2 glasses of cordial

Late Snack toasted muffin and jam
500ml sports drink

This sample plan provides ~ 14,200 kJ, 590 g carbohydrate, 125 g protein and 60 g fat.

While this is a Westernized menu, you can replicate it using the local cuisine. The important thing is to simulate the quality and pattern of the above diet and to avoid any junks going to your body.

-----------

After the race, please feel free to pig out as a reward . One guidance that I always follow is from Naoko Takahasi 2000 Olympic marathon champ who said that "after a marathon race, while everyone goes for a 5 mile recovery run the following day, I normally rest and go for a 5 day buffet"

Good luck and enjoy your own race !

The diet plan is not only for elites, but for everyone. Actually, if we look at it one extra level deeper, it's quite easy to replicate using local cuisine. One thing to note is to simulate the QUALITY of the sample menu above - which is lean and rich in carbs. So avoid laksa and fried stuff from Old Chang Kee for a while.

7am: cereal/quaker oats or toast + milk + juice
10am: kaya/peanut butter toast + sports drink
1pm: subway sandwhich or yong tau foo + yogurt + iced tea
4pm: ice milo + banana + biscuits
7pm: mixed rice (1 meat, 2 vegies) + juice
10pm: bread talk + sports drink

Timing: People typically start carbo-loading on Thursday or Friday before a Sunday race. I like to start on Friday because I take a lot of gels on race day and I don't want to be far away from my racing weight.

If you click the weblink above, there are more info which I copied/pasted below:

'Carbohydrate loading' is probably one of the most misunderstood terms in sports nutrition. People commonly think anyone involved in sport needs to 'carb up' and the way to do this is to eat 'flat out' in the days leading up to an event. Read on to get the facts on carbohydrate loading.

Does carbohydrate loading improve performance?
Muscle glycogen levels are normally in the range of 100-120 mmol/kg ww (wet weight). Carbohydrate loading enables muscle glycogen levels to be increased to around 150-200 mmol/kg ww. This extra supply of carbohydrate has been demonstrated to improve endurance exercise by allowing athletes to exercise at their optimal pace for a longer time. It is estimated that carbohydrate loading can improve performance over a set distance by 2-3%.

How was carbohydrate loading originally achieved?
Originally, carbohydrate loading involved a depletion phase. This required 3-4 hard training days plus a low carbohydrate diet. The depletion phase was thought to be necessary to stimulate the enzyme glycogen synthase. The depletion phase was followed by a loading phase that involved 3-4 days of rest combined with a high carbohydrate diet. The extra carbohydrate combined with the now-activated glycogen synthase was shown to boost carbohydrate stores beyond their usual resting levels.

How do modern-day athletes carbohydrate load?
Today's endurance athletes use a modified carbohydrate loading method. Ongoing research has demonstrated that the depletion phase is no longer necessary. This is a bonus for athletes as the depletion phase was very difficult. Australian marathon runner, Steve Moneghetti has described the depletion phase as making him feel like "death warmed up". Today, 1-4 days of exercise taper while following a high carbohydrate diet (7-12g/kg body weight) is sufficient to elevate muscle glycogen levels.

What are the common mistakes made when carbohydrate loading?
Research indicates that many athletes who attempt to carbohydrate load, fail to achieve their goal. Common mistakes include:

Carbohydrate loading requires an exercise taper. Athletes can find it difficult to back off training for 1-4 days before competition. Failing to rest will compromise carbohydrate loading.

In order to consume the necessary amount of carbohydrate, it is necessary to cut back on fibre and make use of compact sources of carbohydrate such as sugar, cordial, soft drink, sports drink, jam, honey, jelly and tinned fruit. Athletes who include too many high fibre foods in their carbohydrate loading menu may suffer stomach upset or find the food too bulky to consume.

Carbohydrate loading will most likely cause body mass to increase by approximately 2kg. This extra weight is due to extra muscle glycogen and water. For some athletes, a fear of weight gain may prevent them from carbohydrate loading adequately.

Athletes commonly use carbohydrate loading as an excuse to eat everything and anything in sight. Consuming too many high fat foods will make it difficult to consume sufficient carbohydrate. It may also result in gain of body fat. It is important to stick to high-carbohydrate, low-fat foods while carbohydrate loading.

SCM 08 - Dec 7 Race Pack collection

2008-12-01T10:25:00.001+08:00

Race Entry Pack Collection

The Race Entry Pack Collection will be held on:

Date:	4, 5 and 6 Dec 2008
Time:	12pm to 8pm (4 – 5 Dec 2008) 10am to 5pm (6 Dec 2008)
Venue:	Singapore Expo Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hall 5 1, Expo Drive #01-01 Singapore 486150

Runners are reminded to bring their Race Confirmation Slip, together with the Identity Card/ Photo ID, to collect the Race Entry Pack. If you have misplaced the Race Confirmation Slip, you can go to the event website at www.singaporemarathon.com/en/regs/reprint.asp to print out your Race Confirmation Slip.

If you are unable to collect your Race Entry Pack, you may appoint your relatives, friends, or representatives in Singapore to collect your Race Entry Pack on your behalf with a Letter of Authorization. Note that your relative, friend or representative in Singapore is required to produce his/her Identity Card/ Photo ID, along with your Letter of Authorization and photocopy of your NRIC/Photo ID upon request from the counter staff.

Each appointed relative, friend or representative can collect up to a maximum of six (6) race entry packs including his own race entry pack if he is a registered runner.

Please note that no changes in t-shirt sizes and race category will be entertained during the Race Entry Pack collection.

The service for runners to update their particulars will end on 29 October 2008. Request thereafter will not be acceded.

SCM 08 - Dec 7

2008-12-01T10:14:00.002+08:00

Event Information

Date: Sunday, 7 December 2008
Start Point: Esplanade Drive, The Esplanade Bridge
End Point: St Andrew’s Road, The Padang
Website: www.singaporemarathon.com
Enquiries: + 65 6248 6033

Race Divisions

Individual Categories	Start Time
Marathon (42.195km) Half Marathon (21.1km) 10km - Men 10km - Women Wheelchair Race (10km) Kids Dash (750m) Between 10 - 13 Years Old Between 7 - 9 Years Old Between 4 - 6 Years Old* 3 Years Old And Below*	5.30 am 6.30 am 7.30 am 8.15 am 8.45 am 10.30 am 10.45 am 11.00 am 11.30 am

Counting down to SCM 08

2008-12-01T09:56:00.000+08:00

Checklist for your final countdown:

1. Get ready your race attire
2. Tie your champion chip to your shoe & secure it
3. Race bib pin( x 4 pins) to your singlet top or secure to race belt.
4. Sunglasses or cap or visor (if you want to wear a cap to block strong morning sunlight)
5. Bring a 500ml bottle of water or 100plus and drink along the way there
6. Set alarm clock at 2am on Dec 7
7. Breakfast (don't try anything new for breakfast)
8. Powerbar /Gu gel (atleast 2 packs) You should have taken them during your training run and not last minutes buy from GNC you never try before
9. A event bag for deposit. Put all your belonging into a small bag and then the small bag into the event bag.
10. Put a tag or color tag you can identify with to your event bag. There will be thousands and thousands of event bags at deposit area. Help you to identify your bag in case got mixed up
11. Relax, sleep early on Saturday night. Preferably sleep at 8pm. Atleast 6 hours sleep
12. Close your eyes and mentally review the route and count the number of foot strides you will take for 42.195km. By then you will sleep already.
13. Don't go online to SGRunners.com at 9pm.
14. No SEX between Friday to Saturday midnight
15. Write your particulars wif water proof ink or ball point at the back of your bib
16. Treat this race on Dec 7 as your training run and have fun

All the best.

Chin Hwee Birthday

2008-11-27T12:23:00.002+08:00

The Tabby cat n u looks the same.... Tats y, it was dressed like you... Haha... Anyway, it was a shared gift.... You know who they are from... Dun have to list them out unless u one blur blur guy

Birthdays

2008-11-27T12:05:00.003+08:00

Happy Birthdays to all my friends born in the month of Nov and Dec...

Too many for me to list...

Nevertheless Happy Birthday. Wishing you guys Happiness, Success, Healthy and wealth in you future endeavours...

For those attached, pls get married asap... Dun wait for me... Mine is till long way to go okie...

So dun keep the girls waiting less the they disappear

And for the girls, dun keep ur guys too far apart... Give them a chance and get hitched okie

Exams are over

2008-11-24T16:48:00.002+08:00

Finally, my exams are over... Phew.. Hopefully thats the end of my degree course...
Pending submission of my Final Year Project.

Have submitted a request to change my topics for the final year project. Be doinga analysis on depreciation and what is the preferred method of depreciation for manufacturing companies in Singapore and whether changes in depreciation method will affect their operating income.

My supervisor is very strict and doesnt like me at all... He aint very co-operative with me... Well, i do hope he will approve my topic... Hahaha

Pls approve my topic... and i will submit to you my litreature review...

There are a lot of birthday this month... GOsh i going broke soon...

I am getting very worried... The job markey is getting very bad... Will i be emplyed soon? ONe by one, i am getting rejected....This is the longest time i am unemployed.... sigh
pls god help me.... let me employed soon... asap....

;-(

My Cousins Wedding 021108

2008-11-03T10:27:00.006+08:00

Today was the wedding reception of my cousin. A simple wedding reception but decors wise, it was nicely done but the food as average.

It was more of a gathering for all of us: uncles and aunties, cousins and great nieces and nephews. We were all hanging around the reception waiting for each other to arrive and chat and tease each others especially my auntie.

My auntie in the centre is in wheelchair. I do hope she will have the strength and determination to get well soon as it has been 2 years already and she is showing slow progress.

Family Foto of my uncles and aunties

My younger bro wif our god granny

Me @ the wedding.. Oopps near the wedding

bad patch

2008-10-30T21:40:00.002+08:00

I met up with my FYP supervisor on 29 Oct 08.
It was my 3rd meet up with my FYP Supervisor.

Was expecting that my progress was good. but apparently, it aint, at this jucture, my supervisor told me tat my topic aint good enough and if i am to continue this now, i will failed my FYP.

Was sad and pissed off. Totally pissed of. I pitched this idea to him in the first place and he said it was okay and it was gd. Afyer doing so much research on it, he now tells me the other way round. I mean he could have told me this from the start like my other class mates but he just told me after spending one month on it.

i am in deep shit

what am i to do?

I am now looking for a new topic?

What am i to do?

Lossss

2008-10-10T20:05:00.001+08:00

2008-10-10T15:57:00.000+08:00

10 October 2008

2008-10-10T09:18:00.003+08:00

Hey pp,

If you are a member of SGRUNNERS, head out to buy the limited edition tees...

its cool... running as a family together n encouraging each other with our nick on ur back

10 October 2008

2008-10-10T09:17:00.002+08:00

Nike savings for SCM 08 Runners

08 October 2008

2008-10-08T14:45:00.004+08:00

Well, it has been a month since i last blogged. A month of being unemployed and the fasting month is over. Blink one eye and it is the 8th day of Raya. We decided to go economical this year since I am unemployed. Even when it comes to serving, normally I would be hardworking to take out the buffet sets and nice dining ware for us to use on the 1st day of raya. Thus, anyway since we just bought this new serving set of rotating dish, we decided to use this. Simple and nice as it is rotating. And with the usage of cornelle plates, my sis and i dont have to wash lots of plates and cups at the end of the day. Drinks this time round, we serve packet drinks. Though more costly as we need to buy more, oit is worth it... Imagine a day of visiting and reachinh home at 2am to have dirty dishes waiting for you.. I hate that..

Thank god wif minimun usage of utensils and plates, my and sis took less tahn 10 mins to clear up the place as the drinks were all packet drinks.. Only lots of rubbish to throw. Haha.

This year was different for me. As this is the first time that i share my room with my younger brother. After renovating the room in april, he moved into my room and bought him all his furnitures and for the first time in my life, i saw him buying many soft toys and big ones. In fact after keeping them in the cupboard for months, he finally opened them up and display them after i gave him brand new bedsheets. He has Tigger, Tazmania, Tweety Bird, Slyvester and Doraemon all big size..

My biggest is Cookie Monster which is abt my waist height and it sleeps on my bed while the rest of my toys are kept in the warddrobe.. To expensive i find to play wif them.. Occassionally, i will take it out and play wif them.. haha

i have a monkey hanging in my room and an TMX ELMO to keep entertatin when i am down and out.

I made some new friends this month and i am glad to be of their new acquainatance as i have learnt lots frm them. Different walks of life. A new change of me. Being in banking means pp in banking are stuck up, snobbish and damm fast paced.

Met pp frm engineereing, tourism, F&B, customer service etc...

Nice pp and humble as compared to banking.. Its different meeting wif pp in banking. It is more fake as compared to this people whom i have met. They are real and humble and i feel myself.

I hope to be more acquainted with them and be in touch.

Will update more

Wednesday 11 September 2008

2008-09-10T16:32:00.005+08:00

Two weeks has passed since i am unemployed. HAve submitted my resumes to a few head hunters and went for few interviews. Be going for my 2nd round interviews tomorrow. I hope i be able to make the session a breeze as what i did the previous time round.

In this 2-3 weeks, i have made certain discovery. And i was amazed that of the discovery that i made. People who are educated are more arrogant and snobbish than any anyone else i know. Well, sad to say, these are the pp that the government have sponsored their education and be working for them. Imagine PSA scholars who are arrogant, rude, selfless and with no human touch drafting out our policies, taking care of security void of human feelings. I fear the future of our society should these people excel as they are self-fish nad self-centered. I was surprised to have cum across such a scholar recently. Looks are totally deceiving.

I was pissed by the actions of the scholar in public being very yaya papaya and rude to the pp in the society. Race/ethnic, fat,slim,lean, muscular,handsome, ugly etc are one of the many faces of people in the world. There should not be any discrimination among us and let us all live in peace and harmony. If the leaders of tommorrow are not able to practice what they preach, i fear our future, my future.

Alternatively, i happen to met a Skin head guy. What is the opinion of the society towards skin head? in fact, when there skins head walking on the road, many will give them the glare n look at them as though they are an alien

3rd September 2008

2008-09-03T21:58:00.002+08:00

i feel that i have pissed lots of people today. Ched2008 feels that i have been a burden and getting on the nerves of others while i am unemployed. I am trying my best to keep myself occupied and at the same time showing my care and concern to some of my friends who are not well.

But i guess, i was overly concern that pp say that i am irritating and getting on their nerves.

Is caring for someone that you know a crime? I guess i was wrong to show care and concern.

But at the same time, i know some of them are very stressed up at this juncture.

SO, i must learn to bear the grunt of it

030908

2008-09-03T20:24:00.000+08:00

Good day to you. It has been raining the whole day long today. Well normally, if i am at werkz, i would say, if only i am at home.. Then i would have a nice sleep. Aint it irony? I got my wish today but i wasn't sleeping. Opportunity was here but i did not treasure the choice.

Sigh. Human beings are like this. We fail to treasure what we have till we loss possession of it.
IS human beings suppose to go thru all this?

Failed to treasure what we possessed till we lose it. And we lose it, it is gone forever.

Hope your day was good today and more eventful than mine.

Banana Relay Run by SG RUNNERS

2008-09-01T17:15:00.001+08:00

Hurry Up! Catch the Early Bird Fee!
Limited to 180 Slots!

Would you like to get your hands on a Banana which you can’t eat? Are you game to have some fun in a relay? SGRunners, we are proud to present our very own Banana Relay, a race which aims to promote friendship, teamwork & bonding, regardless of speed, height or gender… Banana Relay 2009 with a twist! You can never resist for more! Come Join Us!

Race Information:
Date: 17 January 2009, Saturday
Venue: Pasir Ris Park (near to Pasir Ris Road via Elias Road)
Flag Off Time: 8.00 am
Reporting Time: 6.30am to 7.30am
Distance: 3.5 km X 3 runners X 2 laps = 21 km

Souvenir/Prizes:
1. Certificates - For all participants.
2. Finisher Medal - A uniquely designed finisher medal for all participants.
3. Prizes -
Team Prizes
Champion team - $120 cash
1st Runner-Up team - $100 cash
2nd Runner-Up team - $80 cash

Individual Prizes
Fastest Male - $100 cash
Fastest Female - $100 cash

Relay Format:
1. There will be 3 members in each team.
2. Each member will run 2 laps of 3.5km per lap, but not consecutively. Each team will clock a total of 6 laps, accumulating a distance of 21km.
3. Bananas will used as a baton, to be carried throughout the relay by the team member who is running. The banana baton is to be handed over to the next member before commencing the next lap within the handover point, which will be marked out on event day.
4. One Banana baton shall be carried during the 1st to the 3rd lap. For the 4th to the final 6th lap, the team has to carry an additional Banana baton on top of the 1st Banana baton. The first member to start the 4th lap for his/her team must be ready with the 2nd Banana baton (available at the handover point) prior to the commencement of the 4th lap.
5. The Banana can be carried in any manner but it must be with the member at all times during the run, failing which, the team will be disqualified due to the Banana MIA(missing in action). Officials will be situated along the route to be on the lookout for the presence/absence of Banana batons

Formation of Teams:
1. Participants are required to submit their best timing for 2.4km. Participants will then be assigned into 3 categories: Fast Banana, Faster Banana, Fastest Banana.
2. Each team will comprise of members randomly picked from each category, similar to a lucky draw.
3. The draw will be conducted after registration has closed. The exact date of the draw is to be confirmed.
4. Should any member of the team be unable to take part on event day, the organiser reserves the right to merge/split teams to allow every registered & paid participant to be a part of the Banana Relay. There may also be circumstances where members have to run additional laps.

Eligibility to Participate:
1. Open to all SGRunners.COM members & family members.
2. Minimum age of 16 years old and above.
3. Only registered pariticipants who have paid can take part.

Registration Fees and Periods:
1. Baby Green Banana
- $20 per person
- For registrations between 1st August to 31st August 2008

2. Medium Greenish Yellow Banana
- $25 per person
- For registrations between 1 September to 31 October 2008

3. Ripe Yellow Banana
- $30 per person
- For registrations between 1 November to 15 December 2008

4. Registration will close on 15 December 2008 2359hrs.
5. This event is limited to 180 participants, which is 60 teams.
6. The registration will be closed once the number of participants have reached the targeted number or by 15 Dec 2008, whichever comes first.
7. The organiser reserves the right to revise the limit on the number of participants.

Modes of Payment:

Online Payment:
- We accept online payment through Active Network Website in the link below.
- Participant are to bear the cost of online registration fees (SGD 2.50) if they are making online payment. The extra fees are charged by Active Network.

Cheque Payement:
- Participant must register online before sending the cheque for payment.
- Please send your cheque made out to “SGRUNNERS.COM”.
- Please write in your name, NRIC/Passport number you used to register and telephone number at the back of your cheque.
- All cheques must be sent within one week after the registration date and paid according to the fees on the stated datelines. Any late entry of cheques will not be accepted. And the slot will be reopen for others to register.The cheque must be mailed to:
Attn: SGRunners.COM
Blk 770, Bedok Reservoir View,
#07-175, Singapore 470770

Cash:
- Participants must register online before cash payment.
- Cash payment are only allowed to be paid on appointment basis.
- All cash payment must be made within one week after the registration date and paid according to the fees on the stated datelines. Any late payment will not be accepted. And the slot will be reopen for others to register.

Sponsorship:
We welcome any form of sponsorship to make our event a more rewarding experience for the participants. Do contact us by clicking I wish to Sponsor

Volunteer:
Volunteers are also most welcome, where you\'ll get a chance to motivate participants & play an important role in ensuring the success of the event. Do contact us by clicking I Wish to Volunteer

Links:
Please Click on the following links for more information & registration:
Event Website
Race Information
Race Route
Registration - will open on 1st of August 2008
Contact Us
Banana Relay 2008

FAQ

Qns: Do I have to register as a team?
Ans: No. You are not required to register as a team, as we will be drawing lots to form teams & we will divide the team according to your 2.4 km timing so that all the teams are on somewhat equal standing.
Qns: Why 2.4 km timing?
Ans: There will be no end about why not this and why not that, so we put into consensus to have 2.4 km timing instead.
Qns: What if I do not have my 2.4 km timing?
Ans: You can try out at the stadium and run 6 rounds or you can calculate your estimated 2.4 km timing using your 5 km or 10 km race timing in external websites such as this one.
Qns: How do I register and pay the fees?
Ans: Please refer to this website.
Qns: What if I do not have my 2.4 km timing?
Ans: You can try out at the stadium and run 6 rounds or you can calculate your estimated 2.4 km timing using your 5 km or 10 km race timing in external websites.
Qns: With 2.4 km timing, weren't the slower members feel at a disadvantage?
Ans: No, they will not be at disadvantage as we will divide the group fairly with the fastest, faster and fast runner together. We will try our best to group them equally so that any team can have the chance to win the game.
Qns: With different kind of banana's registration price, can anyone help to clarify the difference?
Ans: The different banana type & cost of entry depends on the period which you register your participation. E.g. If you register between 1-31 Aug, you'll need to pay $20. In the 2nd period of 1 Sep - 31 Oct, you'll need to pay $25. If you register even later, between 1 Nov - 15 Dec, you'll need to pay $30.
Qns: Do we have bib number or number tags to indicate the sequence of runners and the team we are in?
Ans: Yes, you will be given number tags to indicate your team, but it will not indicate the sequence of the runs. The team will do their own strategy on who to run first. And no runners are allowed to run 2 laps at one go.
Qns: If I send my cheque and it reached 1 or 2 days later (for example: 1 or 2 Sept) which is after the closing of the early bird or AKA Baby Green Banana (1-31 Aug) period, will the cheque be return or you will still accept as early bird?
Ans: Yes, we will still accept the registant as early bird AKA Baby Green Banana as long as that person registered within that period. We must received the cheque within the stipulated duration, or else, we have to cancel the registration and open up the slots again.
Qns: How do I make my cash payment?
Ans: For those who want to pay cash, you can look for littletigger during CBD run. For more details on when and where is the CBD run, please check out this thread. Please ensure you register online first before you make any payment. You can also give your cheque to littletigger. littletigger will have the rights not to accept any fees if he feels and thinks so. As he is volunteering, please do not demand anything from him.

Participant List

Acidburn - PAID
alash - PAID
Alex Hong - PAID
anne - PAID
Ang Kun - PAID
Ans0nn - PAID
beladrian - PAID
billycwr - PAID
bomia - PAID
byron - PAID
caveman - PAID
cheehow - PAID
chyekwee - PAID
ckoksing - PAID
cutdacrap - PAID
dav_hui - PAID
desserts - PAID
dfstan - PAID
dndnd - PAID
dreamer - PAID
Earth - PAID
edwinchiam - PAID
faithlum - PAID
FrootLoops - PAID to imd
FunkeeMonk - PAID
Girthwider - PAID
gordonfoo - PAID
iwillsoar - PAID
j_o_e_24 - PAID
jam07 - PAID
jeregoh - PAID
jh88 - PAID
jh88 siblings - PAID
jjchg - PAID
jonie81 - PAID
Juanasjuan - PAID
khowl - PAID
kjowl - PAID
krazyd0lphin - PAID
Kristie - PAID
lavausof - PAID
layugr - PAID
layyoong - PAID to imd
LeisureRunner - PAID
limhockmingg - PAID
Loon - PAID
MiZooono - PAID
Nathaneel - PAID
nerradhog - PAID
netballcrazy - PAID
nicolewong - PAID
Paolo888 - PAID
PeaCeFOol - PAID
quincymmx - PAID
Ransomed - PAID
Raydenz - PAID
rongxuan1991 - PAID
saint - PAID
slack runner - PAID
spencer256 - PAID
Stardust - PAID
stuck - PAID to imd
terry - PAID
tofuman - PAID
tym - PAID
un-sith - PAID
veron - PAID
violettoh - PAID
wheregot - PAID
Zco - PAID to imd
alexsoh
andrew210782
auron
batx
bubbles
chiamen
dorries
frankieliew
Freddy
keaneo17
norahsss
sandhyacs
seandz
Shadow
shirlene
suds
valzie
yankeeII

310808 Nike Human+ 10k Run Singapore

2008-09-01T16:23:00.012+08:00

Was at the Esplanade today preparing for the world human race. Expecting a crowd of 11,000 runners in Singapore, Billy and me reach Esplanade Park at 3pm. The baggad deposit was excellent. There was no queue and it is very organized.

Since we were early, we walked around the area and took some shots at the run.

NIKE HUMAN Runners hanging out before the race

The stage for the night concert

Some NIKE runners hiding in Esplanade prior to the flag off time

Me at the padang in front of the stage before the run.

Btw, it was here that the founder of SG Runners came over and say hi to me. He remember my name and face from Facebook and he came over and say hi to me. I was touched and honoured that he actually took the effort in remembering me cause we have only communicated at the forum under my nick Saint and via facebook my real name. Active communucation was done actively via the forum. Thanks dude for giving me such a warm welcome to the forum.
Kudos to the The Lonely Runner for making newbies like me feel welcome to the community. Saw DO, Fruitloops, Dream runner etc...

A sea of red at the starting line

Too bad, i missed the group photos. Well, there are always other times....

This is one run that i feel that i fared badly. I suffered from stitches during the run. At the 5km mark, i was in pain and had difficulty continuing my run.

This was one run that there was a human congestion throughout the route and was rather difficult for me to run fast.

I enjoyed my run nevertheless but i wished the route distance would be more visible as i failed to see the distance run.

The last 3km was like a never ending route as the run was endless at Clarke Quay and run as far as i could, i failed to see the turning point. Sigh...

Finally when i reach the turning point, i still had 1km more to go i guess.... I was pacing myself with another runner, a male runner who is runing in skins tights and Zoots running shores. Guess he is a triathelete and he is taking this run as a cooling down/to gain milage for the week.
Throughout the run, despite the pain that i suffered, i made sure he is within my 50m radius. He was my pacer. Thanks dude. For me, i find it is impt to have a pacer for my run less i gave up hahaha

Me posing in front of the banner

Billy and me after the run. Too shagged out

What is the worse thing that one would have expect to happen?
I had nipple abrasion. The best part, i realized it only when i was in the rain when i realized there was this guy kept staring at my chest. It was as though that he was looking at my nipples as i happen to wear a rather fitting dri fit top. It was only when i noticed patches of dry blood at my top tat i expect i had nipple abrasion. I only confirmed it when i reach home. My nipples was still bleeding and i had to stop the bleeding. It was gross as one could seen the flesh of the nipples exposed.

Guess, it could be due to the rough material as the top i wore was of loose fitting. should have worn my compression tee/running singlet as planned. But as i found the material too warm to wear double layers, i decided not to.

Saturday, Aug 30 2008

2008-08-30T22:52:00.001+08:00

Million $ Question

A contestant on "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?" had reached the final plateau. If she answered the next question correctly, she would win $1,000,000. If she answered incorrectly, she would pocket only the $32,000 milestone money.

As she suspected, the million-dollar question was no pushover. It was, "Which of the following species of birds does not build its own nest, but instead lays its eggs in the nests of other birds?
Is it: A) the Condor; B) the Buzzard; C) the Cuckoo; or D) the Vulture?"

The woman was on the spot. She did not know the answer. And she was doubly on the spot because she had used up her 50/50 Lifeline and her Audience Poll Lifeline. All that remained was h er Phone-a- Friend Lifeline, and the woman had hoped against hope that she would not have to use it, mainly because the only friend that she knew would be home happened to be a blonde.

But the contestant had no alternative. She called her friend and gave her the question and the four choices.

The blonde responded unhesitatingly: "That's easy. The answer is C: The Cuckoo."

The contestant had to make a decision and make it fast. She considered employing a reverse strategy and giving any answer except the one that her friend had given her and considering that her friend was a blonde, that would seem to be the logical thing to do. On the other hand, the blonde had responded with such confidence, such certitude, that the contestant could not help but be persuaded.

"I need an answer," said the host.

Crossing her fingers, the contestant said, "C: The Cuckoo."

"Is that your final answer?" asked the host.

"Yes, that is my final answer." replied the contestant.

Moments later the host said, "That answer is..........absolutely correct. You are now a millionaire!"

Three days later, the contestant hosted a party for her family and friends--including the blonde who had helped her win the million dollars.

"Blondie, I just do not know how to thank you," said the contestant.
"Because of your knowing the answer to that final question, I am now a millionaire. And do you want to know something? It was the assuredness with which you answered the question that convinced me to go with your choice. By the way, how did you happen to know the right answer?"

"Oh, come on," said the blonde. "Everybody knows that Cuckoos don't build nests. They live in clocks."

27th August 2008

2008-08-28T12:43:00.002+08:00

it is the 3rd day of the week and i have went to meet some recruiters. So far, Kerry Consulting and Charters got back to me. Went for an interview at BNP Paribas today. The interview went on great today and i find it too fast as the end of the session, the hiring manager asked me on my expected pay and he say he was only willing to match my current pay over 13 mths which i finds i am at a losing end. MY current package is over 12 mths.

Sigh,

JP Morgan is interviewing me on Monday for the role of Middle Office in Interest Rate.

Hope i will excel and get the job.

Quote of the day

2008-08-26T14:01:00.000+08:00

"Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and
day out." -- Robert Collier

25th August 2008

2008-08-25T21:16:00.008+08:00

Today, I went down to Clarke Quay. And the best part was that there is no queue for the 10k NIKE RUN.

As compared to yesterday, today was a good day for collection for the pack.

Due to the heavy rain yesterday, thousands of people were in the queue since 10 am and they queue till 4 plus in the afternoon to get the race pack. Among the throng of people in the queue, many came from AHM 08. Pity those who ran 21 km to collect. They were tired not from running the AHM but rather worn out from the waiting.

A running top with my bib number printed printed on it.

Will be running in it on 31.08.08

Where will you be on that day?

10k Human Race ....

23 August o8

2008-08-24T20:27:00.002+08:00

Met a new friend today, Raymond. He is working as an engineer in Singapore. I happen to know him thru another friend at a function and we just hit it off.

Happen to bump into him on the train and we decided to go for coffee. Since both of us are early for our appt, we sat down n chat over coffee.

Had a gd chat and we talk abt everything including politics which was great.

He be away on a business trip to china for a mtonth. HOw come all my friends are away on busineess trip and me stuck in SG. Even my friend Yit in ABN is now away ob business trip and he be back end of this month i think

Went for the NCSS 50 anniversary celebrations and i happen to bump into JAck and Rai

Cool, i was happy to bump into them. BOught an autographed CD from them on the spot. I gonna treasure it man.

It was their first album and they are very down to earth pp

24.08.08

2008-08-24T20:18:00.003+08:00

22 August 2008

2008-08-24T15:20:00.004+08:00

My Farewell Gift from the the darlings of CS

- Justin
- Jason
- Lyn
- Melinda
- Danielle
- Ryan
- Joyce
- Jie En

Thank you guys for the nice gift. You guys shouldn't have!