End of 2007

2007 passed really quick. Many things have happened. I am very thankful for the many situations and provisions and indeed, we have grown in more ways than one. Top of the list would be of Esther's arrival. She is already 9.5 mths and growing nicely. We also tasted God's goodness and He never fails us at all.

With the new year it is a time of transition. Many changes will take place and we are looking forward to them. Here's to a rewarding 2008.

some photos

A great CG mtg

The last CG meeting was somewhat like a closing for the year with everyone gathering at Eric & Rhonda's place. Alethya was able to join us as well. Understood from her that she is going to ACJC next week to begin her JC life. Shared with her my AC days and it sure brought back memories.

Thanks to the CG who also celebrated yours truly's birthday and being part of this community is really a blessing. As I shared with them that the accountability, selfless help rendered and the intensive prayer support showered throughout the time the CG was together, such warmness is unparalleled. As we look onto IDT next month (barely a week away), we aspire to try meeting up on a regular basis to catch up with one another.

To all CG members: It's been a wonderful number of years bonding, praying, rejoicing, grieving and labouring together. Have a blessed journey ahead.

Last CG mtg

We will have our final CG meeting this evening before embarking on IDT. It will be a time of thanksgiving plus also looking ahead to the new year when all of us will be in various DGs. However, they have mentioned that by and large it will be allocated by zones so it will not be 100% new faces. Indeed it will be a new chapter.

Thanks to all for your birthday greetings. Received messages via email, blog and otherwise. I went for a run again today but instead of running to NIE, I decided to run around the estate again albeit slightly shorter distance. Looking at exploring new routes to other estates which might include Jurong East, CCK and Bt Panjang perhaps.

Managed to cover 15km today

Ctrl, west ave 3, bt batok rd, west ave 5, east ave 5, st 52, east ave 5, east ave 2, hillview ave, st 25, east ave 3, ctrl. This is my 15km route around the estate. Some of you may wonder why do i bother to run around the neighbourhood. The main reason is that if halfway hitting the roads and should the skies open up, at least I can make it back home. However, I usually bring my ezlink card. In fact, running around the estate is because of the rainy season and it is mainly to avoid any inconvenience. Maybe I will run to NIE tomorrow?

Esther had a visitor today

1 of my couremates, Winnie came to visit Esther today. As usual, Esther will stare hard at unfamiliar faces before mesmerizing them with her eye lashes. Moreover, Esther will not fail to keep them entertained with her smiles, giggles and needless to say, her screams. And Winnie was so nice to bless Esther with a Pooh bear clad in Christmas gear.

Angela had to be in school today so I was looking after Esther the whole day since the day care was not open due to some staff development event. She will go back for the rest of the week and that means I can hit the roads! Pity that I could not do so today and the weather was perfect! Never mind, there will always be chances. 5 mths to the Sundown Marathon....

Mystery

When I went out yesterday to purchase some fruits for the Christmas gathering today, Angela told me something that happened while I was out. Apparently, Esther had 'climbed' out of the walker on her own.

Since Angela was in the kitchen getting something, Esther was roaming around the house in her walker. Just as Angela came out of the kitchen, she saw Esther on the floor with her butt up and her head was on a poster that had fallen off one of the chairs. Surprisingly, Esther did not cry in pain or anything and the walker looked alright: it had not somersaulted. That was the mystery. How did Esther get out of the walker?

Based on our analysis, I reckon that she must have used her foot against the side cross-bar and with the side or the walker as the pivot, she did a somersault out of the walker. This can be possible since her upper body is well above the side. We did not make the walker too high in order that she will not tiptoe.

After that mystery, we have kept the walker since it might impede her walking development and of course to further prevent more surprises.

Great weather 2day

The weather was great today. Though it was a little warm in the afternoon, by the time I went for my run at about 1630hrs, it was just right. I managed to put in a good 1.5hrs and I reckon by the end of this week or next, I should be able to complete the 20km route around the neighbourhood. Basically these training sessions are conditioning for the full marathon which is coming up in May. I am still undecided if I should go for the full or half for the lion city marathon which is a month after the sundown one. Perhaps do the half and aim for the full for the stanchart in Dec?

couple of photos

Slight change in strategy

If you all recall, I did post something about not training for 2 straight days. That was because when I first began running, the fatigue could be felt when I tried to run for more than 1 consecutive day. However, that is about to undergo a change. After reading the Straits Times guide to training for a first full marathon, I reckon what that was recommended seems quite intersting. It is basically a combination of short distances with some longer distances plus a break just before and after a long run. Perhaps this is the new strategy I should adopt? Anyway, there is just 5 months to the Sundown Marathon.

My digital camera might be written off

Sent the digital camera to the service centre and the technical staff told me that they might need to do fine-tooth comb check to determine the extent of the damage. Incidentally, the camera worked today when I powered it up. However, there are signs of water vapour on the LCD screen and in the most costly part: the lens. This means if they find that the lens is damaged and beyond repair, my camera is basically 'beyond economical repair'. How sad. Bought it just a little over a year ago and the warranty has just expired. So legally speaking, Olympus is not obliged to let me claim under warranty. Now I just need to pray hard that they will show a little charity.

My Olympus camera

Bought it last Nov and it served us well. There was one particular feature which I had not tried only until this year when we went on the CG retreat. And that is the waterproof feature. This camera can go underwater for up to a depth of 3m as stated in the instruction manual. Obviously, both the battery cum memory storage and the USB cover should not be opened if it is submerged. So I tried it in Sebana Cove and somehow or rather, water must have seeped into the compartment and it blacked out. Used a hair dryer to dry it and left it until we came back from the trip 2 days later and after recharging the batteries, it worked again. So does the waterproof feature work. Yes, or so we thought.

Last week when we went swimming at CSC, we tested the feature again. Well, it worked superbly despite the splashes. But when we came home to try and download it, somehow or rather, it would not power up. Tried charging the battery and it still failed. That means I have to send it to the service center tomorrow. So is it something to do with the waterproof feature or the battery is just so sensitive to perssure underwater?

Results are out

I got my results earlier. Did pretty ok and some were better than expected. Honestly this semester was quite hectic if you recall what I had posted previously. Coupled with new adjustments in life and undertaking many commitments, I am very thankful that it was truly God's grace that I did quite alright.

Saw the timetable for next sem and it appears that there might be a high chance of having long breaks in between lessons again. However, that time can be utilised to be doing assignments, research or perhaps I could put in some mileage into my shoes. Or perhaps I could start looking for stuff for practicum? We'll see....

Went running at noon today

Yes, I have said before that running between 1100hrs and 1600hrs is quite absurd. However, I did just that today. As I was afraid of the raining coming down in the afternoon, I decided to hit the roads at about noon today. However, the sun was not that strong and in fact, shortly after I started it was cloudy. Throughout my run, it was cloudy and the best of all, windy. But I felt a couple of raindrops come down at about the 8k mark so I decided to head for the nearest bus shelter and I hopped onto 945. I always carry my ezlink card together with my handphone and house keys when I hit the roads. You can never tell what might happen. Especially during this time of the year when the skies open up.

Esther's screams

Of late, Esther has been screaming a lot. Besides the usual cries, she will also scream in excitement, happiness or just wanting to get some attention. Angela and I have to constantly tell her firmly not to do so as her screams are REALLY shrill. When she went back to school today, surprisingly she did not cry when we left her there. That was because we looked after her on our own for the past fortnight and she has begun to recognise people especially Angela. However, when we picked her, the staff told us that she screams a lot and is easily the LOUDEST. *sheepish grin* Apparently, Esther has overtaken another girl as far as the screaming volume is concerned.

CG gathering

Mediacorp had their 25th Anniversary of local chinese drama awards last week. Today, our CG past and present had a gathering at Dennis and Jacq's place. Although we do not go back as far as 25 years, we managed to hit >10years at the very least. Here's to many more rewarding years ahead despite IDT starting next year.

Mum's bday lunch

We went out for lunch today to celebrate mum's birthday. It was a 3-tier family outing as my 2 nephews plus Esther were there as well. We had dim sum at this place in China Sq called Teahouse. My brother chose it as it was quite family-friendly which explains why the 3 kids enjoyed themselves. As CK had to pick mum, my sister-in-law (SIL) took our car with David (the older one). His vocabulary is fantastic. Throughout the journey, he was telling me the different makes of cars plus the various types of vehicles on the road. Esther was dozing along the way but when we arrived she woke up and was she pleased to see her auntie sitting next to her in the car. CK arrived with mum and Derek at around the same time. It has been sometime since I last saw Derek and he has really grown. After warming up with us, he is so entertaining that Angela and I were quite smitten by him! Had a sumptuous lunch and when it was time to go, David surprisingly did not want to follow his parents but clung to me! In fact, he was crying along the way to the car park!! So being the nice auntie and uncle, Angela and I had to pacify him. I told David that he could come over to our place anytime to play with Esther.

Then came the worst part of the day. I thought that it was a dollar an hour on a Sat. Lo and behold, when we went back to the car, I saw a ticket and the fine was 6 bucks. Oh well, blame it on my own negligence.

Nice cool dip

Since the weather was great this morning, we went to the CSC for a swim but it was more for Esther. Since coming back from Sebana Cove, this is the first time swimming. She enjoyed it and throughout the hour, Esther went to the baby pool, wave pool and also tried the spa pool as well. We then decided to be a little more adventurous and gave the lap pool a go. Since there was a continuous flow, she had a whale of a time floating through the whole lap. Thankfully it was not very crowded despite the holidays as it was a weekday. Usually it is packed on weekends so that was why we decided to avoid going on Sat and Sun. And the timing could not have been better as it rained in the afternoon.

Got an event-packed weekend ahead. Mum's birthday lunch tomorrow and a CG gathering on Sunday. Just prior to that, I got a briefing for IDT starting next year. Indeed, 2008 will be a very eventful year.

A great run

I started running today but decided to try something a little different. Left the house at about 1045hrs and did a 13km run. However, the noon sun did not really affect very much because by and large it was quite cooling. This is one of my rare occasions where I run in the late morning. Rest assured that I will not do such a thing in the middle the year as those are the hottest months of the year. Needless to say, I had a good sweating session.

Since this is the rainy season, I considered if I should purchase the gym membership at the Civil Service Club opposite my place. It is currently selling at 33bucks monthly but for the month of December, there is a promotional prize of 'pay 12 months get 16 months' and that means it cost just a little below 25bucks per month. Never mind the fact that I have to pay it in one lump sum with absolutely no refund. I only have 2 issues in that I find it quite weird to be running on the treadmill and after a sweating session, I have not 'moved' at all! Secondly, I am not very in favour or running in an air-conditioned environment. On a lighter side, having this gym membership gives me some flexibility in choosing between running on the road and doing some other workout. So, should I purchase it?

About Gelare

When I read Winnie's post about Gelare, I almost drooled! It has been sometime since I last ate Gelare waffle topped with ice cream. And she went on a tuesaday! Which means the waffle was sold at half price! However, the prices here in Sg are quite exhorbitant compared to those sold in the land Down Under.

I recalled during my undergrad days in Perth, whenever we wanted to go for a Gelare treat, we will usually go on tuesdays. That is because the waffle will be sold at half price and on top of that, tuesdays are 'cheap movie days' as well. Double happiness. Comparing prices, the small waffle cost just about half of what we pay here and since the size is about the same, isn't it so much more costly here in Sg? However, I simply love to have the maple syrup on my waffle cos it just makes it so delactable.

Now it is pronounced at 'ger la ray' (i do not know the phonetic symbol so pardon me!) and not anything else. (gee la or whatever....)

Retail therapy at sports shops

Of late, I enjoy browsing through sports apparel at various sports shops. Be it Adidas, New Balance or those World of Sports and Royal Sporting House outlets, I enjoy looking through all their sports apparel. Since I started running, I really enjoy entering Adidas shops and simply marvel at their huge collection of sports wear ranging from running shoes to other stuff. Since I have some discount vouchers (usually 30% discount) from the various events which I participated in, I might as well utilise them before the expiry date. Due to this I have various running apparel of different brands. My favourite is still the 'Climalite', Clima365 and Galaxy from Adidas. The material is those that will make the wearer feel really comfortable and it dries rather fast when you perspire. Coupled with the windy conditions at times, wearing such apparel really feels great. However, without discount, these stuff are not cheap. Which is why I will wait for their seasonal sale.

Star Awards (25 yrs of Chinese Local Drama)

We were watching the Star Awards Tribute Ceremony last night and throught the show, Angela and I were talking about the various segments which brought back memories. I used to catch some of these shows during my schooling days and especially so during NS days. Indeed, many of the dramas aired in the 80s and 90s sure stuck a chord in out hearts. Those were during our growing up years and needless to say, many of the celebrities back then have moved on. Some of them are still in the entertainment industry today after more than 40 years. There were also many actors and actoresses whom the viewers have not seen for ages re-appearing for the Silver Jubilee event. What was impressive were the standing ovations given to the veterans of which 1 of them is 88 years old. I must say that Mediacorp (then SBC, to TCS) has come a long way in their drama serial productions. Here's to another 25yrs of excellence.

Lion City Marathon

This event to be held in June will be one interesting one where the route starts from Bugis Junction and it goes all the way to the western part of Sg and places include Habour Front, Pasir Panjang, Jurong and other places. At post time, only 10000 places are available since this is a first attempt. However, I think the person behind this event has got a fantastic foresight as the famous Stanchart Sg Marathon started at an even more humble number.

Sundown Marathon

This event will be held in the evening. A first for many runners, such events are usually held at dawn when the weather is still cool. However, I think the organisers wanted to try something different and thus we have a night marathon. Perhaps they got their idea from the upcoming Singapore Singtel F1 GP which is the first night race in the history of F1. If I do not recall wrongly, the route is the one that links up many different park connectors as reported in the Straits Times today. It mentioned about the completion of a 42km network of park trails which many exercise freaks will love. I am certainly one who am seriously considering to register for this event. Hopefully the 5 mths or so will be sufficient to train up.

My 500th post

This is the 500th post of my blog since I began last Aug. Here's to many more wonderful blogging days ahead.

Got back my car earlier and they did a fantastic job. Besides changing the damaged parts, they also washed and vacuumed the interior. Now comes the next part of recovering the access and rental charges from the other party. So despite you not being at fault in such incidents, there is that inconvenience to have to put up with.

Just another day

Guess the title of today's post says it all. The only thing that caught my attention was a SMS from my cousin who told me about 2 upcoming marathons in May and June next year. I wonder if there is enough time for me to train up for that. According to my cousin who is also an avid runner, she encouraged me (or rather threw me a challenge) to go for it. She herself is 40 this year and she completed her 1st marathon. Perhaps I should consider?

Rainy days are here again

It is the time of the year when the skies open up and it is wet all over. Needless to say, the rains will be heavy at times and it can go on and on for hours. Flashback about a year ago and I think many of you recall those horrid days when the rain just kept going on and on for a number of days which I cannot recall.

Happened to see on STOMP about various traffic mishaps and even serious ones. I think that in drizzles, the situation gets a lot worse. The main reason is that road users will brush it off and think it is still ok to drive at their normal speed. Only during heavy downpours do people slow down significantly.

I should be getting my car back either tomorrow or the day after. Then comes the tedious process of claiming back the damages from the other party. Hopefully it will not drag on for too long.

My candid shot

This was taken by one of the many photographers stationed at the end point. Despite the fatigue, I put on a nice smile! Haha, hopefully next year when I complete the full marathon I can display this same expression!!!!

Detailed analysis

In case the figures do not make sense, they were taken from the Stanchart Marathon post-race analysis where it shows vital information on the overall finishers plus how I fared in the various divisions:

Entire field: I am standing at roughly the 46% mark. This means that about 46% of finishers were ahead of me

Males: 52% of the males finished ahead of me (there are many stronger male runners ahead of me!)

Division: I am at the 48% mark.

Average time taken per km: 7min 14sec

Average speed: 8.3km/h

Stanchart Sg Marathon 07

I crossed the finish line in about 2hrs and 30mins. Although it seems that I finished slower than the previous 2 half marathons, I tried a different strategy today and in fact, I finished it with less strain and fatigue. I recall last year this time, I was hardly able to walk up and down the stairs. Ditto the Army Half Marathon in August this year. However, the strategy I adopted today paid off and I think it will be very helpful when I attempt the full marathon for the first time next year.

Throughout the run, the weather was very favourable and even a little cold at certain stages. However, what really warmed my heart was the great sportsmanship I witnessed whenever the masses saw the front runners for the full marathon passing by, they clapped and cheered them on. And if this was not good enough a bigger applause for those disabled and wheelchair bound participants. This really showed us able-bodied ones what true determination and perserverance is all about.

So I have completed all the running events for this year. I will be resting for a week or so before I start running again. Here's to Stanchart Sg Marathon 2008.

Early post

Decided to post now as I might not be online later in the evening. Since the much awaited running event is tomorrow, I will be turning in a little earlier this evening so that I have adequate rest for tomorrow's event. Will be waking up at about 3 am or so to eat and get ready before setting off at about 0345 hrs to pick YS. Plan to reach Raffles City by 0415hrs so that I can get a parking lot. Seems that this place will be very much sought after as it is the car park nearest the end point. I had a very painful lesson last year when I parked at Fort Canning. Imagine having to walk back there to get my car after a gruelling run and it is uphill as well. Since that lesson learnt, I decided to be very early for such events.

Flashback to last year when I ran my first half marathon. The excitement was great and throughout the whole 2h 20min, it was a great feeling especially when I crossed the finish line. This year, I will probably run my last half marathon in the Stanchart event as I intend to go for the full marathon next year. I still have the AHM/SBR 2008 as another practise for my half marathon before embarking on the full 42.195km come Dec 2008.