21st Birthday Celebration

Celebrated my 21st Birthday on the 29th of June 07. A week early, due to my bag packing trip from 010707 to 170707. It was really a memorable and enjoyable evening, shared with 24 of my close friends, family members and my cousin.

Preparation work actually begun on 270607, 2 days before the actual day. Grocery shopping, making the potato salad and making Konnyaku. It took a very time to get ready all the things, but seeing how the guest appreciate my home-made potato salad and konnyaku, I know my efforts were worth it.

On D-Day itself, 290607, Hong sheng and YY, ( his gf ) together with Mindy came over around 3.15pm to help me shift the barang barang over. Really appreciated HS for offering the help, couldn't have transported all my things over without his help. After transferring all the things up the mini van, we moved off to Aloha Loyang, Garden terrace E. Once there, everybody got down to shifting the things, and rearranging the things to get it ready for the party later. Soon, was down to wrapping the corn and sweet potatoes with the aluminium foil. It was then Fang came in, to give a helping hand too. As the saying goes, " Ren2 tuo1 hao3 ban4 shi4 ", everything was done up within the first 2hrs. and by 5pm, we were seated down at the table, chatting, relaxing. Mahjong was being played while waiting for the crowd to come.

Around 6.30pm, the buffet came in, and Fang had to leave. Kinda sad that she need to leave so early, but she tried to make up for it by coming earlier to help out. =) . Had no choice, but to pass her the cupcake to her first. ( with her name ). Took a few photos with her before leaving. The only person that I still keep in contact with from my Junior class. Glad that I kept in contact with her. A really nice friend.



Soon the crowd start to come in, bit by bit, starting to fill the space. Moving from different groups and entertaining everybody as much as possible. It was not easy to do so. Somehow, still neglected some of the guests. Felt bad for that... But at least I could see that most people were having fun and enjoying themselves.

Half way thru, I was rather high on Alcohol le. Drinking mainly wine and Alize Gold passion.. A mixture of Beer, wine and liquor, usually brings about a bit of intoxication. Was quite immune to the alcohol at one pt of time, that I was telling Jia Hui, that Alize Gold passion is just like Passion fruit juice.easy to take. Could see the sudden change in expression, when she took a sip down. Opps.. haha... Sorry Jiahui..

Part of the 03S12 that came ealier.


Around 9 plus the party has fully swing in to the high key. Everybody was enjoying themselves at different parts of the chalet, laughters could be heard everywhere. The last expected guest arrived around 9.45pm and it was time for cake cutting. Took out the Bdae cake, and the Mini cup cakes, personalised with each and everyone's name. Most of them were quite amazed by the cupcakes. Think out of the whole event, the cupcakes was the most memorable bring away for all of my invited guests. Something special, to make everybody remember my 21st Bdae. =p . The Birthday Song intiated by Daniel, ( Thanks Bro .. ) Was really loud and solid. Was really quite touched at the point of time, and when I was making a little short speech, thanking everybody for coming, I was actually controlling my emotions. How can I cry on my Big day. haha....

The cupcakes, and my Birthday Cake
.

Had a lot of fun taking photos with each and group of my friends. I was selective when coming up with the guest list. Making it even more meaningful, when this group of friends that I treasure, are sharing this special moment with me.

All good things comes to an end. That's when the cake cutting and the photo taking session was over. Everybody start to leave le. Only my army buddies and Seng kang gang went back late. That was when I actually had time to sit down and have a proper chatting time with them. In the end, around 1 plus, HS decided to go back, and he was very nice to offer to help me bring back some things. So my mum went back and unloaded the things. My mum was the unsung hero throughout the whole process. Quietly, doing everything for me, hoping that it'll go smoothly. Its just so nice and touching to know that my mum is doing so much for me. Thank you Mum..

around 4am, The sengkang gang decides to leave. leaving only Lynal and me to the whole chalet. It didn't matter, cos we were both rather tired le. Luckily Lynal, being brother enough, stayed and accompanied me for the night. And in the morning, he help me transport back the rest of the stuff. Don't know how it would have been, if he wasn't there. Me alone in the chalet? hmm... phew... at least it didn't happen.

Took photos of the present that I received. Being a sporty person by nature, most of the presents I received, was some how linked to it. haha... Practical and good for me to use.. Yeah...
Received a total of 1 long sleeve shirt, 3 t-shirts, one ripcurl back pack, one camelbak, one waist pouch, one timex, ironman watch, $140 Running lab voucher, $20 borders voucher and Godiva Chocolate. Was really surprised that my Army buddies got me the running lab voucher.. they know that I'm looking to buy a pair of running shoe. Thanks brothers. Will be eyeing for either Asics Kayano, or the Newface new edition trail running shoes. hehe...

Really amazed by the efforts that Sara put in for my bdae card. Didn't realise the whole thing was drawn up by her until I looked at it more carefully. It just look too GOOOoD. *clap *Clap *. Thanks Girl for the sweet effort.

More photos to be uploaded next time. ( didn't manage to get the photos before i pack up . ) Decided to blog it before I forget about some of the details. Flying off in another 8 hours time. Waking up in another 5 hours time. Yawnz.. still feeling tired from the partying last night.. Hopefully will have sufficient rest, and feel recharge for the Whole trip.

Yipee.. off to Laos and Cambodia for 17 days. Will be back.... time to sleep now... Zzz.

Last day of work

Today... The last day of work, after nearly 8 months there. Time really flies and I can still remember vividly the first day that I step foot in the AOS building, blur like sotong, entering a totally new environment. Fresh from ORD, on 071107 , I started working as a temp at Ayer Rajah Starhub, Technical Services Department on the 131107.

The first person that I got introduced to was Alice. A really nice lady would taught me much of my skills required to use the programme there. Patient and cheerful person by nature, she guide me through all the things that I need to know, including bringing me to the near-by places for lunch. Really appreciated her efforts in teaching me. Though she has her blur moments too. Will always remember her favourite phrase " The Issue is ... " never fails to start the sentence , with that, whenever we are in the middle of a debate or arguement. haha...

Alice



Next person that I got to know was Peiling. Always call her Ah ling, or Ling Jie, lately has been calling her Ah boi, cos of her short hair style. Initial first impression wasn't very good actually. Looks quite fierce, haha... but as I got to know her more, perhaps a few weeks later, realise she's quite a crappy and fun girl too. Quite reserve and quiet most of the time, choosing to remain silent and just give a smile only. Quite cute I would say.. Hehe.. My " sour plum " xiao jie, cos she's my constant supplier, whenever I'm sleepy, I would walk over to her cubicle and grab one. Also, a frequent kaki on the msn, chatting and gossiping about the malay village behind me.

Peiling


William, a veteran at the workplace. A unknown person to me virtually until a month or 2 later. Know him for his characteristic loud laughter and " yellow " jokes. Very funny person who never fails to crack a joke or 2 to lighten up the atmosphere. ( its normally very quiet ). Very helpful, and has his own principle in whatever he does. An ex-army specialist regular, would say regimental to a certain extend. On most days, he would greet me morning with a " Morning Sir " coupled with a salute. ( very sincere one, not those sloppy army fella ) Felt funny intitially but it soon became the trademark between the 2 of us. A really different feeling, since I've already left the army for quite some time, and someone is saluting me for it. Appreciated all the guidance and help he has given me. He believes in teaching how to fish rather than giving the fish. So I've actually learnt a lot of things from him, not only at work, but life lesson as well. =)

Guo Yong, A good buddy of mine at the work place. A temp converted to a Perm recently. Nice person who treats friends really nice. My crapping friend throughout my stint there, and often my kaki to " eat snake ". Will accompany him down to the smoking corner, ( though I hated the Cigratte smell ) but he's always being understanding, puffing away from me. And I need the walk and fresh air occasionally. So its fine. He shares some of my troubles at work, and gives sound and reasonable advice along the way. Too bad, he's being on course for the past 2 weeks, and currently still having reservist. Photo taken some time back. A friend worth keeping. Will definitely keep in touch with him..


Eugene, A fellow Temp staff, heading to NTU soon. Don't really know him that well, but still a friend that I've known there, Occasionally chatting and having fun there.



The present that they gave to me. As a farewell gift, as well as my 21st Birthday. Very nice and thoughtful of them. Didn't know that temp staff will also receive such things. Felt quite touched actually. Will remember this... Quite a cute card, with all their well wishes for my studies and future endeavour. Really a good feeling to leave the place knowing that I've left good impression with them.

( photo taken at a park near my students house )



All in all , its being an enjoyable working experience there, knowing so many new people from all sorts of background, sharing joy and laughter together. Though this job doesn't provide me with any relevant job experience in the future, I learnt quite a lot of life lessons, through the sharing and chatting sessions with all of them. ( I'm the youngest there ). Reflecting back, this 8 months really flies, many things has happened along the way, and I'm glad I've pulled through some of the toughest period, together with some of my colleagues here. Thanks all for the support, help and advice that has been given to me. Life would be so much different without you guys..

Cheers !!

Triathlon, costly and dangerious

Just read about the news of a 17yr old RJC student collapsing just metres away from the finishing line after clocking a PB for the SEA games Triathlon time trial qualification. He was pronounced dead shortly. Cause of death is still undergoing investigation. More and more such cases has been happening lately, the previous case was a army Major who collapsed during the Singaopore biathlon. Its really scary to know what is happening. Who would have thought such athletes, who are considered to be very fit to pass out and die out of a sudden.

Cardiac failure is most likely the main cause of the death, but what causes it, don't think there's a concrete research or evidence. Heard some ppl saying that it happens more often in multi-discipline sports. More prevalent in Triathlon and biathlon, partly because of the Swim in the open seas. The constant waves gushing up at the swimmer, and occasionally taking in a few glurp of sea water, filling the lungs with some water. Making the lungs and hearts working extra hard to get it out. Secondly, the waves would cause our body to feel as if we are drowning, and in normal circumstances where you are experiencing drowning, your heart pumps super fast, trying to gasp for air. So I presume in such situation, where most athletes passed away, it may be due to this, result of a Cardiac failure. Cos for sure, they are trained athletes. Their Heart can't be that weak. should be a Heart attack that causes it to fail.

Really worries myself though. Trying to pick up the sports and I'm surrounded by such accidents. I know my mum is very worried too. Especially with all the news reported. But she knows that she can't stop me from doing it. On my part, I have to ensure her that I will take the safety precautions, but I don't know how to prevent such cardiac failures, when experts don't exactly know what is the cause of it. To make matters worst, I've experience previous chest pain before, e.g. the heart murmur in March. ( going to Cardiologist in July for a check up) And before that, in Yr2, experiencing extreme pain in the chest area due to over straining and fatigue, given excuse from exercise for 3 months.

I've wanted to fully focus in training for triathlon, firstly it's a personal aim and achievement. Secondly, if possible, to represent the state in competitions. Though that's a far-fetch dream. Guess main thing is to enjoy the sports while doing so. I enjoy the adrenaline rush when taking part in races, and the sense of fufilment when completing it. Doesn't matter whether I'm ranked, as long as I complete it, I'm happy. Marathon is another Fav.

However, due to financial constrains, I've never been able to fully take part/ train in any sports or hobby. Its just too costly to do so. To start off a reasonable training for Tri, proper gears and equipments are required. A tri bike , -$2000, tri suit - $200, running shoes - $150, miscellaneous etc. easily hitting $4000 or more with the training supplements, coach, training session, etc. Singapore is so called trying to encourage sports in Singaporeans, but they are not providing the platform to do so. Many ppl are unable to do so cos of this limitations. I've some friends who are doing quite well in sports, E.g. a national cyclist/runner. but when he tried to get sponsor to take part in a race, he couldn't get any. and its just too costly to take part as an individual. So in the end, he gave up on representing the state and take it as a leisure/ recreation.

Most of the athletes that appear on the screen as successful and medals winners come from well to do family. Reason being, since young they are able to afford the coach, the equipments and the fees for the training sessions. They are able to provide the financial aspect for the kids to be successful. Its left to the kids, whether they have the talent to be develop. To nuture the next generation, not only time and effort is required, $$ is a muz to a certain extent. If Singapore continue doing such thing, aka " talk about big dreams, but no support" There will never be a day when Singapore is place on the global screen as a small country that has a sports champ. Take a look at the World Cup 2010 dream. Its just not going to happen, with the support they are giving. The best players available, a lot of them come from the ITE, but are never discovered, cos they quit playing when they stop school and enter the workforce to meet ends meet. Playing as a S.League player also don't earn much. Unless you are a foreign player.

Whatever the case is, I'll just make do with my dear MTB and train for the triathlon and hopefully have sufficient money next year to change to a proper tri-bike. and work towards my aim of completing an Ironman race.

3 Days to Go

Received a call in the morning around 10am from Vanessa. She was asking me whether I was at the SCamp,( science Camp), wanted to come over and say hi to me. But sadly I'm at work. Can't help it, since I chose to continue working even though I know the dates for the camp 2 months ago. Didn't have the mood at that point of time to take part in camps, that's why chose to work instead. And later in the afternoon, received msg from Yi hung, telling me how he's having fun at the Camp playing games. ROFL. Have to purposely tell me that. HahA. Aiyo.. make me feel left out.

This Reminds me of what happened last yr when Fang asked me whether she should take leave and go for the camps. I remember telling her to go for the camp, and make more friends and it would come in handy when doing project or having friends in the same modules. And now I am this yr, doing the opposite of what I advice people to do. WTH. haha..

Anyway, missing out all the camps was a known decision made by myself. So can't blame anything, but myself for feeling down at that point of time when I decided. E.g. Knowing I'll miss 3 camps, due to the Bag Packing trip and choosing to work and miss SCamp. Still I'll still be able to make it for SOW, the min I guess. Kinda Tired of going to Camp. 2 yrs in camp Is quite sufficient honestly. haha... Though its VERY diff..

Signed up for the Mizuno Wave run on the 22nd July, and Hs, has to remind me that there's another adventure race that I agree to join him, which falls on 20th July to 22nd july. Haiz.. Now have to waste the $20 reg fee for the run. But Guess for the fun, it should be worth it. Hopefully...

2 more working days to go... before I'll end my work here. So fast. Can hardly believe it.

Going to go for Tuition soon, Before taking a 3 week break. Feel kinda bad for missing so many lessons. But there seems to be no choice regarding this. Hopefully my student will be able to handle it...

Shagged out.

Just woke up not long ago at 11.30am. lol.. its been like 2 months since I woke up so late. All my previous weekends were busy with runs, outings/meetings and gatherings. Today is nothing special. SUPPOSED to wake up at 7am to run to bedok reservoir to meet the Sgrunners for a 15km recce run. Cos mizuno Wave run is coming soon. But I'm just too tired, can't wake up in time. Felt bad sending them aeroplane.

Got to know that there isn't any OT today yesterday at 4pm. A mix of happy and sad. Happy that I can take a break and have a well deserved rest, Sad that I can't get the 2X pay. nevertheless I'm already taking a break now, might as well make full use of it.

Went night cycling with Kenneth yesterday night, exploring Punggol. The Ulu Balu ku place. take so long before any car comes into sight. Kenneth's Fav Phrase " Gou bu la shi , niao bu shen dang " place. " dog don't shit, bird don't lay egg " haha.. its really isolated. explored a few places, including a 4km route into one of the country club. Was quite funny there... cos there were a few dogs chasing us behind a fence.. we didn't bother about it and felt safe because of the fence. BUT the dog just kept chasing us, going faster and faster. So both of us decided to pick up our pace and out pace the dog. Guess wat, down the stretch, there was an opening in the fence, and the dog ran out.. OH MY GOD!!. gave me a shock. haha... can't imagine what will happen if the dog chooses to bite me. haa.. lucky we had picked up the pace, and managed to shake it off. Phew...

Supposed to go to beach road or some bag packing shops to top up my accessories for next week's trip. But I guess I'm just too lazy to go out today. really hope I can delay buying it, but looking at my schedule, I don't think I have any free time.. Sighz....

Bought a new router and finally, I'm not illegally tapping my neighbour's wireless network.. haha... Also, topped up 1GB of ram to my notebook's current 1GB. it speeds up everything like more than 100%. Wow... shiok.. Can feel the obvious difference even by just booting up the com. Went to test out COH, and there's totally no lag anymore... laggi best. Really worth the upgrade. furthermore the prices of the ram is climbing up again. better get it fast before it shoots up skyhigh. All these thanks to Kenneth who bought it for me from Simlim, and transported and pass it to me at my place yesterday afternoon. Grateful to have such a helpful friend.

Random post

Today's post is a total random post, with no links in-between each paragraph. Just typing down the random thoughts that came into my mind.

Currently in office working OT. Zzzz... Slept "very early" this morning at 4.30am after the discussion at Jieyu's house for the Laos & Cambodia trip, Which for some reason always start at 11.30pm on a friday night, followed by Mahjong session. Woke up at 7.15am, dragging myself to work, Actually couldn't wake up in time, overslept, suppose to wake up by 7 to leave, so in the end, took a cab down. Using half of the $20 winning yesterday night to fund the taxi ride.

Fatigue is setting in. 6 days of insufficient rest. Still 4 more continuous days of work to come until next wed before I can take a break. 10 days of work without rest. but cos of the hectic workload this month, my income hit over $2k this time round. Hmm... best way of saving money is to be so busy till you got no chance to spend it. And that's what I'm experiencing now. All weekdays evening and weekends burnt. Even on rare occasion where there's nothing on, would rather go home and rest. No matter what, its still good to have a bit more $$ in pocket. Especially when Uni is abt to begin in another 1 mths time and I'm going to be unemployed once again.

Third Cup of Mocha for the day le. ( my fav mix of 3-in-1 nescafe mix with Milo ). Sustaining purely on caffeine. Need to detox my body after this week. If not soon will get immune to the effects of caffeine. Anyway, its not good for the body to take in too much of it, especially when I'm starting training for AHM and stand chart.

This few weeks, I feel I've retreated into my own shell. Not socialising much, going out or even working out. Seems to be returning to what I was when I was in sec 3, a "guai gia" who don't go out often, only spending time on gaming, CCA and studies. Perhaps its a good thing.. Some of the friends around me also commented that I've changed recently, I agree... to a certain extend ba. hmm.. To think back, it was in sec 3, that i started to open up myself due to somebody.

A funny thing that I realise, most of the female friends, if not all that I still keep in contact with are attached, and most of the guys are single, haha... funny trend. normally should have a healthy mix of both, don't know why this is happening. Perhaps its the environment ba. We've been in captive for too long le. Rawr!!

Cancelled trip

The long awaited Zoo trip was called off.. cos the response wasn't very good.. It started off with 2 person interested in going.. and more ppl joined in, about 6, but last min all decided against it.. and its left with the initial 2. haha... sad case. Still I don't mind going, but she's attached le.. and bf like not very willing to let her go... can understand why.... so ya.. have to postponed it to a later date.

Really wanted to visit the Zoo. The last time I was there was when I was 12 yrs old, on a school excursion. Kinda forgot how it look like already. Its being 9 yrs since. Heard that it has a tremendous make over, and its much more pleasant now. hmm... Will still try to make a trip down some time in July.

My supervisor ask me to work on both Sat and Sun this week, as there is expected increase in workload for this week. All the orders need to be close before the 7% GST hits the system on July 1st. So ya.. kinda hectic schedule for them. Wouldn't have agreeded to work on my only rest day if not because of the 1.5X on Sat and 2 X on Sunday. Earn a bit more extra $$ is always good. Anyway, won't be fighting by their side during the last few days cos I'd have been gone by then. Good luck to them.

Was walking around TM yesterday evening after eating at Cafe Cartel, celebrating for my dad's birthday. Realised that there's quite a bit of changes. Its just opposite my house and i pass by it everyday, but have not been in there for shopping for quite some time. Was looking for Sports connection, cos I want to buy the compass for the Trip. But its closed. Replaced by some ladies shop. ( as usual , more ladies shop ). The initial space where Courts was holding has been replaced by a few other smaller franchise. E.g. Casio, Hair Mechanics and some unknown brand shop, selling bags. Yeah... come to think of it, I've not been shopping for quite some time le. hmm.. should go and update myself on the current pricing and trends. Getting a bit laid back.

Took the notes from Jia Hui and Karen, for the first few modules that I should be reading during the first sem. Tried to read through it, and its tough. Not that its totally foreign, its just that its been quite some time that I need to memorise all these things. having a weak foundation doesn't help either. Mostly A level work, with a bit more detail here and there. Will try to read through it to aid the process of studying when the actual sem starts. Hopefully will have sufficient time to do so. Hmm... 2 weeks left perhaps?

Was looking at the HRM by timex. Measures the heart rate, and from the reviews and comments of friends who are using it, it aids the training process to make it more efficient and effective. but its a bit costly at $231. For the technology yes, for the design, perhaps not.. Haha... Will see how first... If I train hard enough to get IPPT gold, I'll reward myself by getting this watch and a new pair of running shoes for this season's Marathon. $400 should be just sufficient to buy a $231 watch+ $170 pair of shoe. perhaps the Asics Kayano 2007, or the Adidas Wave.

Need to start making proper use of my running shoes and make them run, instead of walking to and fro from home n office. Must make the soles work for their worth. Little belly is coming out, *Yucks * time to shave off the excess flabs. Muz get cracking!!!.. Where's my Motivation?!? Arh...