Wanting It

The reality of my 28th Birthday

2012-01-26T12:10:00.002+08:00

Dreaming is always one of my favourite things to do. So back in December, I drafted out my birthday plan. Now, having a plan is one thing and realising it is another. Here was how I bridged the gap.

The day I checked in to Zackry Guest House, I was rolling it out slowly. Had a simple lunch at a nearby Malay restaurant. Then I headed out to the Cenang beach. I was totally amazed by the fine sand and all I wanted to do was to swim in it. Well, too unfortunate that I had some rashes over my body, I decided not to. Instead, I camped on the beach with a Strongbow, iPod Touch and a book. Of course, I spent much time doing the necessary, bought a new pair of slippers, hunted for holiday sunnies, chocolate, beer and a white dress and surprisingly, a royal purple chandelier. By dusk, I headed for dinner and walked back to Pantai Tengah.

Next I knew, I was chilling in my room, hoping to do a full marathon first thing in the morning. Hugo gave me a call and sang me a birthday song as I demanded in my sms. Seriously thought that was real awesome of him. Must be one of my biggest blessings to have him as a friend in my life. Well, many people wished me Happy Birthday on Facebook which I dreaded because I think a birthday wish is only a birthday wish when it's done personally not slapped on the Facebook wall. On a side note, someone stayed up to wish me happy birthday. :)

Truth was, I was scared and am always scared to sleep alone. I didn't sleep well all night, I woke up at 11 am and was feeling groggy. By the time I had my breakfast and shower, it was noon. Contemplated for awhile and decided that the sun was permissive as it wasn't too hot. So I finally hit the roads, I ran towards Awana Porto Malai and it was a short 2km from where I was staying. I headed back to those main roads and my plan was to run 21km in one direction so when I head back, it would be a full marathon. Here comes the funny part, the more I ran the hotter it got. By 13km, the blazing hot sun was a big turn off.

For the first time in my life, I was in middle of nowhere and stood by the roadside and waved at motorists to hitch a hike back to my place. By the 3rd attempt, I threw in a "Tolong" and a motorist stopped. He sent me to back to Cenang Beach. Still it was too hot, I went to the beach side again and was chilling under a shady tree. Well, I fell asleep on the beach. By 4 or 5 pm, I woke up to a late lunch. Headed back to the guest house and showered and I was winding down to read a book and suddenly this Aussie guy and his mom came walking in.

He first thought I was a worker there. We were quick to exchange what we did in a day. His mom told me that my English was all right and that there was this guy from China who speaks good English too. Now the best part was - he runs. Amazing! Well, a mere conversation then led to a dinner. So I met the guy from China. As we talked, we figured we were all heading to Penang. It was too awesome.

After dinner, we headed back, it was a walk filled with beers and birthday songs on encore. It was such a blessing. By the time we got to the hostel, I was sleepy and the Aussie guy persuaded me to hang out at Babylon where there was cheap beers and good music. The best part was everyone in the hostel was heading to Babylon. We all squeezed in to a taxi which was actually a van. I had another birthday song and probably another beer. It was a random evening, talking to everyone, we even talked to the tattoo artist who said he got a tattoo on his dick. Hmm...

Finally, had the chance to wade water in the dark, it was so comforting to the feet. It was so dark, the end seemed and felt infinite. I looked up and I couldn't miss the sight of Orion. There were more stars than I ever imagined. Anyway, by 3 am, I headed back as I was too tired. Bumped into 2 random guys from Penang and exchanged Facebook contact and they were sweet enough to send me back to the hostel.

Something worked out as per my plan and others were unexpected pleasant surprises. Mostly, I guess I must had attracted those special moments. For back in March 2010, I had my first trip to Langkawi, I was full of sadness but when I saw the starry sky from the window of his car, it was my only comfort. At that point, I told myself, I must be back to Langkawi for a second time. The only difference in the second time was that I would bring a cheerful heart along my trip.

And on that night, I slept like a baby...

full of zest for life on my 28th birthday,
wanting

A month long celebration

2012-01-14T10:22:00.001+08:00

There is something that would make my life happier. For my birthday, I wish I can eat all my favourite food with my family and friends.

I don't know what others think but I think it's achievable and realistic.

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.3

Friday Receipt

2011-12-16T10:29:00.000+08:00

Saturday - 10/12

It's the beach cleaning day!
Woke up at 4.50 am. Help! It's already a sign my body is tired from too much activities. Redbull and teh tariks didn't work anymore. Dangerously falling asleep in my car when driving to work and home. T.T

Still managed to smile though

Sunday - 11/12

My brother's wedding. Finally the long awaited event.

The brothers discussing on the route to the bride's place.

Woke up early today to dress up and be the photographer of the day! Yay.

Bro and I

Somehow I feel sad... my brother will love someone else more than me. Sighhhhhh... Guess people don't understand where I am coming from. Of course they don't. They don't have a brother who protects them like mine does.

Monday - 12/12

Scrambling scrambling. Finally finished some reports. PHEW!
I felt good and slept before 9 am. Superb.

Tuesday - 13/12

Woke up at 6.30 am and stole a chance to read my storybook in the morning. :)

Terrific Tuesday: Let's Vomit Some Alco

2011-12-13T10:18:00.001+08:00

Terrific Times = Big Events

Okay, because of that equation my mind paused a little. I have to revise the formula.

Terrific Times = Happy Events < Big Events > Small Events = Happy Events

Okay, whatever my revision of the formula means, I am just trying to say terrific times just means times that put a smile on my face.

One of the more random things I did was to hang out with a Chimp along with some Baileys, Japanese potato wine, milk, ice and some glasses. It was by the sea in the evening with much breeze to blow away some melancholy.

Months ago, way back in February, I started running by that 4 blue pillars in Sungai Pinang. That was the time when I ran to run away from something but not anymore now. By that time, I visited this place for a drink, it was my first reflection that my wounds were healed. That is terrific number 1.

That evening, was full of laughter and stories sharing. I remember I kept saying, I didn't understand why would people drink until they puke. Soon after, I was like on a sleepy spell - dying to doze off. I think I asked for the Chimp's permission. "Err, I need to sleep. Talk to you in awhile."

Before I knew it, I puked right there and then.

I was awake again.

And ushered home almost immediately.

That was my first time puking from drinking. Terrific number 2.

There was a big white bird flying in the sky. I only wish there were more stars. It was an amazing sight. We both kept quiet and watched the bird circling, crossing high above our heads and flying off to the distant unknown navy blue sky. Terrific number 3. Don't ask why that is terrific, it just is. You go to a bar for a drink, you see yourselves. We drank in the open, the bird shared a moment with us - and that money can't buy.

Thanksgiving Monday: My Brother's Wedding and all those Goals!!~

2011-12-12T13:38:00.001+08:00

I'm restricting this post to a strict 5-minute write up. Pardon the briefness.

It's Thanksgiving Monday again. Time sure flies.

I'm thankful...

that my brother's wedding went smoothly despite the chaos.

that I got to meet all my relatives and friends at my brother's wedding.

that my family got to spend some time together. This is a definitely year of change. Over my aunt's death like 3.5 months ago and over my brother's wedding 3.5 months later, my family got to spend more time together than ever - over grief and over joy. I think that is what family is meant to be. I love everyone of you all. :) I only wish my cousin, Khai Ling was around.
for the goals I set out and achieved this year:

no coffee for 1 year! YES!
6 runs in a year! YES! achieved 9 runs and 1 walk. As of today, a total of 69 workouts logged worth 540.27km.
weight gained 4.4kg. YES! Was a permanent 47kg, weighed 51.4kg as of 10 December 2011.
to do what is in my vein. I feel the transformation. More details to be revealed.
change of colour. YES! Bronzed and shiny.
pierced my nose. YES!

I am really really thankful to be given what I wanted. It's all coming back to me. Thank you God for listening for for giving me a second life.

Thank you so much, my humble soul forever indebted.

Friday Receipt

2011-12-09T10:30:00.000+08:00

Saturday - 3/12
Worked till 2 pm.
Drove home and drove to the airport.
Departed Penang. Spoke to a random stranger who looked like a punk and he happened to be a hotelier in Renaissance Hotel KL where I stayed during Standard Chartered Maraton KL! Small world.
Arrived Singapore at 7 pm.
Took a cab to Marina Bay to collect race pack.
Commuted to Bedok.
Met Yee San's aunt and she took me out for dinner. She was really really kind. :)
Had some chat and showered and called it a night.

Sunday - 4/12
Woke up at 4.30 am.
Took a cab to Vivocity at 5 am.
Long queue for baggage deposit.
Late for the run by 15 minutes. *sobs*
Much human traffic jams in Sentosa. Totally demotivated to run.
Completed the run in 3 hours and 15 mins. Yay, broke a frigging record for being slow. ARGH!
Another queue at the finishing line to collect water and medal.
Rested and made my way back to Harbourfront. Had a Superdog which was super good.
Finally met a new friend, Jermaine.
Had a scrumptious ramen and caramel cheese cake. Got my first Xmas pressie from her. Thank you, thank you so much! *muaks muaks*
Visited the Ode to Art with Jermaine. As boring as it may sound, this is probably my favourite thing to do.
Met up with Hui Wen for a Korean dinner.
Gone home and showered.
Bedtime talk with Yee San. So nice. :)

Monday - 5/12
Had breakfast with Yee San's aunt, had another long talk. She tried to buy me some clothes but I paid her back. Too much trouble for her. >.< Love her cheerful and light hearted ways.
Flew back to Penang
Took a public bus and walked home
Drove out almost immediately for a dinner at Korean Palace, Tanjung Tokong

Tuesday - 6/12
Trying to survive work. Lol.
Paying the price for all the physical torture. "Self-inflicted deserves no sympathy" quoted from a running friend and he has to emphasize on "self-inflicted".
Painted something for Hugo.

Wednesday - 7/12

Fixed up Christmas decor in the office - with whatever scraps we may find.
Had to decline the committee dinner due to feeling too tired. T.T
Gone home to find Luffy a changed dog!

Thursday - 8/12

Made my Secret Santa Christmas wish.

Fri - 9/12
Watched Arthur's Christmas with Cecilia, our first date. :)
Dinner at 600CC. Yumz.

Future Fantastic Wednesday: Merry Xmas and a Different-Kinda-Happy New Year

2011-12-07T10:08:00.001+08:00

Today is a gift. That's why we call it the present.

As much as I wanted to venture into the other spectrum of the future. I can't help feeling excited over the coming Christmas and New Year. As I'm typing this out, there's a smile brimming and I can feel my aura reaching out to sunshine.

Here's a little wish list:

speakers
sunnies
candies
turkey
a good timing for the coming 25km Newton Challenge
pressies of anything from people who give a damn about me
pressies to everyone I give a damn about :)
chocolate
a caramel macchiato from Starbucks after 1 January 2012 (my 2011 goal was to quit coffee for a year)
last but not least, i wish the earth is a little greener and continues to be a beautiful place

In joy that everything is going well.

Love,

wanting

Terrific Tuesday: Family Dinners and Reunion

2011-12-06T11:17:00.000+08:00

I find it hard to think of terrific times in my life. Must be my terribly poor memories. When there are some memories playing in mind, I wonder if they are terrific enough to be blogged.

In an honest account, when the phrase "terrific memories" come into my mind, the images that conjured up easily have been times spent with Joe. Along in Gurney Drive, holding hands walking back home and stuff. He gave me a Forever Friends teddy on my 20th/21st birthday. One of the Valentine's Day he waited all day for me to finish work. Really simple events but gave me lots of genuine happiness to last a lifetime or that he tried cooking me breakfast in the morning. That's about terrific times that popped up without me trying too hard.

And people talk about moving on and stuff. So, well, I think my next happiest thing is to be able to dine with my family members and to be out together with them. I really appreciate all those happy memories. They are terrific because they are my pillar of strength and love and the true reason, why I enjoy living and breathing at all.

Perhaps it's true, happiness isn't rocket science.

Thanksgiving Monday: For everything in Singapore

2011-12-05T11:56:00.000+08:00

Thank you...

all the good food found - Superdog, Aoba Ramen, Watabi
to Jermaine for meeting up with me and for Xmas pressies
to Yee San and family for offering me refuge and the pillow talk was awesome
to the taxi drivers though the fares were burning holes in my pocket
to the Dr. Dre headphones for being a loyal friend who plays soothing music to my ears

Lunch in Vivocity. Don't I look like a cute Japanese? Haha.

It's truly the best hotdog - not just in town - but in my entire life.

Dinner in Watabi.

Too many people in the SCMS. Wasn't a run that I enjoyed. Trust me I tried psycho-ing myself all the way, telling myself, it was good but it wasn't to me.

This is proven untrue now.

Finally all runs in place. No more runs in 2011. Ending the year slowly in nothing but sheer joy. Thank you god for watching over me and my legs.

Friday Receipt

2011-12-02T13:45:00.000+08:00

It's a blessed week. Well done!

Saturday - 26/11

Painted the scary rabbit with a watch.
Attended Yee Ting's wedding.
Took a bus to KL.

Sunday - 27/11

Touched down at almost 3 am. Thanks to scary rabbit for picking me up!
Completed the Nike Run!
Banana Leaf Rice for lunch

Dinner at Nandos

Monday - 28/11

Went for Dim Sum in the morning.

Then to KLCC. Bought some acrylic. :)

Took a bus home safely. Bought some tong sui along the way and it started raining.

Tuesday - 29/11

Back to work!

Wednesday - 30/11

Farewell dinner with Hong Yu at Ingolf. Love the food!
Plan to watch some tv but ended up in Soho with an ex-school mate. Very random.
The night I was introduced to Guiness.

Thursday - 1/12

Dined at Little Nyonya again with my favourite sambal petai.
Looking forward to an exciting 2012!

Fri - 2/12

Dinner at Healy Macs
Maybe it's worth writing since it's a first time, I had a Guiness, Strongbow and Baileys.
Went home at 9 pm. I am a good girl.
It was great fun with loads of laughter.

Thursday Dear Eldest Aunt

2011-12-01T16:12:00.001+08:00

"You are the Light of my life" and that resonates truly like an endless echo in my entire life and being.

Nobody is perfect in this world yet in our imperfections we strive to be a better person. For the simple woman you are, you have doted on me all your life. It was like as if you were meant to love me from the moment I was born.

A friend gave me this pot of cactus before he left the company. I watered it and cared for it yet it was dying eventually. I brought it home and my eldest aunt tended to it and it's growing beautiful and tall now.

In a bigger example, I studied in KL, got myself all rotten and sent myself home, my aunt and my family tended to me and I was well again.

You might not have an idea what you meant to me but I'm grateful to have such light like yours to shine me through dark paths.

Future Fantastic Wednesday: On my 28th Birthday

2011-12-01T15:03:00.001+08:00

This is really exciting because my birthday is coming SOON and all I want to do is to bask in the sun and tan my cheeks and maybe my butt cheeks too.

Location: LANGKAWI.

Secondly, this is exciting because it will mark my true first time travelling alone. There will be absolutely no one on the other end to take me around and to babysit me.

On the most important point, after all the noise in my life, I just want to shut down quiet and still. Mental detox will be the right phrase. Strangely, I'm hoping I can keep quiet, as in like not talk for maybe 8 hours. In case of doubt, I could be doing that when I'm sleeping.

I promise myself that I will not be chicken shit when I travel. I shall not fear ghosts, butterflies or humans for that matter. I shall absolutely not fantasize of the nether world.

Now, let's talk about the awesome part of this trip. I will be reading book(s) probably something from Chelsea Handler so I can have a good laugh and drinking a beer under the hot sun, yes, I mentioned 1 bottle of beer only. I would walk along the whole stretch of beach. I would get a map and rent a car/bicycle and roam around.

There'll be photographs, sun tan oil, sunglasses, fruit punch, some chocolate, bikini and me. Oh yeah, there'll be my birthday cake/cupcake too.

I want to be gazing stars in the evening and trace the constellations one by one. Back to basic beginning with Orion.

Oh yes, I will be doing a run in the morning and a run as the sun sets. Now, contemplating to pack up some canvas and paint. For all I know, I could be inspired by something under the sun.

This already feels awesome! Happy Birthday!!!

On a side note, Langkawi is a beautiful place to me. I love anywhere green with a vast sky and an endless horizon. Unfortunately, the first time I went there just didn't turn out to be a happy experience. Of all the places, I chose to go to Langkawi, it is none other than to redeem a poor first experience. I promise this trip will be nothing short of wonder, amazement, genuine joy and "care-freeness".

If you are kind enough to leave a comment, let me know where to chill out in Langkawi. :)

This, Enya's Anywhere Is, feels exactly like the right song of the moment.

The turn I have just taken
The turn that I was making
I might be just beginning
I might be near the end.

xoxo

wanting

Terrific Times Tuesday: A scene from First Love

2011-11-29T20:27:00.001+08:00

It's easy to write a post about being thankful. Now, I'm a little stuck with this assignment of writing about terrific times in my life. Shucks, does it mean that I don't have anything worth remembering in the past?

In all my honesty, there was a few years' gap in the recent past of which I spent in the rut. Somehow, after several blinks, there's a giant rebound, suddenly, I'm like up in heaven now.

Ok, I shall explore older memories. Maybe one of the most terrific times in my life was that last day Joe was in Penang - probably back in 2002(?). He packed everything up to migrate to Australia. He waited for me at Gurney Hotel, somewhere near to Starbucks. So here's a goodbye plot.

As I approached the stairs, he hid this baby Dalmatian plush toy behind his back. That was a farewell gift to me. We were teenagers and were just learning to hug. It was a first true love. I think it was probably the longest hug in my life. I could miss him forever (true enough).

Okay, that's the end of the story.

How is that terrific times?

I'll tell you money can't buy. I'll tell you that it will never have a take two. I'll tell you that it was a blossoming flower that thinks it will never die.

Doesn't matter how it ended. The purity of this emotion is enough to last a lifetime.

Not needing your approval, this is my definition of terrific.

Thanksgiving Monday: For everything in KL

2011-11-29T19:52:00.001+08:00

It's already Tuesday and I'm writing about Monday. Well, better to have written than not at all.

About what to feel thankful for, I think I've got a million things to say.

After the run

Early morning maybe like 6 am?

Rank #88 with a timing if 1 hour and 5 mins. Bravo! Not bad considering I hadn't slept at all.

After the run

After the run, in the VIP tent.

Before the run, at the starting line.

Thankful that Nike We Run KL was so fun and so blessed to know new faces. Everything was exciting and cool. Full of surprises.
Thankful that I'm still energetic despite not having enough sleep over the weekend due to the run.
Thankful that Yee Ting invited me to her wedding. It was a great honor to be able to be there with her. I wished I could do more for her as a friend. But I can see that she's very very well blessed with a great number of good friends to celebrate her big day. I can only be envious. I pray that she is always loved and cared for and may her new life be a blessed one. As a friend, I feel genuinely happy for her. Thank you so much for everything. It's a great gift to be able to be your friend at all.
Thankful for another good luck sms from Ando to check on how my run was.
Thankful that I'm missed by Gladys. :) *meow*

Banana leaf rice to entice

Utmost thankful that Hugo offered me refuge, in more ways than one. What used to be a little post-SPM exam boy showed me the big brotherly side of him. Oh yeah, no matter what the age or which family, he is always the big brother and I'm always the youngest sister. Thankful that I was given an opportunity to say what I had always wanted to say on my deepest fear but never had the guts to because I always put on a steel front. Hanging out with you is probably one of the greatest pleasure in my life. Thanks for letting me drive your car too. It was my first time driving a car which is not a Kelisa. I can't wait to hang out with you again.

Just in time for my transition, thankful that I was given what I asked for. I got the Dr. Dre iBeats earphones from a really really good looking guy (so good looking, I've got an aching crush over him). Truth be told, it is really one of those rare times in my life to receive such expensive gift. I don't know what I do to deserve it but I'm just totally thankful.
Thankful that I was picked up at Pudu and sent by to Pudu by Hugo's parents safely.
Thankful for all the new faces I met along the way.
Thankful for all the meals that saved me from hunger.
Thankful that my cousin sent me to and picked me up from Sungai Nibong's bus stop. We had to endure the terrible rain as we rode home on the bike. The first thing when I saw you, I felt like giving you a giant hug. I love you so much, world's most loving cousin ever, ever.
Speaking of which, thankful that my cousin has been helping financially so I can cope with my extensive travelling.
Thankful that Luffy was around to welcome me home.
Essentially, I'm thankful that my happiness is genuine. Thankful that my heart is pumping, I had a bit of a migraine, my brain was restless and my legs felt tired. Thankful that everything is a sign that I'm alive.
Thankful that I'm loved and cared for and that God is watching from above.
Thankful that E is reading this and for listening to my nonsense.
Oh yeah, thankful for the silent moment so I am able to reflect now in peace.
Finally, thankful that Monday was a public holiday so that I was able to hang out in KL a few hours more.

p/s: A run is just a run but in many ways, I do not run alone. It didn't happen with me doing the just registration. Much logistics and planning are involved. Wouldn't be successful without everybody's kindness. For that, my humble heart is forever indebted.

Love,

xoxo

wanting

Friday Receipt

2011-11-26T10:30:00.001+08:00

To list down all the things that went well for me over the week, it's going to be a long one read.
So bear with me. *winks*

Saturday

Iris' gatecrashing went well.
Iris' solemnization went well.
Iris' wedding went well.
Iris' video and music playlist went well.
The flight back to Penang went well.

Sunday

The Penang Bridge 2011 half-marathon went well.
The nasi kandar and cendol in Penang Road went well.
The body and legs took the run well.

Monday

Can't remember what I did on Monday by now but surely don't remember having Monday blues. :)

Tuesday

7 pm sleep went well.

Wednesday

Request for transfer went well. Personal assurance from the Man himself. :)

Thursday

Unbarring of the handphone lines went well.

Fri

6.30 pm, 4.25km run for sunrise went well.
Activation of credit card went well.
Pitching for Plan B in progress, guess, that must be a good start.
9 pm sleep went well.

The book says write down everything that went well over the week but I reckon I shouldn't be in denial. There's a big hole in my pocket by now. Let's look forward to rectify this mess.

Some Paintings: I want a Nike Watch!

2011-11-25T17:14:00.001+08:00

A doodle attempt but hey, I would love to have a Nike GPS watch too. Sexy and I know it.

Pre-Nike We Run KL 2011

2011-11-24T16:23:00.001+08:00

The long awaited Nike We Run KL is happening this Sunday, 27 November 2011. Hurray, hurray! This is my race pack collected by virtual running friend. Nicely sent me a photo so I can at least take a look. Though I haven't got to see or touch it yet since I'm located in Penang, I saw the "priority access" label there. Hmm, I wonder what is in store for me on that day. Totally, totally excited.

I got this photo from the Nike Running Malaysia facebook fanpage. The good news is my team got 7th place! Kudos to team A.D.. Hehe. Nike sure know how to win people's hearts.

Okay, only a few more days to go. I'm still recovering from Penang Bridge Run last Sunday, 20 November 2011. Hopefully I can do a warm up run tomorrow. >.<

Thursday Dear

2011-11-24T14:47:00.001+08:00

Dear Happiness,

You inspired me to give you a face. Thanks for staying around and for giving me much joy in life. There's so much to look forward to and every moment is a blessing. I feel you right there, Happiness.

This photo taken this morning. Camwhore! >.<

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Future Fantastic Wednesday: 2012

2011-11-23T10:36:00.001+08:00

2012 was the name of that movie about world destruction. How dark...

How I would love my life to be?
If God decides to take everything back, there's nothing much I can do. No regrets, I have lived it fully in 2011. Well, with the assumption that 2012 is happening right on - I'd love to be spending more time with Mother Nature.

What will I be doing?

I would love to be hiking hills and mountains - hopefully Mount Kinabalu, some hills in the picturesque China and Penang Hill. I want to do bird watching and run by the sea and in the garden again and again. Would be nice to be cycling by the lake in Kampar too. Here's a promise to Dave, visiting SuZhou is a must in 2012!

The plan for a full marathon is in the picture of course. As mentioned, depending on my satisfaction over my half-marathon timing first.

Most of all, it must be nice to be polishing apples or working as a tv production crew in New Zealand - the land where Lord of the Rings was filmed! Don't misunderstand, I haven't given up on this dream but I have health concerns. Well, this will be an ongoing plan. I shan't give up!

Oh yeah, 2012 will be the birth of my home. Yes, my very home. I can't wait to turn it into an art gallery. There'll be the L-shape kitchen and the L-shape sofa and a nice hotel bed with sexy sound system. *feeling the fuzzy warmth of home*

I wouldn't say everything is firm but what is in the blood is in the blood. Feels like a total transformation to be able to go back to the media, marketing and communication side. Yahoo!! Now this is polishing apples and diamonds for me. Wish I could tell my professors, hey, I'm back. I wanna let you know that your 3 years of educating me didn't go to waste.

Hopefully, with alternate Saturdays off, there will be lots and lots of cooking time, photography time and reading time. Talking about reading, target is to read one book a week and 50 books a year.

What has gone really well?
Since this post is about the future, I want to say everything goes well. My family is healthy and my Luffy is happy and loved. There'll always be good food on the table. Hopefully my brother and wife and best friend and hubby get a kid and my nephew grows up cheeky. Hopefully God keeps watching right above me. All applications go well.

Who am I with?
Everyday with my family and Luffy. Nobody is permitted to leave! But at 27 - turning 28 soon - I guess it's time to grow up. Dang, as I am writing this, I have to keep reminding myself not to be pretentious. Here's the honest answer, I hate to be a grown up (typical Peter Pan syndrome). I really wish I could remain small and eat home cooked food everyday. I want to be with my family all the time, the Sunday breakfast and cooking for them too and chill out for makan and movies with my beloved cousins and bully and have small talks with my brother.

Apart from the integral component, I want to be with my friends. Everyone here at my workplace and random friends out there. With my best friend too, check out her wedded blissful life.

On the love side, if there's going to be one - great. Guess there's no harm writing in the criteria for fun. I found an Alanis Morrisette song that fits the bill well. Whatever I care for, already highlighted in pink. :)

"21 Things I Want In A Lover"
Do you derive joy when someone else succeeds?
Do you not play dirty when engaged in competition?
Do you have a big intellectual capacity but know
that it alone does not equate to wisdom?
Do you see everything as an illusion
but enjoy it even though you are not of it?
Are you both masculine and feminine, politically aware, and don't believe in capital punishment?

These are 21 things that I want in a lover
Not necessarily needs but qualities that I prefer

Do you derive joy from diving in and seeing that
loving someone can actually feel like freedom? Are you funny and self-deprecating, like adventure, and have many formed opinions?

These are 21 things that I want in a lover
Not necessarily needs but qualities that I prefer
I figure I can describe it since I have a choice in the matter
These are 21 things I choose to choose in a lover

I'm in no hurry; I could wait forever
I'm in no rush cause I like being solo
There are no worries and certainly no pressure In the meantime I'll live like there's no tomorrow

Are you uninhibited in bed, more than three times a week, up for being experimental?
Are you athletic?
Are you thriving in a job that helps your brother?
Are you not addicted?

These are 21 things that I want in a lover
Not necessarily needs but qualities that I prefer
I figure I can describe it since I have a choice in the matter
These are 21 things I choose to choose in a lover

Terrific Tuesday: So funny Natalie

2011-11-22T09:51:00.001+08:00

In early 90s, mom bought me this Baby Face Doll, her name is Natalie. She bought it for me for an obvious reason - I laughed with that kinda big mouth smacked on my face. Having the doll was terrific times for me. Though the doll was long gone, it's a toy that stuck in my brain forever and even on my mom's mind. I guess, mom's happy to have a crazy laughing daughter too.

Thanksgiving Monday: For Everything in Singapore and Penang

2011-11-22T09:30:00.001+08:00

Kevin and Iris' Wedding

Thanks for inviting me to your wedding. It was a joy to be spending the moment with the two of you as well as your families.
Thanks for picking me up from Hougang despite your very busy day.
Thanks for all those angpows.
Thanks for the fact that everything went well and everyone was supportive and great.
Iris, I couldn't thank you more... I love spending every single moment with you. You're the sweetest person I ever know. :)

Penang Bridge Run 2011 on 20 November 2011

The Penang Bridge Run had got to be my best run ever. I'm talking about the experience. The breeze and the weather were a blessing. It was inspirational to be running on the bridge at 3 am.

To my family and friends:

Thanks to my brother and mother for sending me off to the airport. We had so much laughter in the car. I almost forgot I was a very very happy child when I was young.
Thanks to my brother for parking my car in Queensbay so when I touched down Penang I could sleep in the car before the half-marathon race.
Thankful to cousin sister for picking me up from the airport.
Thanks again for all the phone calls from my cousin, brother, mother and aunt to check on me whether I was all right before and after the right.
Thanks to Andrew and Natalie for wishing me luck in my run.
Thanks to Luffy for greeting and hugging me the moment I got home.

To God:

Thanks for a very smooth sailing journey and for protecting me throughout.

What can happened within two days can be that little or that much. I had my nervous moments from missing a flight once, from dying flat out from runs due to dehydration and lack of energy and trainings and from running out of money. After all, it's only my second half-marathon. I have reasons to be nervous when travelling and running, I guess. Anyway, I am totally thankful that everything went well.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I know you're watching over me, right above me. *winks*

Rock to Rock Run 2011

2011-11-17T14:35:00.000+08:00

PRE-Penang Bridge Run 2011

2011-11-17T13:26:00.001+08:00

Yes and it is happening this Sunday. Very excited and I can feel my adrenaline rushing day by day. It's only my second half marathon. I hope I survive it. Praying hard that there'll be no injury. I love the pink tee. It's like Adidas King of the Road except that the side is white instead of yellow.

This is my second Penang Bridge Run. Wish me lots of luck.

Feels like I need some Baileys now.

Mew.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Monkey D Luffy

2011-11-17T13:15:00.001+08:00

Feels great to be able to draw and have inspiration.
- a word from the doodle artist, Dee

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Dear Iris

2011-11-17T11:08:00.001+08:00

Just want to take a moment to let you know that you mean a lot to me. In my entire life, one of my greatest blessings is to have you around - though not physically. All the times we have together is gold. Thanks for giving me this golden opportunity to spend that important moment with you and your family.

You are definitely that flick of light to me - always warming, comforting and enlightening. A joy to be with and with much humour and thoughtfulness and care for others.

Surely, you are the light to many others too, like Kevin. :)

So glad and happy that your wedding is going to take place this Saturday. It's the moment, we've all been waiting for and excited about. I can only imagine you looking like a princess from a fairy tale. Just want to let you know that I love you so much and I'm so happy for you, Mrs. Lee.

Just impulsively, I feel like taking an orange chalk and scribble on your dress "nice sweet innocent ass". Lol.

As the Iris blooms,
the world makes way,
and there she goes,
walking down the aisle,
bright in her smile,
radiant being herself.

Looking at You

2011-11-06T21:18:00.000+08:00

Staring at your face in the photo, can't help thinking, you are still so you yet when you talk to me you cease being yourself. I don't remember seeing that side of yours. You certainly didn't seem to enjoy putting that on yet you do and it aches to think it has to pause this way of all the possible outcomes.

"Everybody deserves a closure" a friend said in consolation.

Here, I hear the clock ticking in the distance yet I am still waiting, I shan't give up hopes.

I think this is the song, You Oughta Know by Alanis Morrisette but please minus the anger because I don't feel it. There's so much you oughta know but you just don't. Of course, you've got no obligations to.

"I want you to know, that I'm happy for you
I wish nothing but the best for you both
...
And every time you speak her name
Does she know how you told me you'd hold me
Until you died, til you died
But you're still alive"

And other times, it feels like this song by Adele, Someone Like You, but not entirely but surely "sometimes it lasts but sometimes it hurts instead".

But seriously, neither songs are good depictions on my feeling and experience. Maybe I should write my own lyrics instead. Here's an attempt:

Too much struggles in the past,
Left me choking and drowning,
Tried waving for help,
Tried keeping silent,
Kept struggling to keep myself alive.

Yeah, the harder I tried,
the more rapid I died,
in the heart and in the soul,
living as if there's no tomorrow,
but do you even know,
the mess I was left with as
you were busy with your love?
Oh, love.

This pain humbled me
Got me on my knees
I followed the flow
suddenly I was afloat
living and breathing all over again.

As I stepped into light,
All I wanted is a flight
away from these woes,
and bury the leftovers,
we could move on in peace.

What were you thinking?
Have you thought too high
of yourself?
I just wanted nothing more
than an end.

I just wanted nothing more
than to cleanse.

A 4.17 km Drag

2011-11-05T11:50:00.001+08:00

Run run run... felt sick and I felt better after running. Thanks!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

A Week in a Post

2011-10-31T10:30:00.002+08:00

Instead of talking about my one Sunday, I shall stuff in a week of happenings here.

23/10, Sun
As mentioned in previous post, went back to work in the morning and gone to Dome with Elisa for a luxurious breakfast and spent the day at gym. 22.44km.

24/10, Mon
Went to the gym again and did a 10km run.

25/10, Tue
Woke up feeling my limbs were not my limbs. Was stoning at work all day until a Redbull came to save my life. Then again, it was already 4 pm. Since I was awake, I decided to work. Then it was dinner at Pizzeria and Rocktoberfest in Hard Rock Cafe. Continued working and it was already 11 pm.

26/10, Wed
Deepavali came in time to save my life. A holiday is all I needed. Woke up at 9 am and had breakfast with my family until 11 am. Showered and took an ex-chef out for lunch at Sakae Sushi in Tesco Tanjung Pinang. (Lol, it was a farewell lunch that took place 4 months later.) After lunch, I was a bit lost, should I buy a gift for Theng Theng's or go for a run. I decided that I was still tired. I went home to sleep. Went to Jenny's Cakehouse to collect cupcakes.

Met Leonard and Boon Tiam at Mizi Bistro again at Tesco Tanjung Pinang for Boon Tiam's birthday. Finally, it was movie time until midnight. Before the movie, we had sometime, took the opportunity to buy a baby suit at Mothercare and read some books in MPH. We watched What's Your Number? Dang, I hadn't been to the cinema that long. I enjoyed it so much. Reached home - midnight. @.@

27/10, Thu
Rock to Rock Run t-shirts arrived today. For the first time in my life, I was pushing trolleys like a bell girl. It was fun.

I moved boxes and boxes of tees to my office with a trainee. The service lift was congested because there were also housekeeping trolleys and room service trolleys. Somewhat felt like the Diner Dash game.

Started counting stocks and decided to wrap up and go for my run, 6km. Then with whatever time left, I made a move to Theng Theng's place to visit her baby. Baby was utterly cute.

28/10, Fri
Again, I felt tired from moving things and the run. Lol. I decided to take a break from running. On the same day, I decided that I will go to Kampar to visit my baby cousin. The unexpected thing today was due to the little help I offered in Rock 101, I was awarded a limited edition Hard Rock car plate. Nice!

29/10, Sat
Today is the day to head to Kampar. Yahoo!!!! As much as I wanted to leave sharp at 1 pm, I really left before 3 pm. Got home, had my favourite pork porridge and packed up and headed to the highway. Weather was a blessing - sunny and delightful. I reached Kampar at 6 pm. My cousin welcomed me by making me moved her stuff to the new house immediately. Lol, moving things again. After two rounds, it was complete and she drove my car and I rode her bicycle to the new house. So fun!

To my surprise, my cousin had no idea where got good food. That kinda upset me. Luckily there was Alex who knew her way around. So she recommended Fook Kee the claypot chicken rice. The shop was full!

30/10, Sun
I couldn't sleep. Must be the hot air. T.T

Spent a mid morning at McD with cousin and her roomie and I bought myself a happy meal. Ronald McDonald is so adorable, I couldn't help myself.

Then hung out Tesco Kampar (3 times a week at Tesco, mew.) We went cycling at 2 pm. I was happy at the thought of getting a tan. Muahahaha. After cycling, I headed home.

Gym versus Botanical Garden

2011-10-25T00:03:00.001+08:00

It has been raining a lot lately to the point that I couldn't run for many days. Somehow, I wanted to run now because I have only 3 more runs this year and I wanted to finish strong in all 3 runs. Well, I know I can complete the runs but what is next? Really just to finish strong.

Time flies and there is only exactly 1 month to Penang Bridge Run. I want to take me final lap seriously. Out of no choice, I signed up for a free trial at Fitness First. One my first day, I already recorded 22.44km. Surely, I have a reason to be proud. Apart from the KL marathon, I had never tried that distance!

Anyway, I went back to the gym nd completed another 10km today.

Well, I miss the fresh air, the flowers' fragrance, the greeneries, the monkeys and the chirps and waterfall. The guy tried to sell me a 12-month gym membership of RM109 per month. Since running in February, it has always been outdoor in the garden or by the sea. Now the stuffy, sweaty gym is charging RM109. Ok of course the gym has its perks like free flow 100 Plus and shower, lockers and I did my 22.44km watching the tv. I could monitor right in front of me, what distance, what pace etc. 22.44km seemed so much easier suddenly.

I guess each place has its perks... but somehow, I miss being with nature. Wish I could live at the brink of the jungle if not in it.

Anyway, time to sleep and dream of mother nature for now.

Xoxo.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

My Blessed Little Sunday

2011-10-23T20:45:00.001+08:00

Yay it is Sunday again. Went for a wan tan mee with family and then back to Hotel for work for an hour. Then it was my posh breakfast at Dome. I love breakfasts at Dome. The last round was with my cousin and this round with Elisa. Both times are equally pleasant. I got myself a chai latte at RM14.50 and a eggs with sausages at RM16. Yeah I know it is costly but the breakfast is totally awesome! Never smelled eggs that good or sausages that juicy.

After that I went jalan jalan with Elisa at Straits Quay and we find the places real boring that we were considering to hang out at Tesco. Ok then this Sugar shop saved the day!

Here is a guitar shaped cake mould. Nice.

I bought 2 packs of ingredients. One for steamed brownies RM10.90 and one creme caramel RM3.90.

Anyway, the next stop was Fitness First. I ran 22.44km there. Yahoo. The first person I bumped into was an ex-colleague. Lol. Before he left, he came to say his farewell. Took opportunity to ask, "How are you now? You look healthy. Are you still sick? Are you healthy?" Of which I kept repeating, I don't know how o answer your questions.

After that, I thought maybe the appropriate answer should be: some damages are permanent, some healed by power of will and some are of God's blessing.

Got home and showered and had a nice bihun and tong sui and soup.What a blessed day. My aunt is great. Thank you so much.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Kiss the Rain

2011-10-22T21:25:00.001+08:00

It has been raining every day causing traffic jams etc. Most importantly I am unable to run. This has caused much agony.

By now, I know I can complete the distances but I would like to finish strong and I don't think I can do that without laying my ground work right.

I love nature... and if it has to rain, I shan't be bitching. I promise to look for alternatives to solve my problem.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Hello Happiness

2011-10-21T19:53:00.001+08:00

I learned it the hard way to achieve happiness but better not to learned at all. Someone asked what was I trying to achieve when I blog. Well, I never receive much comments, I wonder if I even have any readers apart from myself.

I write because of so many reasons. I wanna be a writer just like how I want to be a runner or a photographer. I am not the most confident person yet I think I am multi-talented. Sometimes I fear I may not achieve my dream of being a writer so instead of waiting to be discovered, I write my stuff along the way. I could self-publish this way.

I don't know if I bring anyone harm or joy when I write. To me, it's just my little diary... half a diary, half a showcase of my photos but definitely about my life and past and my opinion. Duh, it's my blog after all. Why should I be writing your opinion?

Why am I writing all these anyway? Maybe it was a recent conversation with someone who used to be close to me. I cannot explain why I see the need to reconcile but I just need to. I find it hard to breathe when someone keeps looking at me with his coloured lens. I need to bury the hatchet so I can find true peace and harmony with this person I care about.

Whatever that goes on in my heart, I can only go OUCH. I know I asked for it. I could take the easy way out but why am I so persistent? Again, the need to reconcile and find the balance.

On many occasions, I said this to a good friend: hold on to happiness as if it is a pillar. You will never go wrong.

I don't know what it takes for a successful reconcilation. I had put in much effort. The other party treats me like plague in times of cholera.

Still I shall not give up on happiness. As I quote from a good friend, the Chimpanzee, "Everyone deserves a closure". Still, I don't know what it takes but I hope I get my closure one day. Hello Sunshine!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

The Passing

2011-10-17T11:28:00.002+08:00

My aunt passed away on Thursday, 15 September 2011. She had a fall, the back of her head hit the floor, I heard a loud bang and my mom's shrill and I jumped up from bed and ran towards the sound. My aunt was already on the floor with my youngest aunt, mom and cousin attending to her. We all made her respond, asked her to talk, to flick her finger etc. I quickly felt her pulse, I was relieved to know the pulse seemed normal. I punched her chest and I did what I think was a CPR and I ran to call the ambulance.

We continued to monitor while waiting for the ambulance and we saw a patch of blood on the floor, we couldn't decipher where the blood came from. the ER team came and tried to make her respond too but not much and when they moved her on to the stretcher, she vomitted a lot of blood.

Finally, she got to Lam Wah Ee hospital and I was told that she needed to be in the ICU. We went to the cashier to do the necessary. All of a sudden, a thought crossed my mind, maybe, perhaps maybe, we have financial concern, maybe there's no neurologist in Lam Wah Ee. My gut feeling was to transfer her. I started exploring the possibility of transferring her to the General Hospital. The nurse told me that it would cost RM1k per day to be in ICU and RM2k a day if she needed ventilation and God knows she will be in ICU for how long.

So after the initial attention, we transferred her to the GH and she quickly got her brain scanned. My cousin and I went home at 5 am because we planned to work. We could barely sleep, by 6 am, mom called, doc gave the options of sending my aunt home or admitting her. She couldn't be operated as her brain was swelling and she would be in a coma.

At that point, I started crying. How could my healthy aunt, kind and loving and simple aunt be in a coma? Why didn't the doc even try? Mum said she would call my bro since I kept crying. Anyway, I had faith that the docs would take care of everything. My job was to organize the ambulance. I, we, had done all the necessary...

When my mom proceeded to the counter to admit her... the doc came and said no need for admission anymore.. she had left.

...and I was at home at that point, talking to my eldest aunt... (everyone had some clue about what happened and everyone agreed not to break the news to my eldest aunt as she just had a heart attack 3 months prioer) my cousin came to me with her hp and it was an sms from my bro - "she passed away".

I kept screaming, "I don't want, I don't want..."

I wonder where do people go after they leave their physical body. On the death cert, it states the death time as 6.55 am. But to me, she was taken at the loud bang of her fall before 2 am.

That week after her funeral, I was at Starwalk. Back to the office the next week and I had Merdeka Run, back to the office and I had Adidas King of the Road. In my state of tears, a colleague replied my sms, "Life goes on". There are many things happening and sometimes we forget to take a pause and look around. For my second aunt, I have lost a permanent chance to do so.

Life goes on.

"Your smiles are gorgeous"

2011-10-16T15:57:00.001+08:00

I am a sucker that is living in the present thinking of the past while embracing the future.

As I clean my room, I saw this Swatch box which was my 21st birthday present from my brother. When I opened, I found this message from Joe.

It is things like this that reminds me that I was loved. Though he has long moved on, I want to believe that he meant it when he wrote lots of <3 forever at that point in time.

More importantly, I love the last line, "You're beautiful and your smiles are gorgeous... don't let anyone try to make you think otherwise." Well, Joe himself, plays a big role in making me feel like shit after break up. But hell yeah, I won't let you make me think otherwise now.

After all, Boon Tiam just said I look beautiful yesterday. Lol. Whether that's the truth or not... I don't care.

Anyway, it's Joe's birthday this 19th. Happy birthday. May you be able to celebrate with the bunch of people whom you cared for the most.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Sunday Todos

2011-10-16T14:37:00.001+08:00

Seriously I want to make full use of my Sunday. Let us see how many things I can do by the end of today.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Learning to Save Up

2011-10-16T14:11:00.001+08:00

Dude, I should be more like you and less like me.

From today onwards, I will make it a personal point to save 65% of my income. Don't care if I am not living a life.

Ok since I make this vow, I shall find whatever posh things I can find at home to confort myself on a Sunday. First off, this Origins body scrub to console myself.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Sudden Death

2011-10-16T13:50:00.001+08:00

To my aunt, seated right in the center, like this photo, you are more central to my life than I would have imagined.

Been wanting to write about this but don't know where to begin. With deep regrets, I can only say thank you for being in my life and you will always be remembered. Perhaps I have taken you for granted.

That morning, I asked if you could cook me ho liao and you did. After work, I came home for a quick dinner and went out for a movie with my cousin till midnight. Shortly passed midnight, you slipped and left all of us behind.

Life is so fragile and you left so sudden. My only regret is I had never paid it back to you and given you the little pleasures in life. At 27, I think I am still a good for nothing girl to my family. Life at home is one tone more quiet without you around and I won't have you to wake me up in the morning. I wouldn't get to send you to work anymore too.

Some days when I run, I look into the sky and wonder if you miss all of us. I look into the formation of the clouds and see if your face is there. Maybe I lost the chance to pay you back. I will learn to grow up and pay it forward.

I miss you deeply. When I was young, you took me to the market and I remembered how my tiny hand fit into yours. There will be a day when my hand fits into yours again...

My brother doing his origami.

My cousin, folding gold paper for my aunt. This was really one of the last things we could do...

Myself, couldn't resist a one last photo with my aunt. If my family found out, I did this photo, I'd sure get scolded but heck care.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

A Life Accelarating

2011-10-16T12:58:00.001+08:00

Comes year end, life gets exciting. I am appalled by the state of my desk and my room.

From 23 October onwards, every day will be interesting. With
Rock 101 coming,
staff party happening,
Rock to Rock Run materialising,
best friend's wedding,
Penang Bridge run,
Nike We Run KL and
Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon. *sweats*

Surely it will be sweet sweat. Haha.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

New Frames

2011-10-16T12:50:00.001+08:00

Bought these from Ikea when I went for Adidas King of the Road. I have yet to decide what photos to put up in the frames. So I fix temporary photos into the frames first.

I love the photo of the laughing buddha. It reminds me of some peace and happiness that life can offer.

I also love the birds in the sky. It reminds me of my aunt who is safe in God's arms now.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Buy Buy Buy

2011-10-16T12:41:00.001+08:00

I spent a lot of money this month... I wonder if you can hear my offline sigh. Anyway, the good news is RM100 was sponsored and the rest, I topped up on my own. So I bought a cheek and lip stain for RM39. It's probably my favourite item and the cheaper version of Benefit's cheek and lip stain. I also bought the loose powder, RM56. The reason for this buy is because loose powder is the only thing that I don't have. Well, to my surprise, it can be a quick fix for an even complexion. Finally bought the cream based foundation. Thought it was light and naturally but I think the shade I bought makes my face white as ghost. Argh!

Got a 20% discount voucher from the Body Shop though my shopping experience at the shop itself wasn't a pleasant one. I guess I still prefer to shop at Sasa for the good and polite service.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

You light up my life

2011-10-16T12:33:00.001+08:00

Bought this sake bottle looking oil burner for only RM6 from SSF at Anson Road. It is burning chamomile and bergamot at home now. Hmmmm.. :) one of the little pleasures of Sundays.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Irregular Office

2011-10-16T11:59:00.001+08:00

I want to capture this moment at work because it may never happen again.

Here with my best friend Gladys, camwhoring like we are characters from some musical broadway.

What a sweet memory.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Awesomeness

2011-10-15T10:18:00.000+08:00

I wish there’s a female version to this.

From Pixlr-o-matic

2011-10-13T22:47:00.000+08:00

Found a nifty app, Pixlr-o-matic for my Android. Currently one of the Top Free Apps in the Android Market.

Following are some of my shots taken previously. Now they look stunning with an edge/feel to it. :)

Quack, quack, quack. One on the left is a magnet and the other one on the right is a replica drawn by me by tracing the shape of the magnet. Haha.

Here is my Luffy baby learning to roar.

A regular rainbow is a regular rainbow until it gets touched up.

I love this photo and love it even more after the editing.

From Beach Street, the photo looks way more nostalgic.

And this is me. Hehe.

A Gentle Reminder

2011-10-04T21:03:00.001+08:00

Bought a pair of deep green heels today. Finallyy! It was so hard to find something I like and now it serves as a reminder that I'm a girl after all. It's been a looooong time I hadn't bought heels.

RM89 from Primavera Gurney Plaza.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Adidas King of the Road

2011-10-03T14:14:00.000+08:00

I’m back from the Adidas King of the Road 2011!

Here’s one photo before the run. When my hair and face and legs were still all right. Lol. 16.8km! Ouch! >.<

This is 6.10 am waiting for the flag off.

And running on the expressway. It was long!

And finally the baby medal I’ve been looking forward to. Total timing was 2 hours and 13 minutes. Oh well, I daydreamed and snapped quite a few photos while running but excuses aside, I ought to train more for the upcoming runs.

Mommy's Care

2011-09-08T12:52:00.001+08:00

Mom called me when I was driving home to check out the wheat grass drink which is good for my skin.

And in my head... I went "Mom, I haven't done anything for you in my life."

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Morning Surpise

2011-09-08T12:50:00.001+08:00

From Gladys with love. This is the best way to start a morning. With sweetness. I am all nourished.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

If the clairvoyant says, I've got 1 year to live...

2011-09-07T22:44:00.002+08:00

My life consists of many pieces of jigsaw puzzles. Mind you, it's not just pieces of puzzles, it's shifting puzzles.

Anyway, I was having a conversation with E just now and we were talking about, "what if the feng shui master says I would die next year?"

So here's one piece of puzzle that has shifted, if I hadn't read Todd Burpo's Heaven is for Real a month or two ago, I say I would shudder in fear and live the rest of the year as full as possible if I were to die.

But I read the book... so what has differed?

Suddenly, I don't fear death.

I would look forward to it and spend my final 365 days figuring out what it takes to get me to heaven. I would prepare the legal documents and the passport necessary to make my transition there and in between I would snap a photo with everyone who matters to me and sign at the back of the photo, "I'll see you at the finish line." Ultimately, I wish J would forgive me and I will bury all hatchets in my this mortal life.

Before I read the book, I had never thought of heaven so profoundly but I make it a point after reading the book that this place will be in my must-go list.

Heaven is love and I will fall for it.

Anyway, I wouldn't wait for the that somebody to tell me when I will die. This business of preparing the necessary is ongoing.

3rd Anniversary

2011-09-05T09:23:00.001+08:00

So sweet to have this in the morning. I feel like giving May a big bear hug!

Thank you for making my day. That's love at work.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Food Stock All Week

2011-09-04T14:25:00.001+08:00

Stripes!

2011-08-28T16:00:00.001+08:00

Ok painted and painted and still cant get what I want! So I'm going back to basic.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Being a Photographer

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

My name is Dee and I am a photographer. Nice to meet you.

A Creative Photographer Idea from the Minnie Mouse Club of Right Brainers

2011-08-26T17:00:00.000+08:00

Happy Birthday Gladys!

2011-08-26T16:59:00.000+08:00

My Sexy Male Model

2011-08-26T16:56:00.000+08:00

Lemme Serve You a Drink :)

2011-08-26T16:53:00.000+08:00

Here's a series of shots for a welcome drink. I think it looks best chilling by the pool. :)

ohmm

2011-08-25T23:06:00.001+08:00

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

The Story Behind the Sorry Pills

2011-08-25T21:32:00.001+08:00

Left the box unopened for many days nd when I had the liberty to open it, I found bears...

I feel sorry to hurt people who cares for me. Sometimes I feel like a wild fireball reckless and brainless.

A lot of times I wonder when can I quit blasting and snapping and even to feel that twitch in my heart even if my mouth isn't talking.

How can I flow with the river and float and fully merge with the ocean?

What am I missing here?

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

i wanna let my brain float

2011-08-25T20:48:00.001+08:00

If I'm not sleeping, I'm running or stealing a moment.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Rainy Days

2011-08-25T20:33:00.001+08:00

It's been raining... brought gears yet can't run. I miss my place. Instead ended up doing grocery shopping for mom.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Presenting the Certificate

2011-08-22T19:48:00.001+08:00

Yay.. I got home and this was on my table. Gorgeous. By the way, must remind myself it's out of 955 runners. Since I have 2 more half marathons coming, I'm keen to improve on timing.

That's the semangat self talking. Truth is I went jogging just now and I am totally sluggish. Need to buck up!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Coconut for Supper

2011-08-22T19:45:00.001+08:00

This has to be the nicest coconut I have ever had. It's coconut jelly. This jelly is so full of coconut taste. Yum.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Family Treat

2011-08-21T22:46:00.002+08:00

Went to TGI Fridays with my cousin. Had a Tennessee Chicken and a plate of Eggplant something. Well I supposed the best things to do while waiting for food are snap photos and watch TVB series on the phone. Found the food to be so-so as my real craving was for korean food.

I love my cousin! :)

Here are some photos of my sleepy nephew.

He has such thick long lashes and he's hairy all over. Sometimes I wonder if it has to do with his Serani background.

Born on 10 Feb, he's 2 now. All children are beautiful. Hope he grows up to be one too.

And he stirred in bed and finally found a smile as he's awaken!

Trying to make friends with him. And as for my face.. sometimes, I find it so shitty, I wonder if I can melt it but really, it's just a temporal body where my soul resides in. Ohm...

Here's a photo of my brother holding me. I think this will always be true. My brother will always be with me and protect me. Though he's getting married and he has his attention diverted to his family. Well, he had protected me at more fragile times - what more can I ask for?

And here's the handshake of trust. Children are so innocent. They give you their hands and you just want to do all you can to protect them because they are so much smaller, an Obligation with a smiley in the "O".

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Home Made Mint Lassi

2011-08-21T22:22:00.001+08:00

. Lotsa mint leaves
. 2 cups of yogurt
. Lime juice
. 2 table spoons of sugar
. Ice - depends on how cold you want your drink.

Blend everything.

It's been a week of blending. I'm proud of myself. I first got to know mint lassi from Sri Ananda Bhawan and fell in love immediately. Went home and search for the recipe on my own. By the way, I'm using a peach and a mango flavoured yogurt. It's nice.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Far East Indulgence

2011-08-21T13:50:00.001+08:00

Here's 1/4 shochu with 3/4 green tea. *faints*

Love my Hard Rock shot glass. :)

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Another Sunday Morning

2011-08-21T12:54:00.001+08:00

Repainted my LG Optimus Black case. This time with a reggae theme to it. Not renowned but I'm an artist in my own rights. The case becomes my canvas. Maybe soon enough I will have guts to complete my painting.

My eldest aunt! Finally caught her proper portrait.

And aunt Connie.

And we talked nonsense over a cuppa tea...

With loh bak with consists of 2 prawn fritters and century egg and tua kua. RM4.50.

And a char koay teow at Carnavon Street

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Life After 5

2011-08-20T00:35:00.004+08:00

At work, I'm contented to do photography these days. Excited with each group photo. Everyone has different characters and it's funny.

And here's what happened after 5 pm. :)

Probably the first and the last time in this gym. Did some cycling for 45 mins. Today I weigh 47.1kg. Yes!

This maybe petty but maybe sometimes I forget to be thankful. I do get gifts here and there and at moment like this I ask myself, what have I given out and if it's enough.

And here's a box of sorry pills. Well you know I feel sorry too. Hate it when I snap - it's a sign I'm far from the zenness I want to achieve. And I'm sorry I did this to my sister... sobs.

Here's Moconna coffee. Had this when I was in Aussie. Such a trivial thing but still etched in mind. Thanks for giving me this. I can drink next year since I quit coffee for 2011.

Shepard's Pie from Soho only RM7.80 and Baileys at RM14. Wooooo.. I'm very full and happy.

The best thing today is probably the meeting with a very good friend. Good when I'm not pissed off at him. Lol. A friend, a shepard's pie and 2 Baileys at Soho. Just make such a lovely end to my day.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Starwalk!

2011-08-19T11:31:00.001+08:00

Managed to register myself into the competitive category. I can't wait for September.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Enjoy.

2011-08-16T14:08:00.000+08:00

And if I was a Coca-Cola model. Lol. Even for a minute. Definitely enjoying the model.

Family is the Greatest Asset

2011-08-14T21:58:00.002+08:00

Nothing beats the satisfied feeling knowing I've used my Sunday well. Cousin's wife and nephew came to visit and left.

3 other cousins and aunt came to visit briefing.

Ling is my big baby! Hehe.I'm getting shitty older. And bad facial skin isn't helping much. She also help gave idea on painting my phone case. When I showed her my spare white case, she offered to design for me. Lol! Painting phone case can be addictive. She asked, did you got the idea from the newspaper, I went like: No! The idea was in my mind. Truth is, I wanted something fancy yet don't wanna pay. Anyway, she showed me the chinese newspaper article on hp case painting.

Then ended the eventful day with yet another cousin and her mom. Watched Fortune Buddies and laughed like madness!

First time at First Avenue's Carrefour. Looks neat and tidy. Like the basket trolley loads. I can turn and swing around nicely. I'll buy that as my laundry basket next time.

Photo with the person who brought me up - my aunt!

Hunting for foodies!

Waiting to check out from Carrefour.

Finally on our way home~ I wanna watch movie again!!!! *pardon my no make up face*

Sunday is about to end and I'm mopping my floor. Lol.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Limited Edition Designer LG Optimus Black Case

2011-08-14T16:34:00.004+08:00

It's hard to buy a handphone case for LG Optimus Black. So I chose a product from this website: gmarket.co.kr and purchased through someone from lowyat.net who normally help others to do bulk purchases and send by local courier when the products arrive on the Malaysian shore.

I bought 2 white cases so I could mess up one and still have a back up one in case I ruin the first one. I'm very into black and white stripes lately so I tried to paint black stripes the first day I received the case. Half way, I felt my stripes weren't straight so I washed off under tap water and half the stripes stayed.

Anyway, decided to attempt to paint my case again today this time with diluted acrylic. Sometimes, I wished I can find the answer on Google but what I got instead was inspirations from everywhere. Like from the Egg Dyeing 101 App from Martha Stewart Living.

Questions:

Can I use food dye to dye phone case? Can I use acrylic and achieve the same effect?

and my own half finished painting project.

Question:

Can I use acrylic on hand phone case? Will it stick?

I suppose the answer is to do it to find out.

Step 1: Dilute paint with some water and brush across

Step 2: Brush vertical lines this time

Step 3: Paint till you're satisfied. To speed up the process, I used a hairdryer and mixing with black and white shades. Here's my finish product. Definitely a limited edition, a one and only case. :)

Sorry about the photo. Here's a comparison of the original white case and my painted case.

After all the painting, I just realized it matches my dress. What a perfect complement! Lol.

The Luxury of Being a Child

2011-08-14T13:30:00.006+08:00

I was a child,
Domesticated, I wanted to be wild,
Took a step to start,
Swung my way through with smiles.
Done in the air, time to part -
Back to life and feet on land
but still am a child at heart.

-wanting

What is it in a swing that gives so much joy to a child?

Couldn't resist, I took a ride. Yahooo~ It's fun to be in mid air.

And I go again and again and again until.... Hello, it's time to go home!

This is just to remember that I was on a swing at 27. Maybe when I lost memories one day, I can refer to my own blog. Lol.

Another attempt to steal a photography opportunity with my eldest aunt. As long as I can see her will do. :)

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

First Hike to Penang Hill

2011-08-14T11:18:00.001+08:00

Found a crawlie on the way down hill. What I saw in the journey included pitta bird, monkey, monkey kings, notti monkeys, and a baby snake.

Saw the new choo choo train at Penang Hill. It was all misty due to rain. It's a nice first hike. Brought along my red umbrella and I had Singing in the Rain playing in my head. Took the chance to hum a little and danced with my umbrella imitating the music video.

And I finally got home - safe and sound. Each time I spend some time with nature, I reall think to myself, what a wonderful world.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Dim Sum Again

2011-08-14T10:52:00.001+08:00

Tea joy! Here's my morning peace. Cheers.

Dim sum affair. Ok to be honest, it looks good but it's not steaming hot. Not hot is a turn off. Whole bunch for RM13. Curry Mien is RM3.

After a hike yesterday, I slept so well! Now enjoying my time with my family. This is me waiting in the back seat. Finally a day in the week where I can feel like a child strapped in the back seat.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

In my hand

2011-08-08T18:46:00.001+08:00

Drew a smiley on my hand and sent to a friend to hopefully cheer him up. Suddenly something happened at whever I am and I exploded but I decided to bite my lips and keep going.

As I was doing my stuff, I saw the smiley looking at me.

And I smiled back. So happiness is in my hand after all.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Truly forgiving or not?

2011-08-07T15:50:00.001+08:00

Here's another thing I found in my room. Once I made a friend write me sorries and he did. Don't ask me the story, I can only say we become friends again - sort of.

Is it true that one will never lose their real friends?

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Too much interest?

2011-08-07T15:42:00.001+08:00

Nice word - versatile
Nasty word - xxxxx (insert a word here)

I can paint on canvas and gourds on fabric and even handphone covers. Haha. Jack of all trades, master of none. Another spring cleaning issue. I have accumulated much junks in my tiny room.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

As I spring clean

2011-08-07T15:33:00.001+08:00

Found this as I am cleaning my dusty room. This was my humble birthday gift to myself. I got a few fellows to light up my life and to self-appraise, I think I lived my first half of this year well. The next half will only be even more exciting. :) At 27, I have reasons to be proud albeit humbly.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Frames for a Home

2011-08-07T15:20:00.001+08:00

I'm excited in the next 6 months will be checking in to a brand new place. Already have these stuff for months now. Can't wait to see it up on my walls. Keyword: minimalistic and simplicity

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Another Back to the Past Sunday

2011-08-07T11:41:00.002+08:00

Penang is a beautiful place stuck between past and present. This is probably my favourite dim sum place. Dim sum for me is a family event and it never fails to bring me feeling closer to home.

As Penang gains its glory in being awarded Unesco World Heritage site, more old places are being refurbished into hotels/guest houses. Here's a new one in town. Love the green colour of this building. Called the Campbell house, I wonder what it has in stall for the world.

These are the streets we roamed as kids where dragon and lion dances took over with red fire crackers blasting in the background and ching gay stunts took place. What I experienced twenty years ago would stay where it is - in my memory. When the whole town is filled with refurbishments... what will it be then? A living piece of postcard... hmm..

Fit for a postcard. "Sorry not open for you"

This is the best. What is in a cup of tea? On dim sum days, I will fill it, empty it, fill it, empty it, fill it, empty it - to my heart's content. Love the taste but above that, it's a reminder that I need to empty my thoughts. It's a time where I don't think. Just a simple indulgence.

Family is the greatest gift to me. I love spending time with my family. So it's nice to be filling up their cups too. :)

This is the first thing I saw as I entered the dim sum restaurant - the lanterns. Now the smaller ones are selling at RM8 each. As much as I wanted to think it's expensive, they are hand made after all.

And finally, this is a forceful photo. Sometimes, I have to do this because I'm afraid I won't have the opportunity anymore. Whatever the expression, heck care la. Hahaha.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Growing

2011-08-02T11:48:00.003+08:00

It's getting higher and bigger.

Time for an L shaped sofa, a sexy sound system and the perfect mattress. That's the 3 essentials I need for a home. *heart melts* I feel like a big girl now for 2 seconds. For now I shall keep dreaming...

L-shape sofa

Perfect mattress

Sexy sound system - Ambitious Option

Sexy sound system - Down-to-earth Option

If there's only so much I can make in a month, looking at this... I may not get to travel and shop but I know it's worth all the sacrifices.

*heart cringes at the thought of sacrificing good food*

written with deep thoughts of happiness,
wanting :)

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

The 3 am Run

2011-08-01T22:31:00.000+08:00

When you find your world begins to have a grey tinge, what do you do?

I would gather my paints and start touching up. That was the reason why I wanted to do a 3 am run. I wanted to feel it for the first time to run when the rest of the world is asleep.

The best part is I expected people calling me crazy but I found a person to go along this roller coaster ride with me.

And at this point, like they all say - it's history.

Never be short of passion.

Money's Gotta look Good

2011-08-01T17:54:00.001+08:00

This is a gift from Choy. With a ribbon and 3 white roses, it's perfect look for a money plant. Grow, grow, grow! This plant has a name. It's called Luscious.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Typical Therapeutic Sunday

2011-08-01T10:57:00.002+08:00

Wake up.

Breakfast.

Bully my cousin.

Bite cousin's head.

Grocery shopping.

Sleep.

Go jogging. Breathe.

Talk to my dog.

and be thankful that there's a Sunday for me. :)

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Morning surprise

2011-07-21T09:34:00.001+08:00

Must be from a secret admirer.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Run 2 - Nike Goddess 5k Singapore

2011-05-15T22:41:00.000+08:00

A little off topic, here's the skinny duo showing off an essential tool. The Nike+ Sportband that serves to time my runs. I'm sorry I had a bad experience with this purchase from Gurney Plaza's Nike shop. The service rendered to me by the lady was rude.

Here's a reason why I love this run. I can run with my best friend. Yahoo! For the first and probably the last in my life, I got to run with my best friend. Seriously how many of you all got to run with your best friend before? Team Hortis (short for Hare and Tortoise) is proud! Gotta credit Iris Lee for coming up with such a cool name. Something we hadn't do since high school. Lol. Yes, running is for Girls and the guys can hand out flowers and towels at the finishing line.

For only SGD$35 for registration, it's seriously worth it but no I won't go back for a second time unless my bestie would team up with me. Why? There were too much kids interested in snapping their photos to upload on Facebook. It's good publicity for Nike and as for me, I'm kinda in for a more serious run.

I also love the running tee a lot. It's so light and thin, feels like as if I wasn't wearing anything. Though I hope it would be fuchsia...

The day of the race... I was getting ready.

Here's bits of the drama. I was under the hot sun for 40 mins waiting for a bus to shuttle me to Marina Barrage. Thank god I brought along an umbrella.

Being in the bus felt like a relief to me. Finally I got to know I wasn't going to be late for the run. Still out there, many girls were waiting for their turn to board the shuttle.

It's a different culture altogether. It's been years I never boarded a bus. I always have my Kelisa with me! *sobs*

Time for a break. Here's a public service announcement. Running doesn't make you fat or give you ugly muscles. It tones you up and I love my skinny toned arms. Muahaha.

I love this though not clear. After the run, finally, there's time to look around. So many kites in the air. Lovely. It was a lovely evening.

Here's another special thing about the race. On their Facebook fanpage, the fans can put up any running quotes and the quote with the most likes end up being banners of cheers and motivation. Talking about good ideas.

Here's another sample... Brilliant. Since I was interested in runs, I took opportunity to read up on it. We probably took it for granted today but like anything else, marathons were for men. Here's a reason to be grateful, I was born in a generation where there's a run solely dedicated for girls.

|Here's the bridge where it all started. Apart from the tremendous heat, my next complaint was the route was too narrow. Sadly, just wasn't my best time.

The dinner was a big consolation :)

My departure from Singapore was a drama, I missed a flight for the first time in my life. Can't explain how I missed it... I reached an hour before departure, queued up for tax refund, queued up at info counter to ask stuff, then took a train and then shuttle to budget terminal. I just missed it by the time I was there. A pure question mark. Shit happens.

One of the gifts I bought from Singapore. Totally addicted to the La Senza lip gloss.

Thanks to Nike for offering 30% discount to all participants of the run. I got a pair of socks. For the first time, I got a left sock and right sock. Must wear it correctly k.

Back in Penang... been a week after Nike Goddess 5k. I did another run today. Finally, upgraded from 8km to 12.3km today. I still have a few kilos before I reach 21km but I'm determined to reach it before Run 3 - Standard Chartered KL Marathon, 26 June 2011.

About the ring, I was thinking who should I run for today. I think I would run for god. Don't ask me what's my religion. I have selective belief. Whatever my religion is, I believe, someone died on the cross for us.

I ought to snap a photo of myself after running 12.3km since it's a milestone. Haha. Every run is different and has its own story. For me, Run 2, is to rekindle friendships and in a sense to redeem what I didn't do well enough in my previous trip to Singapore in February.

I'm sorry I hurt you with my stuff back in February but now in May, I think I've changed much. Forever thankful that I've got you in my life. Thanks for doing the run with me even though you don't like it. This experience means a lot to me and I think I owe you a big one on this.

xoxo

Danni

Time to get out of home

2011-05-12T20:19:00.000+08:00

A : See Details(Google Map)

The Last of My 8km Run

2011-04-24T20:14:00.000+08:00

Courage is like fixed deposit or the last of my assets. I don't use it out until I've run out of my liquid cash. On top of that, courage and change seem to go hand in hand. For someone like me who's been dwelling in my comfort zone, to change does need a lot of courage.

To be able to run again after 10 years of being stagnant took me a lot of courage. I must say, as absurd as it may sound, sadness is a good motivator. I had a desire for running - yes BUT I could never lift up my legs until I was heartbroken. I had excessive energy when I was sad so I told myself to channel my energy to do something good - like burning it.

Here's the funny part, after I got over my sadness, I no longer feel like running.

* Ok, at this point I'm thinking how to continue my narration... I'll try...*

Truth is deep down, running has a greater reason for me. I begin to see that life is more than just how much I earn or what job I do for a living. Running gives me a sense of freedom and joy that money can't buy. Running reminds me that I'm breathing and my heart is pumping alive. Running makes me hear the wind blowing against my direction, the waves hitting on the shore, the laughter of people at play; lets me feel the cold of the rain; allows me to see the shuffling cotton clouds and the baby kites thriving in the wind... When I looked up, there was a black eagle circling on top. Just as I thought, the strong wind would blow me off or the rain would make me sick and most of all should I be going home... I wonder how that black eagle feel when he's gliding high up in the sky when lightning's striking and sheets of rain pouring.

Before I ran the 8km in Malakoff Penang, I was a coward fearing that I couldn't meet my goal. Anyway, I did it and I can't be any happier. In fact, I completed 8km a couple of days before the race and I completed another one today and it doesn't feel so much as killer as it once did. I could go on and on and I could fall asleep at the 8km boast.

This is really time to say goodbye if I want to make another milestone in my life.

So, next stop, 12.87km!

*xoxo*

wanting

Sunday Therapy

2011-04-24T17:56:00.000+08:00

Sunday is my favourite day of the week mainly because it's also my only day off from work. It's so beautiful it makes me want to sing an idle song with an idle beat. Every Sunday feels like a holiday and I always have something different to do. From painting to hiking, from family breakfast to an evening jog, from watching TVB series at home to movies in the cinema, from cleaning my house to reading a book - I just have something fun to do which makes me feel very blessed because I'm glad I never feel lonely. I guess it just reflects how much a family girl I am. I really enjoy being with my family.

As much as I would refer myself as a girl, age is catching up. Maybe one day I'll move out (and the day seems like a stone's throw away)... Each time I feel that way, I just want to drive home and eat another home cooked dinner and my favourite tong sui in full appreciation. Absolutely grateful.

Anyway, back to my Sunday story... my point is that I really enjoy the idleness and peace. I just came back from shopping and tea timing and done grilling my asparagus, french beans and bacon. Now, it's time to go running! I love Sundays.

*kisses the air*

wanting

"I wanna squash the world flat"

2011-03-22T13:16:00.000+08:00

There's a first time for everything. So this time's for squash. I guess I can nicely conclude that I have better talent at running and endurance training than squash or even badminton. All right, I shall not self-sabotage and take everything that comes along as a challenge. I can't get any worse... so I guess it'll improve gradually or drastically when I find the need arises...

Anyway, the Run is taking place this Sunday. Collecting my race pack this Saturday. I'm genuinely excited and worried. By the way, I would like to take the opportunity to say my sportband isn't waterproof and has died... Damn, I just bought it on 5 March, a mere 3 weeks plus and it's dead today.

Woke up today with my arm feeling sore. :(

"I don't talk until I am sober."

2011-03-18T20:53:00.001+08:00

Here's another title that has nothing or little to do with the content of the post.

Today feels like one fruitful happy day, finally. Why? Well, Malakoff Penang is next Sunday but I feel like I'd already completed the run today.

Yahoo! Yes I did, 8.01km in 1 hour. *runs in circles and kisses the air* I hit my target! Oh my, did I mention 1 hour is inclusive of time in the toilet to wee wee and apologizing to the auntie for not bringing 30 cents to pay her. Made me feel bad for using a toilet without paying. >.<

Blowing trumpets aside, I shall note down my own weakness as a personal reminder.

I think I got used to the 6km distance and it no longer feels hard to achieve. Most of the time today, I was pushing, then strolling, pushing then strolling. Sort of at the last minute, I looked at my sportband, I did some mental calculation, I guessed I could try to beat my 6km record to 8km because I have every chance of finishing it within an hour. So I did.

Truth is this is not the way I wanted it. I didn't stay out in the evening to stroll or to gamble my race. Every second makes a difference.

Anyway, now that it's achieved. I guess next is to try 10km in 1 hour and a further target would be to do a half marathon by mid-year. Don't get me wrong, I'm still very glad over my milestone today!

Ok let's come closer... Will be hiking tomorrow and running 6km this Sunday and on Monday will be a photographer, hopefully.

p/s: I feel really hungry when I run... anyone has any tips on curing hunger while running? I should eat a burger while running. *chomps chomps*

danni xoxo danni

First Draft

2011-03-09T17:58:00.000+08:00

Getting pretty impressed with Nike+ (the sportband, the iPod, the website and the sensor as well as the Lance Armstrong coaching) so far. I'm sure this was introduced in 2009 and I only got to know about it now. Well, back in 2009, I was wandering and daydreaming in my personal life, being hopeful on things that was obviously hopeless and lack guts to do things that I wanted to do. Always signed up for runs and never turned up.

I guess, there's time and place for everything.So this 2011, I got a wake up call and it's time to run. Anyway, as a geek, I need to run like a geek does. So here, let me introduce the line of gadgets I'm using in my run. Ta da!

The Sportband that tracks!

The sensor that you put in your sneakers that comes with the sportband.

iPod also works with the sensor that comes with the sportband. :)

This is the part I like best. The information captured on the iPod or the sportband can be uploaded to the Nike website. What is most impressive is that it tracks exactly how you run. Look at the graph above. It means, the runner has kept to a good pace. I'm too embarrassed to upload the graph of my own run. It looks too much like the share market. Zig zag zig zag. Lol. Ok you can see it from this link.

http://my.nike.com/deemia

I think my first properly tracked run indicated that I ran 6km in 46 mins. So my first concern is can I finish 8km in 1 hour 10 minutes to qualify for Malakoff? I'm optimistic because the result of my first run is a good indication. Now ambitiously, can I do 8km in 46 mins?

Now, on the motivation part, I love to play music when I run. So I was playing this album "Lance Armstrong: Run Longer" and got to hear him saying, "Pain is temporary. Quitting lasts forever." It just makes me want to go on and on because if I try hard enough, these temporary pain would go away eventually. For some reason, I slacked away from sports years ago and I know what it means by quitting lasts forever because this feeling never failed to nag me every day.

Yeah, I have to admit that I run for an emotional reason - be it good emotion or bad. Here's another line, I can't remember the exact words now, it's something like, Winning is in the heart not just the legs. Ok, let the heart be the navigator then.

Ciao!

Hugs & Kisses
Danni

Ready to Go

2011-03-06T20:55:00.000+08:00

Missy trying to get a bit more tan on her day off :)

I know I strain my credit card but probably a last indulgence. Nike+ Sportband and it'll be my running companion apart from my shoes. Tried it out today and uploaded my run on FB "Danielle Fung ran 2.02 km on 6/3/2011 at 7:15 PM". Nice! Finally the geek knows how far she'd run and how much closer to the goal of 8km in 1 hour. Kiasu-ism prevailed, I did a check from the Malakoff website, I think the fastest female runner completed within like 35 mins. >.< Today is only a trial on my new gadget. Serious runs coming along. 20 more days before 27 March. Stay focus!

So shoes check! Nike+ sportband check. iPod check. Running Songs Playlist check. Goal check. Body and soul check.

Somehow felt like hanging out at the bookstore today. As I was browsing for something that I wanted to read, I bumped into my book. Yes, I call it my book and I like the picture of the girl running in her red dress. :) I guess secretly, deep deep down inside, I hope to see a book of my own being sold in the bookstore. It's good to dream. I love the feeling.

What was funny was that I couldn't settle for a book to read. In the end I chose, What the Dog Saw, which is also in my iPad.

I wanna grow old with you

2011-03-04T15:06:00.000+08:00

Glad to present the following songs to my friend. More to come as I'm still trying to plow through my memory and the internet for a more complete playlist.

1. Michael Buble - Everything

2. Adam Sandler - I wanna grow old with you

3. Tim Mcgraw with Faith Hill - It's Your Love

4. You'll Always Me Mine By Phath

When Mr. Getting-Married Meets Ms. Gotten-Dumped

2011-03-01T20:18:00.000+08:00

Ok the title has nothing to do with what I'm about to write. I'll save that story for another time.

Right now, I feel like shitting - verbally. Everyday at this hour, I would be running. This exercise regime began on 14 February 2011 when I was in Singapore and I was utterly heartbroken and wanted nothing more than to run away from my own emotions. So this Valentine's Day marked my officially and hopelessly solitary status. Okay, it's been solitary for eons but particularly solitary in celebration of Valentine's Day - yay! Note, I typed solitary not lonely.

Anyway, "one thing leads to another" and so I woke up one day and decided that I would quit coffee so I did it. I woke up another day and felt that I should pierce my nose and I did it. I woke up another day and felt like I wanna run 8km this 27 March and I run every day to practice. Of course, as mentioned, I wanted to run away more than anything else. Even more, I felt like I wanted to pin my feet on earth and bring out that Courage to face some shit in life. I'm fed up and I have enough.

So this run feels like a reflection time for myself. I run while reflecting. I reflect while running.

I can nicely apply the term "pathetic fallacy" in my runs. The first day I ran by the sea, it was cloudy. And then subsequent days were a bit rainy with angry winds, beating waves and dark stormy clouds - I was running right along with them. I couldn't help but to laugh at how good nature is at adjusting to my mood.

Those few days I took my dog to run along. I was playing James Morrison's "Broken Strings". Ever so indulgent, I ran on and on listening to the song on how "the truth hurts and lies worse". When I got to my car, I realized my dog was panting like mad, I was blaming myself for trying to kill him like that.

When finally, one of those days I ran and the weather was perfectly clear - that was also the day I woke up not feeling hurt anymore. Of course, I need to give credit to the girls who gave me the "Girl Power". Well, I didn't give up on running though. I think I made friends with the sea and the breeze (they are tamer now).

Finally, I came to a point that I began to feel physically tired. I must give credit that I have very good sleep every night.

I ran just last evening and I felt my knees ached. I wanted to be like Haruki Murakami and I ran on quoting from him to work it out like a robot - take it calmly and step by step. So I got used to the pain and after some run, I realized the soles of my shoes came off.

Oh god, what now, should I ran bare foot?

Reunion

2011-02-22T10:01:00.001+08:00

Every Chinese New Year, a reunion dinner is like the emphasis and a must-have to the beginning of a new year. To be honest, I hadn't felt that sense of reunion for a long time. Now I'm wondering if it will change today?

###

Today is 6 March and the above was written some weeks ago. It's only fair that I share the outcome. So on that evening, I think many of us in the family were anxious. The steamboat was bubbling away waiting for diners to drop in their fish balls and vegetables. The door was open and inviting, the breeze was there as it was drizzling a little that evening. I couldn't hold my anxiety and I made a phone call to my uncle and the line was dead. I was really wondering if he would swing by for dinner that night and I guess it wasn't something I could force. He hadn't stepped into our home for years now.

I won't drag this suspense any longer. The good news was that he turned up and had dinner and a small talk with all of us. You know, Chinese is a funny lot. They are not expressive and they don't show their care through their words. So let the action speaks for itself then.

I still remember a scene I witnessed personally at home, my aunt was folding clothes and we were talking about if my uncle would turn up for the dinner. She just sobbed a little saying that she missed him. That act alone was extraordinary. My old aunt isn't the kind who would cry. That day, I really prayed that my uncle would come back.

That's my real reunion in 2011. I think every family has their disputes. Some smaller and others bigger and more serious. I will always stick to the fact that blood is thicker than water and I'm thankful that we could finally get back together albeit a very subtle way. It's still a very positive beginning.

More Random Stuff from my LG Lollipop

2011-02-20T22:46:00.000+08:00

Shitty pau.

Last day of lmy onger hair days. Somehow I hate long hair and wonders when I'll change my mind.

I love this Kuay Chap stall in Kimberley Street... Yummy!

This is probably one chocolate that ever got me feeling high.

Q Bear.. One day inspired by love, I drew this bear on my pad.

I love Forever Friends. Took this last November when I was feeling love.

This is my whole family of forever friends. I got so many little friends :)

Was in Air Supply concert last year. Blocked by hoardes of people despite my VVIP seat.

Dim Sum - my fave breakfast!!!!!

Charity drumsticks.. Bang bang bang.

My fave photo to send to people. That's how I look naked.

It was love then and changed of heart few months later.

A painful reminder and lesson learned.

Then again, better to had loved than never at all but as for the lover - he might as well die a horrible death.

Creme brulee... is the sweetness of my life. :)

What Luffy Saw?

2011-02-20T21:43:00.000+08:00

Dee: I love Luffy! *muaks*

Luffy: When will she stop pretending to love me?

Luffy: More camwhoring >.<

Dee: Luffy is so sweet like cotton

Luffy: Stop! She's squashing me flat.

Luffy: I can't breathe she loves me too much.

Luffy: Brrr...

Luffy: There she flashes her peace sign. That's exactly what I need.

Luffy: Help!

Dee: I really really love Luffy.

Writing Anyone?

2011-02-16T15:17:00.000+08:00

Hugo, the boy who used to be a boy in my eyes gave me a reality check recently. The conversation went, "Be honest with yourself, what have you written in the past 3 years?" I used to write copies and press
releases and letters when I started out. Now, I write reports, minutes, memos and letters.

That just reminded me of the marathons I've always wanted to run. I would register and then chicken out. Truth be told, I have no guts to make the first step. Don't conclude so fast, I do preparation in the background but I lost the courage to get into a race. Reading Haruki Murakami's "What I Talk About When I Talk About Running", I got the privilege of getting into his head to understand his sense of determination. Though I must admit, on a personal view, it seems a little masochistic to move those muscles like they were robots. Nevertheless, I'm full of admiration for him for giving his best shots in his run and writing. Well, to juxtapose myself against him, I think that'll be an insult to the great writer and never-give-up runner. The conclusion of his book got me thinking of what I'll carve on my gravestone...

What I learned from both Hugo and Murakami's book is that if I am not going to write, I'll never write and I should quit whining like a bitch if I never get what I want. Don't get me wrong, whether I get a writing job in the future is a different story. For now, writing is for pleasure and this is one step of effort.