The "i'm bored" post

My first post of 2016 and currently Day 10 of post-accident; really bored at home - given the great procrastinator I am, I did manage to tidy up my cupboards and desk, read and blog given the time at home.

But I really want to note down some encouragements from service yesterday; hope I won't forget them and also some thoughts after reading some articles from: www.christianitytoday.com ; which can be useful reminders for myself and future bf/husband-to-be, given that I've been feeling quite discouraged from recent issues.

3 things not to lose in the New Year ahead:
1. JOY
Joy in whatever I do,which defines us as Christians. To remember joy is God-given.
2. PASSION
Passion in service, work, goals and aims in life.Without passion, life can be a real bore.
3.COMPASSION
There's a difference between treating others with compassion and just reacting to situations. Definitely, the former is more genuine.

Secondly, because E and I have touched on this topic before and I'm not too familiar, given that it is a 'taboo' topic,I thought it was rather interesting to read about the Christian perspective(s) in case we do discuss it once again. I guess, ultimately, from what I've gathered, is that:

1. God knows our desires and longings because He creatively placed them there.
2.Still a little confused about sexual orientation vis-a-vis certain occult preachings like Jesus having a feminine side
3. Christianity shouldn't be a set of restrictions but more meant to set us free from the ways/practices/followings of the world about sexuality-meaning all the extremist, normalised socialised views the world adopts in relation to sex, the do's and don'ts. This view is rather liberating but definitely there are boundaries, as set by God in the Bible (http://www.growthtrac.com/marriage-bed/#.VolB-fl97IU), rather than Man.
(http://www.christianitytoday.com/women/2015/july/staying-faithful-how-our-sex-lives-matter-to-god.html?start=2). This doesn't mean that God doesn't value virginity/chastity but we shouldn't commoditise/put a judgement to it.
4. Body and sexuality issues matter to God

END 2015 musing

Probably the last post of 2015 - hard to type with 1-2 fingers despite being a lefty.

It had been a wild and scary 4 days from Christmas..I was pretty excited going for my first Rapha Festive500 ride and also meeting E once again. Things happened so quickly that the next moment I was in TTSH and now, I'm out. To be honest, it was really a 3 painful days that seemed rather surreal, till now, I can't really recall the moments in the hospital and also during the crash. Surprisingly, I don't recall any pain, shouts or screams - would that be what happen when one dies? I think I just blacked out. But I really thank God for His Angels that had protected me, that my life was preserved.

The things that happened after, the visits from my beloved friends and even E, was hard to recall. I could only capture some words said to me. But as much as I'm thankful, I'm rather scared what the future holds. Looks-wise, would I still be fit? What about further violent objections from the parents? :((( Dad may be ok but Mum is a definite no-no.

Really want to thank all the visits and get well gifts from the Running Dept Crew-Terry, Nic, Roy, Steven, Ruimei,Tracy,Eve; Declan, Lance, Jiahui, Eugene, Jem, Ken; CA team aunties-Hanniebun, , Jasmine, Candice, Mel, Ivy Wee and Liu, ChuHua, Gillian, Renee, Patrick, May and family; RWG people-Debbie and Jack, Coach Ghana, Jerome, Kevin, Jiarui, Uncle Lim; church friends, Marianne, Aunty Lee Luang, CG friends; Rui Yong, Sweehong, Adriel, Chloe, Yenbin, NUS Aquathlon people (Joshie, JJ, Pam, Sher, YW, Naz, Debs)..and not forgetting E.. Love you guys even though I can't recall much.

Next year 2016 would be a tough one for me..really want to continue to pray for strength.. :((

Relationships: Coincidence or God's Plan?

This year, as I included in my previous blog post, was an emotional roller coaster for me, more so than any other years. I'm not sure if it's good for my sanity but things do knock on your door when you least expect it. And in a whift, it might just disappear..

I'm pissed with myself, as I am writing this. For being impatient, for being too inquisitive for my own good. I shouldn't have opened my big mouth and said all the things I shouldn't have. But I think it might be too late now :(

A couple of weeks back, I met this guy who was too-good-to-be-true. I can still pinch myself now and ask, is this only a dream? If so, I hope I will never wake up of it. But now, I may have shattered that beautiful memory. Really praying hard to God to restore it.

I hate feeling vulnerable. I hate feeling uncertain about my future. While I know, and have faith that God uses vulnerability and uncertainty in His Will to do things, I still can't help but feel lost, that I'm not in control of things. 

We met on an unplanned bike ride. In fact, I went for that ride for another reason, which I shall not really mentioned. This guy was really sweet (and definitely cute) as he chatted and pulled me along parts where I got dropped. I thought he was pretty special, unlike most Singaporean guys, he was direct. And then, my itchy fingers added him on FB. I thought it was much more than a coincidence - it was God's plan.

We started talking, and he asked me out. I found out he was an excellent conversationist, someone who can talk about anything under the sun. His ideas challenged me to think harder, his actions challenged me to change myself. I've never met someone who could actually influence me like this. Because of him, I got to sit down at random areas, to just talk, admire the scenery, and watch people go by. Something I would never do, on my own free time because time is too precious. But this guy actually stopped the world for me,

Three dates had passed so far. I made the fatal mistake of asking him about his commitment level even though I know, both of us did, that things were progressing a bit too fast. But this was something I didn't want to let go because I know I will regret. But well, either way would have backfired. And I'm just sitting here, feeling like a mess.

Lord, please give me strong faith.

Year-end Thoughts 2015

A quarter of a century old, interestingly this year has been one of the most memorable one as well. Perhaps not as exciting as my university days but definitely a special year for me. I'll just try to list down as many things I am thankful to God for blessing me at the top of my head that occurred in 2015.

1. Countless of overseas trips - burnt quite a large hole in my pocket but it's the experience that counts.
-Dubai (3 times), Sydney, Hong Kong, Koh Samui, Malaysia

2. Plenty of new guys/friends - I do enjoy getting to know people a lot better

3. Two pacing opportunities - Great Eastern Women's Run 21K and a part of the StanChart Marathon 15K which ended today

4. My longest races - 14K City2Surf, Port Dickson Duathlon (10-60-8), Dubai International Triathlon

5. Supportive friends and coaches who provide countless of encouragement and help - as small as Coach Ghana sending me to AMK to pick up my bike, David coming over to my house to help pack my stuff...etc.

To the Middle East (2-8 Apr 15) - Cheapskate's Guide in UAE

I had actually 2 agendas while in UAE (United Arab Emirates), to participate in the Nissan Triathlon Festival in Dubai and also to attend Tanya, my cousin's wedding in Abu Dhabi. Well, unfortunately for me, the race got postponed due to a sandstorm :( My cousin's wedding still went on smoothly, thank God for that. Unlike other posts, I think I shall attempt a different format, considering I'm pretty lazy to post nowadays - let me offer you some tips and guide to where to go in Dubai and Abu Dhabi!

Things are pretty expensive in Dubai and Abu Dhabi so hopefully this would help in you saving some money!

1. TRANSPORTATION 

• Cheapest way from the airport to Dubai city centre is via Dubai metro (AED3-7, depending on which areas you stay - although it might continue to increase again). 
• From Dubai to Abu Dhabi, the cheapest form is to take a bus (Al Ghubaiba/Ibn Battuta Bus Station), takes about an hour and half, depending on traffic. Current cost is AED25, pretty worth it considering the seats are comfortable and free WIFI onboard.
• Getting around in Dubai is mostly via metro/tram/bus (not sure) and if it is too out-of-the-way; cab. Walking is possible but unadvisable. As for Abu Dhabi, I used the cab most of the time as there is no metro and the bus system is ??
• The abra, a traditional water boat (now operated by motor) cost AED1 and it's the most fun and cheapest way to get from one side of the Creek to the other

2. SHOPPING

• In my opinion, Dubai/Abu Dhabi is like a HUGE mall with both international and local brands - but not cheap; even with sales :/
• Things native to the UAE that are WORTH buying are; dates, coffee (with cardamon), fruits (pomegranates, grapefruit...etc), flat bread, tahina (sesame paste) and hummus spreads, honey, figs, nuts, spices
• Supermarkets offer pretty reasonable prices for takeaway salads/meals
• The annual Global Village is like a mini-World Expo with lots of interesting things to buy

3. ATTRACTIONS in Dubai

• New Dubai Area: Ibn Battuta Mall (a huge mall divided into 5 continents which Ibn Battuta the explorer travelled to. They even have a mini exhibition with artefacts for curious visitors!), The Walk at JBR ( a short area of beach and filled with many al fresco dining areas, been there in the day but not at night, which I understand that it would be more happening), The Palm Jumeirah - yes, I've been onto the world's largest man-made island! (you have to CAB or take the monorail which costs AED22 for 2 ways in! An exclusive place which I had mistakenly tried to run in but was stuck near the entrance and had to look for a cab :( Nothing much unless you want to dine in some atas restaurant or look at the Arabian Gulf..hurhur). Dubai Marina merely offers a good background for profile pictures but don't spend time walking along the area.

• The Burj al Arab Area (Malls of the Emirates metro): I didn't get to go there because you need a reservation at the restaurant/bars but it would be the global icon of Dubai. Walking down Umm Suqeim Road also leads to Souk Madinat Jumeirah, a place I would consider visiting the next round - modelled after an Arabian town.
• Old Deira: Al Fahidi Historical District (one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Dubai) and Bastakiya Quarters (see the old restored wind towers, look through the small shops, visit the Coffee Museum to try the various coffees and see how they are prepared, go for the Jumeirah Mosque visit - AED10, 945am daily except Fridays)

• Bur Dubai: Heritage and Diving Village (walked past but didn't look around much, except stopped to have a coffee by the road by one of the camel owners), traditional spice, gold and grand souks (a mix-mash of Little India?), Dubai Museum (AED3 but one of the best maintained museums around)
• Inner Suburbs of the Creek: Wildlife Sanctuary on Oud Metha Road
• Deira City Centre: Perfume Souk (didn't spot it), Fish and Vegetables Market (they have pretty good buys there! Iran dates going for AED5/kg), Naif Museum (old police station), Al-Ahmadiya School museum, Heritage House (all free, worth a short visit because they are very small and not very well-retored)
• Downtown Dubai: Dubai Mall, Souk al Bahar, The Palace and Fountain (pretty impressive fountain shows daily. The Dubai Mall is a really HUGE place, also links to the Burj Khalifa and houses the Underwater Aquarium)

4. ATTRACTIONS in Abu Dhabi

• Malls (again)  -We visited Marina Mall, World Trade Centre (with a pricey Shake Shack), Al Wadha Mall - got pretty sick of these extravagant huge places, although it provided a respite from the heat
• Emirates Palace - It is actually a hotel but looks so grand like a palace. Note that it only opens to visitors from 10am onwards and in order to get through the security to the outdoor area, walk all the way to the end and look for a resident's entrance. You will be amazed by the immense extravagance of the place - long pristine (man-made) beaches, green lawns, even camels available for rides!
• Abu Dhabi Heritage Village - only "cultural" place in the Washington-like administrative state. Gives you a glimpse of traditional crafts like pottery, carving...etc and of course, camels are available for photos!
• Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan Mosque - the most opulent mosque you've ever seen. Vistors can borrow an abaya to enter as you are required to cover up. The mosque is a functioning mosque so I think at certain times, they don't open for visits. There are free daily tours conducted with a guide (we were late so we didn't have) so we walked around on our own. The architecture and details of the carvings and interior are breathtaking. Somewhat equivalent to a Chinese palace or European church. 
• Other attractions include Yas Island and Ferrari World...etc but are really pricey so we didn't bother

5. ACCOMODATION

• Stayed in an AirBNB apartment in Jumeirah Lake Towers (SGD50/night), the cheapest form of accomodation in Dubai. Hotels are pricy
• In Abu Dhabi, because my cousin paid for my hotel, it was a way to save costs for me. Centro Al Manhal located beside the bus station and Al Wadha mall

 THE WEDDING

Was held on Nurai Island, a private island that required us to take a speedboat across. It was really fun and was my first wedding by the beach! There was first the traditional Chinese tea ceremony, followed by the exchange of vows, then dinner (which was AWESOME) and dance.

My cousin also brought us around her place - St Regis Serviced Apartments on Saaiyat Island, a rather chill environment with many high-end apartments and hotels.

The next trip to Dubai is in October. Overall, it was a little disappointing because it wasn't as good as I expected - not a lot of cultural places and mostly seems like a money-making artificial city..Hopefully I will be able to visit the deserts in Dubai and Al Ain!

Marching on MARCH - A pretty memorable month for me

March 2014 has been quite an interesting month for me, full of ups and downs - physically and emotionally. And it has been a special month for me too, considering it began with my birthday.

March 1 - Coach David organised a 10km time trial for the aquathlon team - didn't do that well because I haven't been training but at least it didn't get worse from last year. After that we headed over to SPRUCE for a birthday brunch with JJ, Sher, Debs, Chunnie, David and Baris. I was a little disappointed that it wasn't a team thing though :/ Maybe a team time trial on my birthday wasn't that much of a blessing. Nevertheless, it was great spending a special day with people who really mean a lot to me. For dinner, we had it at PITAPAN, where I finally managed to convince the family to try some vegetarian dining options. We had the Mediterranean Platter ($25.90) and Red Shashuka ($11.90).

Team TT on my birthday

Brunch at SPRUCE!!

Blueberry Pancakes - $16.90 but worth the $!

Meet up with the Wuhan group and prebirthday celebration:)

Pretty cosy brunch at SPRUCE

Pitapan Feast! :)

March 8 - Venus Run (refer to my previous post)

March 16 - Metasprint Duathlon 2014 and Coach David's first birthday celebration
My first ever duathlon done! It was really an experience as I couldn't feel my legs after the 10km bike! Gotta improve on my run by doing more brick sessions I guess.. Was really thankful for the first place under Discovery 16-39 as my bike wasn't exactly the strongest component. I was also pretty happy that Jon was first for his category, Dex was second but sad for John that he was 4th :(

After the race, we went to Botanic Gardens Food For Thought for lunch and celebrate Coach's real birthday. As it was raining, as some of them drove, they managed to bring our bikes there without us having to brave the rain :)

Food For Thought lunch :)

March 22 & 23 - SIA Road Race 2014 and Coach David's second birthday celebration
Kebun Baru Road Race

This weekend saw me racing a 4.3km at Bedok Reservoir and a 5km at Kebun Baru, tiring but pretty satisfying weekend. I managed to get a first for the SIA Road Race and a 2nd behind Sumiko for Kebun Baru, which was expected, though my timings were not as good. Well, do a give and take but I have to jot myself out of the comfort zone soon and break my barriers because being stagnant is really bad :/

Coach's birthday celebration on Saturday was pretty cosy because quite a large group came :) Although it was quite a rushed affair because I think everyone had to rush back to study, I hope Coach did enjoy himself at Pita Pan :)

Prize presentation at Kebun Baru

With Ghana, Mr Tan Pee Teck & Mr Goh Choon Phong

RWG group

Happy Birthday Coach David :))

March 30 - NUS Biathlon 2014

Back to not racing under Team NUS :( It helped that my race wasn't as early but still it was uncomfortably hot when my wave started at 945am. I wanted to reach earlier to watch the rest race but somehow that didn't happen and by the time I had arrived, the girls were in the midst of running and the guys were done. Somehow I feel that this year, the team was not as close, also because the Jons & Justin had WUT training after their race. Anyways, i was pretty stressed, having to race Shuwie and this Japanese triathlete in the Open Category, plus one Caucasian girl. Although my swim had improved to a 15:22, it wasn't enough to get me a podium :(. I was pretty disappointed but oh wells, time to buck up. John and Debs weren't here, or else the experience might have been more interesting. Anne did well in her novice category though, I was regretting not joining that..hahas.

Current girls' team (minus Charis)

The usual team photo! (sadly minus the planking Jon Ma)

Right, I spotted the camera, must pose a bit ;)

Post-Race Review 2014 #1 - METASPRINT Aquathlon & SurfNSweat

16 February 2014 was indeed a memorable day for me as I managed a double gold for the 2 events I participated in today - Metasprint Aquathlon (Discovery) & Surf & Sweat Women's Doubles :)

I have taken part in both events before and honestly, I was gunning for a double podium on this occasion and I am really glad that God did bless me with the right conditions to be able to earn it. I had raced Metasprint (Sprint) category in 2013 under NUS and that was my first publicly-organised multi-sport race, which comprised of a 750m swim+5km run along Sentosa (technically the same route as this year) and was happy with a 4th positioning. I had raced Surf & Sweat on several occasions as well, once with Justin Sim (4th) and last year with Johanna (which she paddled), which we won 1st.

Post-race 2013 - Metasprint

Inexperienced me

Girls team Metasprint 2013 - So much larger than 2014

Metasprint 2013 team photo! :)

SurfNSweat with the aqua girls

1st for women's doubles 2013 - SurfNSweat

Well, I don't mean to say I'm very experienced this year but having done the races before makes pre-race jitters a lot lesser.  Just that I didn't know my competitors initially at all, which does scares me, but I was determined to put that aside and race to the best of my ability. This year was a little different too - I picked the Discovery Series for Metasprint & Women's Doubles SurfNSweat (with me paddling instead of running) as it was 1) Cheaper (now that I'm self-funded) 2) Higher chances of podium given the limited training time I have 3) Later start time which translates to longer time to sleep in. hahahas..It was pretty exciting because both events were held on the same day as well.

One important note: I realised pro-athletes (not me) like to race multiple events on a single day - Vanja raced Metasprint Elite, SurfNSweat Women Individual & later, Lovers Challenge; while Nuoshi & Sweehong did SurfNSweat Women Individual & Doubles :x

I travelled up to Sentosa with John and was really thankful for his advice/pre-race plan, which we did stick to quite well. It did wonders to calm the jitters! Basically (also going out to race-noobs like me), we went to get body marking first, then set up transition, put our bags down, last minute toilet break & warm up before the event. Please do a last minute check on the race route too! Thank goodness time flew and soon it was time for our races. John was flagged off first before myself and soon, I found myself in a ready position on the start line.

I must say the race went pretty smoothly, I was trying my hardest to keep up with the front girl on the swim, which was my race plan since the swim leg was so short, so that I can catch her on the run. It was a pretty furious swim though, because I wanted to stick to the lane ropes and draft to reduce my timing, which I managed to (proud of myself) and I was 3rd from my swim. Transition area was a whizz (I took about 1:15min) and I didn't realised I was first out of transition - which did create problems as I was unsure if I took the correct route because it felt so short. Thankfully I did and managed at 9:47 for the 2.5km run (although I think the distance was shorter).

However, when I got back, I was disappointed to learn that John (& couple of others) took the wrong race route, which cost them their podium :( I felt soooo terrible as I was the one who told him the route :(( I had really hoped to get a podium positioning with him. Moral of the story: Mind your own business. Yet another painful lesson learnt. And it's not the first..It was partially the route marshal's fault too, being small kids, I wasnt surprised that they confused the participants from Metasprint & SurfNSweat.

Oh well..I tried to eat a matcha-jelly ice cream to cheer myself up but :(

Thank goodness that issue was off my mind when I had to worry about Anne getting to Sentosa on time for registration for SurfNSweat. And the next thing was to worry about our competitors - Nuoshi & Sweehong..hahahs..I knew my paddling would be better than 2 years ago with Justin but probably not as good as Nuoshi.

I really gave it my best shot. Although I went offcourse & was overtaken by the girls, I tried to paddle to catch up and I really did :) Then in order to pace Anne, I rushed to grab my running shoes to look for Anne. It was a good race and we managed a 1st, ahead of the 2 NTU girls :D

Overall, I thought that both races were pretty well organised, with Metasprint having very good time management but SurfNSweat, despite some delays, did manage the whole event in good timing.

1st for SurfNSweat - Heavy Hamper!

Team at Metasprint!

First for Discovery

CNY 2014 - Year of the Horse

Time flies..once again, it's CNY period again..

Pretty different from the last year but I guess I don't feel that crappy and I do actually enjoy it :) Work has been rather hectic and that's why I do treasure any time I have out of the office and especially at training sessions..

It has been quite an ordinary CNY gathering (honestly speaking, my outfit wasn't new at all - my skirt one that I wear really often, heels which I have worn before and my cheongsam top was one that I had worn last year for CNY Day2 with Leon). We arrived quite late at noon at Grandpa's house and did the same stuff, lo-hei, receiving hongbaos and exchanging greetings, eating and watching TV shows but I guess it didn't bother me as much, doing nothing..hahas..too tired to actually think! We spent about 5 hours there socializing and then headed home to rest. Yet, I guess I'm blessed to have such a peaceful and loving family.

Well, to me, the highlight of the CNY holidays is more of the workouts :)

CNY Eve: Anne and I headed to Sentosa after my work to chill, swim at Tanjong Beach and we even managed a 10.6km easy run around Sentosa Cove! :)

CNY Day 1: I made myself get up at 5:15am to ride up to Longhouse to join JJ, Josh, Dwayne and Justin Kwan for a ride to Mt Faber. Honestly I felt a little fearful because I was the only girl but I braved through the ride and was pretty proud of myself! Glad I managed to clock about 60km :D hahahs

CNY Day 2: Went for a Macritchie run once again with the team. This time, it was me, Chloe, Lala and for the guys, Josh, Aaron, Justin Kwan and Kenley. Did a loop with a bleeding blister (that soiled my shoe :/)

CNY Day 3: hahas will update this soon! ^^

Happiness..

Thought it was rather cute ^^