Friday, November 24, 2006

Yay!!! Weekend!!!

Finally, its a friday, and what better way to start of the day, when I flipped open the papers, the first thing i saw was a full page labelled "ADIDAS POST SEASON SALE" . Have been wondering when this sale have gone to as it used to be an annual event. But nevertheless was very excited about it, that I started msging all my Shopperholic friends out there (If you didn't recieve my msg, it simply mean 1) I don't have your number, or 2) you dun fall under this cat. )

Will be calling it a day slightly earlier today, have things to settle at the bank before heading down to the sale. Hoping to get some good buys... shopping alone seems pretty sian, but I have no choice as not everyone have the luxury of going off earlier like me. heez.

Apart from that, i suppose i will be working tml morning too before heading for dragonboat I think. Can use as much cash as possible, especially at this time of the year. Okok going to finish up with my work liao... ciaoz.

Thursday, November 23, 2006

One more working day to Weekend...

Haha seems like I am practically counting down the days to the weekend man. Not that my job is not fun or anything, just that this week seems longer then any other. Pehaps its just that I have to work for the entire week this week, which have not been a norm, which is causing all this weird reactions to life. Haha guess ORD have really bring me to a relax mode man...

Anyway, I am beginning to wonder if I am being watch, or am I just easily mistaken as someone else. Tuesday, as I was walking along Orchard, and stopping by for an ice cream, some surveyor approached me to do a survey. He claimed he recognised me as he took the same train as me. For the fact that he is a guy and he took notice of me kinda freaked me out. Luckily he was pretty young, still in his early teen, if not i would just run man... haha. Then yesterday, went to this spa house somewhere in Chinatown with Sherine to get our brows done, and the beautician thought I looked familar and ask if I have visited before, but its my first visit there. Strangely, I have been getting alot of attention lately. Even out shopping, I notice people look at me, some in a strange way. Maybe i am thinking too much into it, but at time i would go to the toilet and check to see if there is something wrong with me, like something on my face or whatever not. Sure hope its not a bad thing. Then again, those people might be thinking the same way I am, if i don't look at them, I won't know they are looking at me in the first place. So can be myself ba...

Today, think i will call it a day earlier, should be heading to the gym and clear some chores. Don't want to return home to late today, been sleeping pretty late, so if possible I will try to turn in early. Getting really restless lately, not sure y. Am I not resting my body enough? but I don't want my body to go back into "laze" mode, the last time it did, i gain 4 kgs. What more, now that the festive season is around the corner, no time to be slacking off man. For the Xmas dinner, logcakes and all.... Work hard now... Bitter sweet...

Alright, better get back to work already.... fast fast do, fast fast finish, fast fast go!!! heez

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Its a midweek!

Yesterday afternoon was crappy, but in the evening was pretty alright. Left office a little earlier than usual, was really not in the mood to work, so ended up doing a little window shopping in town. Went out to scout for my outfit for Xmas outing with my section, and there is quite a number of potential "to buys" already. After that head down for Muay thai lesson, as I was there early, I started off with 9 mins of skipping (3 mins intervals with 20 push ups after each intervals) before doing some light kicking with alvins. Then was punch warm ups, ended that before it started to rain and we had to change to the carpark for training. I find its not to bad training in the carpark, the floor might be abit rough on certain areas, but apart from that everything else is not too bad. After training, during the showers, Alvin was asking if I am considering of going competitive. He hope to see me in competition next year. I wasn't really keen initally, but the stagnent practices we've been having seems to have taken a little effect on me. Not that its no fun anymore, its just that there is really no way to push myself further I suppose. Still in the stage of considering thou...

Today, can really feel the ache in the thigh area when I woke up, probably because of the squats during muay thai and also some that i had done the day before in the gym. Must be neglecting my legs to have such an ache I suppose. Hopefully it will wear off before my Sunday 4-80 Challenge. Yes I am taking part in the 4-80 Challenge, a 4 km run followed by a 26? 27 storey climb. The run didn't interest me, but what did was the climb. Something i have never tried before so think it will be fun. Not sure about plans after work today, might meet up with Sherine to get the brows done. Definately no late return home i suppose, been home at 11ish for 2 days, kinda tired as I only can retire to bed at about 1 in the morning after my shower.

Alright lah, its midweek, 2 more days to the weekends... looking forward to it! for now its back to work... take care people!

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Another day goes by...

Today is only Tuesday, the week is indeed passing by pretty slowly. Not that there is anything to look forward to over the weekend now that the race is over. But nevertheless, weekends are always better. hehez.

Yesterday, was suppose to leave office early, but work came last minute and send me into OT again, only managed to go to the gym at about 7 in the evening. Was asked to meet up for a little drink with Jayson and gang, and I actually turned it down. Partly because drinking at the start of the week is not my forte. But forsaking frens for gym, OMG what are you turning into Ryan? Was really feeling off-formed yesterday, and i knew gym is the only thing that can get my engine going. So stayed there till 9ish, and went home for dinner. Nothing beats good food after a tiring day, and what better food then home cooking.

Today, guess I will leave early i suppose, go walk around town, before heading down for class this evening. Its not as tough as i expected, but sure hell alot of fun lah. Haiz one more week... wat am i to do? i guess i will just stay low profile and let it pass ba. Everything seems pretty meaningless this year. I am not sure whats causing this, maybe being free from army is not a good thing afterall. All working class have that moment (that "sian have to work again" when the weekend or PH is ending) , as for me I don't, guess thats really boring me out. I guess its only human nature, when u work, you look forward to retire, and when u retire, u feel weird to stop working and yearns working... haha...

Alright back to work now... hopefully tml will be better ba!!!

Monday, November 20, 2006

Whine, Whining, Whined

Its been a pretty cool weekend for me, but if this carries on, i guess all the hardwork i put in for Hellweek will all go to waste. Have kinda lost my footing after the race, there is nothing ahead to motivate me to carry on... or I guess the devil within my is making me think this way so I can slack... Argh... I can't, not when the festive season is so nearby.

Been whining alot lately, be it about money, health, life in generally. Guess its that time of the year again, as you age, there is more to think about, and for me, I usually can bottom up how i feel pretty well in the past, but not this year apparently. I start to whine about everything and anything... I do sincerely apologise to those that I have whined at, and for being a total jackass thinking that i should make my problem your problem. When i start whining again next time, please remind me in whatever way you can think off k... Dreadful dreadful dreadful...

Let me talk about my weekend now then... Saturday was the first training after the race, so was kinda suprise to see so many people turned up, including some new people. Guess I was still pretty much in the mood of racing, so was really not used to the slow pace we were going. And the fact that I have a couple of new people infront of me, didn't really bothered me, until they start to get out of timing and all.... Guess quite alot of people sense that i was annoyed, must have made it that obvious. Had a little "friendly" race in the end, which we lost at the charge... and i finally get to feel what Yong say by the boat "dying off". Whats worse, I actually said out loud what i was feeling at that time... I said "I HATE LOSING", which i mean but not really meant out loud... Raena i suppose felt my "heat" pat me on my back and ask me to relax, thats when I realise i have actually said that out loud... Back on the beach, had a few beers, with the gang, was thinking of meeting up with Sherine and gang for a little shopping, but became reluctant after spending too much time on the beach. End up showering at Spencer's workplace, before heading down to Fluid to meet the rest of the gang for Vanessa, Ian, and the other lady's farewell party. Was fun, hang out till about 2ish, and while some continued at Attica, I made my way home...

Yesterday, met up with Sherine and Zhongxi for movie "Casino Royale". Not too bad, a 2 1/2hr movie. After that, Zhong Xi had other plans and have to leave, so me and Sherine went shopping at MS instead (as Sherine claimed she was sick of town). Saw quite abit of interesting things, Buffalo was on end season sale, but honestly their stuff was not fantastic. After that, we proceed on to suntec but nothing special as well.. Sherine didn't go home empty handed thou, got herself a top from nike which is pretty cute... A jacket from adidas caught my eye, look like a biker dude in it... and i tink it will look pretty good in formal wear also... haha *tempted* Had dinner at Kenny Rogers, not too bad i must say... There is where i started whining to Sherine i suppose... haha i guess things just got so stagnent in life that yah, its boring... okok before i start again, Erm, that pretty much conclude my evening and weekend. 2 more weeks, or week plus... think nothing is gonna happen afterall... haha its going to be a quiet even I suppose...

Alrighty den... thats all for today, going back to my work liao... hehez... tataz...

Saturday, November 18, 2006

My gold is one week old...

A photo of my and my gold medal on the way back from the party last week. Haiz, can't believe its all already over, its been a ready fast 2 days of race and now, my gold medal have already been a week old... As the chinese proverbs goes "Performance on stage for 10min, is equivalent to 10 years of off stage preparation" But i still stick to my golden rule. "Reap what you sow" and this rule have definately brought me to lots of gold. SYF gold, WMC gold, and now, River Regatta gold. hehez...

Yesterday was a busier than norm day, had to work OT for the first time in a long time... haha never at my current work thou, that was the first time. Was suppose to go chill with jac and gang at DXO, but had to put aeroplane due to work. Sorry gang. Today, was initally contemplating on whether to go for dragonboating, something very rare actually, because its been my top priority for the past month. Had pushed away or delayed appointment just to be there for training, and now there was doubt. But well, its not that I am slacking because gold is in hand, I am definately thirsty for more than one GOLD medal. Its just that I want to play in my school concert which is in january, and practice clashed with dragonboat training. So not that intensity have dropped from dragonboat, I thought i go back to my "root" and hobbies for awhile. for a change. However, was asked to help out with some new paddlers, which put me in this hot spot in between band and dragonboat. One part of me ask me to go for band prac, but the other part of me want to help these people, coz i sure know how much they wanted that medal, I was there before. So any good advise from anyone?

Later dropping by office to check out something for my boss, den will get from there to kallang, would try running there i suppose. Wayne did it before, dun see no reason I can't. just easy run I suppose. Alright then, for today, its dragaonboat, have somethings to pass to to Spencer, and the gang wanna discuss on the issues... so yeah...

Will be older in 2 weeks time... argh..... i hate myself, always so last min, haiz... no one to blame but myself!!! Cya people!!!

Thursday, November 16, 2006

Photos of Sinfonia! and Jac's Bday!

ean As i promised here are some photos, of all the mention events recently... hehez...




First up, laoshi, starting the concert of with an orchestra's piece "The Sound of Music" then was Mr. Han with a guest singer from health science helping out to sing the songs "I Will Survive" and "Hero".







More of laoshi in action and together with a solo violinist... Su Zheng if i didn't get her name wrongly... very superb performance by her...







Amelia is up next... making a debut conducting in a major concert, taking the piece "Rose Rose i love you" its pretty nice, its like a mixture of chinese and Xmas music... hehez, and a smile of relief from her when its all over.







Finally the orchestra and laoshi, reminded me of the WMC formation lah... haha memories...







And a very last picture before my camera died, hehez...







Now to Jac's birthday!







First up, me and the fine lady turning 21... hehez... Beauty and the Beast 2? lolx....=P and well, being such a cam whore, I of course went around taking picture with everyone like it was my own party... haha... and here they are...











I am such a lucky guy ain't i... hahaha, well i shall end off with a Group photo!!!





Unlucky Wednesday! Safe Thursday...

Today have been extra careful after what have happened yesterday. Its good to have a couple of day break, but spending have gone up like nobody's business man... haha guess its time to save again for the spending i forsee coming end of the year!

Now more about yesterday, what seemed to be a easy day out didn't really happened as planned. Had a late night out with Gary and Joani of my muay thai. Was out for a movie, watched "A Good Year". A fantastic film, loved it alot and made me love wine drinking even more. Got home abt 2 am, and went to bed at about 3am after everything is set and done (shower and all). Woked up 8.30 in the morning, as I am meeting Angelina for some suntanning, but when I looked out the window, the sun was not at all welcoming, taking leave or something, no where in site. But went off nevertheless. Got to sentosa, was welcome by a very cloudy and windy weather, ideal for sleeping, with the sun occasionally popping out, somewhat like a game of "peek-a-boo". "Cloud-tanned" for a few hours, and when sense rain, we decide to hit for the showers before it starts pouring. But after we are done showering, its started pouring. but still managed to make it to mainland pretty dry. Got to vivocity, met up with jac for "Step-up" the movie. would say it was ok, but the dance is pretty good.

After which, had dinner at sushi tae, good food i must say, fresh items, and very well presented. When dinner is done, its window shopping, my favorite, haha saw so many things that i would want to add to my "To Buy" list, but well given my budget this year... haha if there is any that is... well let just say the items will stay in that list for a little longer. All was well, till we stepped into Precious thoughts (or Moments? whatever it is). Angie was checking out some X'mas cards, and when i wanted to show her some by the counter, I heard a loud crash, and when i turned around, a frame was already on the floor. Was really in shocked as that was the first time i broken anything in the shop. Thank god the place wasn't crowded, imagine the scene it would have created. Was ask to pay half the sum for the item which i did since it was my fault, or should i say my bag's fault as it was the one the knocked over the frame.... Didn't really feel sore about it but would be a long time before i ever return to that shop again. At least the manager was very courteous about the situation, thats what prevented me from causing a scene i suppose. After that was more walking around.. and that pretty much ends the evening, showed mum the stuff i broked and found out its kind of a gift to someone that have a death in the family. haha SUAY right... haha

Today, met up with Azre in town, for him to unload all the hot gossips he have been storing within him... haha, he is my only connection back to the band man... and i suppose i missed a performance of a lifetime for COG (*dame), walked around town, saw a couple of sweater that I think was really nice. haha more items on my "to Buy" list. Paragon is already into the Xmas mood in full swing, and they are currently having a charity programme going to send present to kids of Cambodia, so yah, all the big hearted pple, time to share yah... hehez *winkz.... After that came home already, as he got class to attend and I have no business left in town, more looking means more things to be added into my list. hehez...

And that kinda concluded my 2 days, one suay, and one just boring and normal lor... haha, tml is the weekends again... will be meeting up with friends so should be a good evening... hehez, currently unsure if I am playing for concert as dragonboat just got some new twist... haha seems like its happening... but well shall just see how things goes... Alright den... tata....

Monday, November 13, 2006

FANTASTIC WEEKEND!!! GOLD RUSH!!!



After months of preparation for last weekend's race, aka River Regetta, the biggest event to end of the season for the year... All the effort have paid off with the colour got the medal we got. GOLD!!! yes... we won first place in the "International Mixed (20 Crew)" category. To add icing to the cake, we walked away with a sliver for and "Open Mixed" category, something the team have never expect to get... but we did it... here is a little bit of how my weekend was like.

Friday, didn't had to work, so went to did some last mintue preparation for the race in the gym, basically not letting my muscle slack off before the race, but also didn't tire them out. Just getting them pumped. Afterwhich, head home, rest awhile before meeting up with Sherine to catch Sinfonia back at NYP. On the way home, decided to get roses for the flautist, since they have give me some last year, hehez... thought i show them support as well. Lucky we got there earlier, coz if we were there later, there won't be seats for us and we will have to sit by the stairways. horrible thing to do. They had more then a full house audience, I guess plainly due to the fact that the concert is free. Being typical Singaporean, anything that is free is good i suppose. But done be mistaken, its not that the band is not good. they perfrom relative well. With inside info in the situation of the band, i wasn't pinning to high hope, on the performance, but surprisingly they did better then I expected. All that action that night, made me missed band alot. Something that i have been doing for the past decade or so... will really be a pity to really let it go... Might be playing for an alumini concert in Jan, but still considering, coz I might have to stop dragonboat for awhile. But if I am, please support K!!! heez....

After the concert, didn't really get much time to hang around as Sherine was rushing off, I didn't wanna stay too late neither as I have to be at the race early next morning. Saw alot of familiar faces at the concert thou. People like Teo Hui, Cheryl, and some old timers like Zaidi, Thomas and all. Its always great to meet friends, especially those that I haven't contact for awhile. Got home, got my stuff ready for the race, ate some pasta prepared for the race while watching ghost whisperer, before heading to bed. Not a good idea to load carb so late, it kept me awake the entire night, really felt like i did not sleep at all.

Saturday, got up at 6am, amazingly, without much sleep, I was still geared and hyped. I guess the race is my fuel. Got a ride from Angelia's bro to race site. After we got of the car, morning air was so good that it made me all refreshed. We got there rather early we waited at our area for awhile before John arrived with all the stuff. Help unload and set up the tent, while people started coming slowly. By the time most people got here, the place was already pretty packed with paddlers from other teams. Our first event was the Mixed race, which I was kinda suprised I was left out on. So i actually had the entire morning free as my first race is the Mens opens which is about 1 plus. But I didn't sit around doing nothing neither, took out my camera and started snapping around. Spent most of the time taking candid pictures and all. Soon it was my turn for the Men's Open. Guess the nerves got the better of us and there was just too many hiccups in the boat. In the end we lost out in that. That kinda dampen my spirit a little, and what made matters worse was its started pouring really heavily making it very cold and the race have to put on hold due to lighting. Its was at least an hour later before they commence the race, and yes it was still pouring, but as there wasn't any lighting and we were very behind schedule that we have to race in the rain. Then it was the biggest heats of the day, Expat race. Unfortunately boat our A and B boat have been chosen to race in the same race and we are up against the Germans and Japanese. What seems like an easy race for both boats was not as it seems, apparently only our A boat made first and German came in second while our B boat made third. meaning they were knocked out. With that it pretty much round up day one. Had to rush off to Jac birthday celebration. Met up with Sherine at Newton before taking a cab there, was really lucky I heed Sherine advise about the cab thingy coz its a very remote place and a long walk by bus into the campus itself. But overall its a nice place, and everyone looked superb, especially the host, she was like a princess. Joined the gang that was already there, had a little red wine (ok a little more then a little. heez) and after that the gang went Dbl O to continue the party while I head home for i had race the next day.


Sunday, final day of race, reached there at about 9 am, and was waiting all the way, my race was in again in the afternoon. So was more photos again...hehez... We only qualified for 2 races out of the 9 event we participated in (*disheartening), 1 the Expat Finals, and the Mixed Open Semis (which we eventually made to the finals by coming in first in that event.) Then, it was my event, the Expat Finals. We were up against 2 Canadian boats, the Germans, and Kowloon. Everyone was really focus, and could practically see flames of passion and determination coming out from all the paddlers... As we all prepared and burst out of the starting line, there was practially nothing going through my mind but GOLD! and when we past the finishing line, the expression on Yong's face was priceless. Its like he just won lotto or something. Managed to catch a glimps to the Canadians boat as we past the finishing line, and we indeed won by a commanding distance, its at least a dragon head distance. After that was cheers, and tears for some as we got the annoucment of confirmation. Its was then another while wait before the next race and the morale of the team have indeed been boosted alot by that win. When we got out for the Mixed finals, everyone got back the focus, and we almost got gold for that too... We lost to Singapore Canoe Club by 0.28 of a second. But we are just as contented with a Sliver as its the first Austchamp have every got from an Open event. That means our teams standard is going up, a very positive sign. That pretty much concluded River Regetta 2006, prize presentation was really fun this year and if there is an award for best sports team, i am sure we will get it, coz we cheered for every teams that went up to collect their prize. We were so loud that, when its finally out turn to get our awards, the emcee had to calm us down before annoucing our team. It was dame fun lah...

When everything is settled, we went over to John's place for a get together and prize presentation. It was alot of fun and i must say, the best weekend in ages... First medal of my life and GOLD it is... Still think we could have had a shot at the Men's Open if not for all that hiccups thou... but well, that means more training, coz no point saying it now that is over... looking forward to more MEDALS next year! Cheers everyone!!!

ps. shall share photos of all the mention event on another entry...

Thursday, November 09, 2006

A Step Closer...

Its a thursday, a day closer to the BIG day, i can already taste my medal... i worked too hard to give up now... so I am going with no regrets and no tommorrow...

Its freezing here in the office, my endurance to cold have definately grown weaker compared to my yesteryears. Maybe its due to the loss of my natural insulators (AKA FATS...heehz) . To make things worse, its pouring outside now... making its worse to bear. Thank god I am in long sleeve, if not it would be much worse. Will recap abit on yesterday.

After work, met up with Sherine to go back together since we are on the same way back and taking the same train. Time can really play tricks on people i suppose, after not having met her for awhile, there was this odd feel the rushed up within me when we first met. Its like the feeling of stranger. haha really really weird, but it disappeared soon after. Got home, tummy was grumbling, so had dinner as soon as I got changed. Haven't had home cooked food for awhile, and for the fact that I was really hungry, I had extra serving of rice, something i haven't done for a long time. Ever since i went on a diet, i have always controlled my carb intake, sometimes not even finishing the rice on my plate. So after that filling meal, i knew i had to workout to lose some of the carbs. Went for a long long run and did some stretching after, took an hour to complete the entire journey. When I got home, I got unusually thirsty, and started downing alot of water. Guess i might have dehydrated without even realising it.

Today, back at work, hehez, got more interesting stuff to do... thou doesn't reallly require much thinking, but need the artistic touch to things as it deals with pictures. Got an email for the weekends schedules, have to be there pretty early... so i hafta plan my day tml really well, stuff to bring, food to prepare, etc. For those that have no idea what I am talking about, its the River Reggetta, the end season race for dragonboat, and one of the biggest events of the year. so if you are free, pop by to take a look k, thrilling action guarenteed.

After work, should be meeting up with Sherine again, for dinner before returning home i suppose...Tml off, hehez, applied for it, really need the time to prepare for it....

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Work!!!

Yay!!! Work at last, haha... guess all that hard work slacking have got me abit crazy... Its not easy to slack... trust me. But hey, enough on that, I am working now, thou its still work that dun require brains, at least there is something to keep me occupied.

Yesterday, slacked the entire off, and was all geared up for Muay thai. One part of me is rearing to give it my all, but another part of me is asking me to hold back, as the race is so near, you won't want to overwork. But training yesterday was no challenge at all, did break into sweat, but didn't feel drained. Think is because I was paired with Martina, this Aussie lady that just joined us not too long ago. Had to control my strenght on kicks and punches as she is a ger, alot tougher as the control really worked my muscles. She was not really in the mood of doing things, guess its because of a rough day at work, so i did most of the practise as she took a break after a few trys. Learned a new kick yesterday (as least for me it was new). Was fun lah i must say. A little boy joined us for class yesterday, aged 10 if i am not mistaken, very good man.. i was in awed when he did pad work with Alvin, but according to the rest he have been training for a year... so thats explains his strength and technic for a kid, lots of work to go Ryan, to reach that level... Alvin was teaching him the traditional dance muay thai warriors do before a match, in respect of all teachers and muay thai masters of the past, supposedly doing it for a match coming soon, its dame cool can! haha. After training, joined Joani for dinner, very strong girl she is, tomboy yet dun lose her feminie side, fun hanging out with her, had a great chat with her on the MRT back and all.

Today, as i said, finally needed at my workplace... haha thou its not much of a difference then rotting at home, at least there is a source of income lah... so thats something to look forward to... should be staying till evening, and likely meeting up with Sherine to go back together... since she work so close by. Alright den, back to work... Cheers!

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

A new start....

Realised I have been using that old skin for awhile, so tot I changed it, since I am having all the time in the world... haha yes no work again today (haiz...) Despite doing only light weights at the gym yesterday, I can feel the sore coming from the muscle group that I worked on, which is a good thing, but then again, i dun wan to overworked it as the race is only 3 more days away (excluding today). Guess the rest of the week its gonna be plenty of stretching and light conditioning. Not really used to carb loading thou, been having abit more then my regular amt of carb lately and I will feel really bloated and full, dun like that feeling. Reminds me of my olden days, when i used to stuffed myself. Think I will stick to my protein loading, since it has not failed me yet.

Tonight got Muay Thai! can't wait... really really fun stuff. Current moment, apart from changing my blogskin, was doing some reading up on health tips for competition conditioning. As a matter of fact, I did sent out an article to Wayne on mental preparation, hopefully it will be useful. In case you dun get the mail, i will post the article here as well.

TRAIN YOU BRAIN
DON'T LET YOUR MIND MAKE YOU QUIT



Your brain tries to shut down your workout because it thinks you might hurt yourself. It doesn't know that you want to push your body to get bigger and stronger and faster. Jim Fannin, a sports-performance consultant whho has helped, among others, Alex Rodriguez, suggests the mind tricks here.

First of all, Fannin says, when you're working out, don't think about other things - like where to go for dinner afterward. "Stay engaged in the moment or you'll stop before you're finished," he says.

FOCUS ON THE PRESENT.

Forget about what lies ahead in your workout or game and what's already taken place. "Every athlete I coach uses this mantra: I have no future. I have no past. My goal is to make the present last. I am in the now. That is a warrior mantra," says Fannin.

KEEP YOUR HEAD UP.

Literally, that is. Keeping you head elevated helps you stay in positive frame of mind.

RELAX YOUR JAW.

You can't be in the zone unless your jaw's unhinged. (Think Jordan's tongue waggle.) If you watch A-Rod at the plate, he looks as if he's yawning, but he's actually relaxing his jaw. Fannin says. "The biggest problem with most weenend warriors, and pros, is that they don't breathe normally. You can tell by looking at their jaws," he says. When your jaw is tense, it can transfer tension to your hands and change your grip on a baseball bat, glof club, or tennis racket. (in our case, our paddle).

HAVE FUN.

Sounds like something your Little League coach would say, but enjoying the challenge and competition can help you perform. "Champions look at the adversity as an oppotunity," says Fannin. Deep down, they enjoy it - and so should you.


Heez.. guess thats all for now and today.... will blog again very soon I predict... hehez.. Have a nice day!

Monday, November 06, 2006

Monday Bordem!!!

Argh!!! boring boring day... I know everyone else that is working must be thinking "Why is this Ryan complaining when he get to do nothing all day?" But its no joke, slacking is a very very, very tough job. Staring into space for hours, rot around, do nothing but slack, and worse, NO INCOME!!! haiz... got up pretty early today, coz wasn't informed if i am needed in the office, but later recieve news that i didn't need to, was kinda disappointed... So spent the day rotting infront of my TV and my Com.


Was having a conversations online with friends, and I guess all that rotting have caused me to be a little irritated, so if i was a complete jerk when talking to you guys just now... please forgive me... really didn't mean it... was forced into it by bordem. Then after it stopped raining, i decide to hit the gym (my 2nd home) to pump some metal and vent some bordem on the weight before i really turn into a jerk online.


Gym training really did me plenty of help, it made time pass faster, get me all drained and tried, and i simply loved it... Now looking for food to eat. and that's pretty much the start of my week. pathetic arh? haha, I tink so too myself, time to source out again i suppose... BORED BORED BORED... hopefully tml is a better day!!!

Sunday, November 05, 2006

Full Steam Ahead!!!

One moment, i was blogging and weekend finally here and its last training before next week's race, the next i am already sitting here, with hardy a quarter of a weekend left. Time really flies when you are enjoying yourself.


This 2 days have been pretty well spent, thou there is training, on both days, but enjoyed the weekend to the max man. Yesterday after training, was out with Jays and Yi Xin for a little drink over and Jay's fren, Bryan's corporate function down at club street. But as the ambience was not fantastic, we left shortly after and ended up at Party World Shenton Way instead. The place was a classic PCK creation man.Marbles everywhere, and in partitions, there are these 'roman pillars' and on the 'pillars' are bowls of frosted plastic fruits. Its dame classic man, they even bothered to add the frosting. Me and Yi Xin were awed by the deco, all the place needed was PR waitress and the stage would have been set man. Thou its was a really short time we spent there (kinda left early as we had training this morning), but i sure did enjoy myself. maybe for the fact that i have not been KTVing for awhile, but singing to a different crowd still kind on scares me. Both Jays and Yi Xin are wonderful singer. Jays even did a very real impersonation of Fei Yu Qing (with the action and all) and let me tell you, it was bloody brillant lah...Anyway, its kinda suprising that we could actually hang out pretty well. Haha guess its been me being all oversensitive all this while. Had a good chat with Jays on the way back, and actually found out how they thought about me, which made me feel more at ease.


This morning, almost didn't make it to beefcake on time, guess i spent too much time at home. But the session today was pretty alright, we did the indoor stadium routine, and i guess the hell week really got my stamina up, coz i still feel pumped after the session. Water training was fun today, not because i have been in the winning boat, its just that i can for once felt the old team back again, back when i was racing the last time, everyone really focused and we were unstoppable. After training, was off for lunch at a german place up in upper east coat, and we had alot of meat... I had a chicken burger, but we shared sauages and some other stuff. and was really really filling. Haven't felt full in a long time (haha nowadays, i usually eat till i am not hungry and seldom till i am stuffed). Then caught a bus back after hitching a ride to Kambangan MRT from Yi Xin and Bro. My instinct tells me something is going on btw Raena and Chiong Kee, but well if they wanna keep it a secret, i am sure there is a reason y. Its been fun today, thou i can tell Nic didn't really enjoyed himself, can tell he is still very heart broken by the fact he broked up with his gf. Who wouldn't? But i just hope it will not affect his performance next week in the race, every member counts.


Well, i suppose thats all for this weekend, guess i will go prepare my week ahead. Will be keeping my routines in the gym light and focus more on fun to burn those excess weight off and stuff. other then that, i guess my week will pretty much be smooth sailing (i hope) hehez... enjoy whatever is left of the weekend then... cheers matey!

Saturday, November 04, 2006

Dragonboat! 1 week and counting!

Its the weekends again, and for my case its training, training and more training! haha its not that i don't like it, looking forward to it nevertheless... But as the weeks gone by, everyone gets more hyped up for the race, for me, i just feel so worn out... Am i giving up at the very last min? i wonder at times... will i be able to perform the way i wish? with no regrets after every race. I don't want to be a let down to the team, and i really want that gold around my neck.


Everyone that reads my blog must be sick and tired of my day to day life, as its surrounds around nothing but workouts, honestly, i am pretty tired of it myself. Its been nothing but Hell Week, or Muay Thai, or Dragonboat. If not it will be new injuries or old ones giving problem, and they are still related to sports and all. Where have all my social life gone to? Am i overly sport savvy and turning to a lunatic?


Well, i guess all this will simmer down after the race, not that i am gonna stop completely from all sports (coz that would probably kill me), but just going to take things down a knob, and focus more on strenghtening that shoulder of mine, and working on light endurance run (meaning long distance and slow paced). The only intensive sport for me after would be just muay thai, which i absolutely fell in love with at the moment. Apart from that, I should be making a comeback to the music scene, if NYP allows that is, I will help perform for a concert in January at the VCH (Victoria Concert Hall). Music have been part and parcel of my life (at least for a decade now) so it will be a pity to let it go just like that, thou i am sure there is lots of brushing up to do.


Oh well i guess that all there is for my blog today, not sure about my plans after training today thou? might just head home to rest, depending on the situation. Enjoy the weekends pple. Take care and Lots of Luv!

Friday, November 03, 2006

Its a FRIDAY!!!

Its been a pretty sucky day yesterday, until pehaps in the evening. But well at least its now the weekend and its offically a week to the race... both excited and worry, Excited as i have really put in alot and got my fitness up, but worried coz all that hasn't come without a price, been pulling quite a number of muscles and also my shoulder isn't getting any better... Haiz!!!


Now to yesterday, was suppose to be at work at 10 but ended up 2 hours late, as i have something to settle. Luckly Cedric didn't mind, another day of simple data entires, it really bores me out at times... but no choice, still hafta do, a job is a job. Managed to tahan till 6pm before making a move and headed down to Wayne's place for some beefcake session. But waited till 720pm and there is still no sight of them and all of them seems unreachable, so i make my way home instead. Thx god angelina wanted to work out also, so i head home got change and ran to the park at gardens to meet her for a "mini hell week" session. It was more endurable as we took longer breaks in between. bt managed to sweat it out never the least. always feels good to have a good workout. After that, had a drink near a coffeeplace near angie's place, walked her home, and ran back. Go home at about 10.30, took a shower, rest awhile and off to bed. Thx Angie for that great workout session.


Today i forsee will be yet another boring day at work. but lucky the hours are gonna be shorter... so yeah hopefully time slipped past abit faster today. After that will be movie with Angie at VivoCity, at least thats what we got planned. if not we can always walk about if there isn't anything good showing. Erm, that pretty much sums up my day. Weekend full of water fun again i suppose... hehez.. last 2 training before the big thing, shall not give up now... Alrighty den... i guess thats all for today... may all have a great weekend ahead, TATA

Thursday, November 02, 2006

Work now play later.

At work now... doing data entry, haiz... if not for the flexible hours, and to kill time, and a promise, i guess i won't be working here anymore. Coz its honestly not my cup of tea. I mean its good to have income and all, but jobs like that don't really need me to do, anyone can do it i suppose... Not trying to say i am dame smart or talented, but i feel that i should be put to better use den this... haha


After this is heading down to Wayne's place for a little beefcake session. Yah must be thinking i am out to kill myself after incurring that strained thigh... But hey know what, gave my leg a good massage last night and its all well again today, so yeah, its too close to the race to slack off now... Despite looking forward to training, have been feeling really tired lately.... tired as in sleepy tired and not overworked tired. Seems that my slp have always been disrupted by these dreams i am having, and the moment i gets up, all disappear into thin air. But it kept my brain up the entire night, so despite my body feeling all energised the next day, my head is always very heavy... Gotta do something to it really soon, time for suppliment shopping again. something that can increase my endurance and all... good recommendation anyone?


Yawnz... there i go again, that is like one of the many times i yawn today, feel like those kind of drug addicts when they are craving for drugs. dame...3 more hours... i can do this!!! alright den...blog again soon...

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Fitness Level Dropping! time for a break?

OMG, what a better way to start of gym session by pulling my right thigh muscle. was doing dead lift when it happened... haiz.. kinda endured the pain through my 2 hrs session just now, had to cut short on lower back workout becoz of that, but compensated by working more on upper back. Worked my abs too, well thing that made my day was i have lost all the weight gained from Brunei, the cruise, and redang... Current weight its 75 ish close to 76, so hafta work harder as I am on the right track but still have abit more to go to my ideal 72kg. Gambate


Didn't realise that there was so many bruise on my leg yesterday. But today they all came out with full force. haha looked like I was got out of a bad accident or something, with red patches all over both legs. But the strange thing is that it didn't hurt, so it was cool. Was intending to do my own hell week beefcake tml, but i guess i have to take it easy for that muscles. As yong says "The race is more impt, no point killing urself and not being able to make the race" right to a certain extend i suppose.


Not sure whats happening to me... been feeling really restless the entire day, thought gym will perk me up a little (usually it does) but not today, it did for awhile but then soon after i left the gym, the restlessness got back... haiz.. Am i overworking my body? pushing it too hard pehaps? I never allow myself to ask this kinda question, coz its really just a way to avoid and slack. But there must be a reason for this sudden tiredness... I guess its Muay Thai, coz i remember feeling like that too after my first lesson of it... haha guess i can recover very soon i suppose...


Anyway, thats all for now i suppose... take care all and shall see ya soon... All this working out have been taking away all my social life i realised... hehez... better start doing some soul searching... hehez.. lost contact with way too many friends already... haha Alrighty... Ciaoz

Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Another fun training in Muay Thai

OMG, woked up at 12 noon today, haha latest i have ever woked up these past weeks, or should i say months... the feeling of wasting the entire morning slping really affected me, guess i will set my alarm clock tonight just to prevent such gulit to creep into me again.

That was the first bad thing of the day, then was my appetite, didn't had to work today so spent the entire day slacking at home, and my house being a food heaven (meaning food is accessible almost everywhere), and me being born in the year of the rat, was constantly on the lookout for things to nimble... and my mouth really didn't stop once, from fruits to nuts, to yougart, you name it... So when evening came i was so determined to get out of the house that i took a record breaking time to pack my bag... haha.

Got to training ground at about 645pm, Joanie was already there, together with another fren, Kathrina, who is thinking of joining... hehez sort of like me when i first want to join, must scout the situation first. Did my warm up skipping, and was on to do kicks with Alvin. did 100 per leg in intervals of 20s per set... me and joani took turns... haha heard Alvin say if i trained hard enough for a month i can make it for the competition next year... haha something really encouraging to hear...

Then more familiar faces turned up, which make training so much more enjoyable as we get to chit chat alot and all was fun. Had dinner of at our usual place. Prepared my own Chicken breast and sweet potatoe feast, plus green bean soup for desserts while the rest savoured in korean food. Then Gary drove us back again.. hehez... its a good things we all stay nearby.

Alright, i suppose thats all, need to go put some oilment on the new bruises from today sessions den... hehez... tml will be yet another workless day, haiz... no work=no income, no income = no shopping! i really need a perm job soon... But den again... it gym again tml! hehez.. take care peepz... cya soon...

Monday, October 30, 2006

Interesting software... i got a funny face! hehez

National Team Selection

To All SDBA Affiliates:


The Singapore Dragon Boat Association's Management Committee at its meeting on 12th September 2006 decided that the Association should begin to put in place a detailed training plan and set the 2007 South East Asian Games as a target for our national squads to work on.


Time trials will be conducted on 18th November 2006 (Saturday) from 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm and on 19th November 2006 (Sunday) from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm at the Bedok Reservoir to recruit fresh paddlers from clubs to join the training squads. All paddlers from all affiliated clubs are encouraged to participate in the time trials.


The IDBF 10-crew Racing Dragon will be used in the time trials to be conducted over a distance of 300 meters. Average of the 2 time clocked by the participants will be used to select the athletes for the national squads.


Only Singapore Citizens from SDBA affiliated clubs are eligible to participate in the time trials.


The men and women's national squads will be sent to two overseas competitions to train and evaluate their standard prior to the 2007 South East Asian Games. Their performances at these overseas competitions will hopefully be convincing enough to meet the Singapore National Olympic Council's qualifying standards to be selected for the Games.


Those interested are to submit their names to the Secreatray-General, Mr Lim Wee Kok by 13th November 2006 (Monday) by e-mail: sdba@starhub.net.sg indicating their names, NRIC numbers, date of birth, contact tel number, mobile number and email addresses.




Got this from Wayne, haha he really think that anyone from the team can make it in? must be really optimistic, apart from Yong, which i see eligible, and maybe Spencer and Chiong Kee, there in no other pple from the aussie that can make it to the team i suppose... haha but well i might be wrong... anyway anyone interested go for it k!!! will be cool... representing singapore and all...

Hell and Swell Weekend!!!

The past three days have been nothing but Fun Fun Fun... despite its being Hell Week and all, i still managed to spent quality time with my friends and family. My cousin Sieh Ling, came over from Perth for the weekends to met a friend, Emily from the UK, who is heading down to Brisbane to attend a wedding. So yeah, spent some time with them, as I haven't really seen them for a LONG LONG time...


But first up, after the entire week of pretty Hell Training, we spent Friday's training at Sentosa via the beach... its pretty new experience, coz i normally won't go to the beach after the sun have gone down (whats the point of that? you get what I mean) But well, since it was still a weekday, i suppose thats the only time avaliable since everyone have to work. We started the night with a little beach volleyball, kinda interesting as light was minimal, so you pretty much anticipated where the ball is gonna go, so you won't know what hit ya... As more pple turned up for what they thought of as training, we continues the night with a little touch rugby. was really fun, made a run and touch down for my team, haha well for the fact that i was left unmarked so yeah thats the price to pay i suppose... hehez... after that was chilling and dinning at a restraunt nearby... Didn't stayed till too late, left the place at 10ish togther with Hazel. Talk about everything, from band to life and all, hehez... I kinda envied her i suppose, getting to work overseas and all. Hopefully i get to do that some day too...


Saturday, got to beefcake session at 230pm, its wasn't that bad at all, not after what we have gone through the past week at least. we were split into group of 5s, and each group is to complete 350 chin-ups, 400 dips, and 400 push ups as a team. After that session I left, missed out on the paddle, as i was meeting up with Sieh Ling for a trip to the night safari. Felt kinda bad to be walking out from the team, but well its not everyday my cousin comes visiting, so yeah... that made me feel somewhat better... Met up with them at about 615pm, and headed down to the safari. On the way down it started pouring which kinda worried me abit. But thank god the rain stop as soon as we reached. So we got a bite, and proceed into the park. Hmm... its a pity we didn't really take many pictures as flash photography is not allow, as it scares the animal (which kinda defitted the purpose of flashes on camera as its suppose to take pictures in the dark). And since our camera didn't work too well without flash. we didn't take that many picture. Here is one in particular we took while waiting for the animal show...




After the tour of the safari, we headed back to the hotel as emily got tired. hehe, guess the weather can wear a person out pretty much, especially when you are not used to the heat of Singapore. hehez... So after i sent them back to the hotel, i went along to meet up with my boys off at paulaners and party the night away.





thats all of us... starting from left, we have herbert, navin and li hao, and beside me is the star for the night Dennes, celebrating his 22nd birthday. Was just about to leave as i got there... haha game of majong at Dennes place. How boring, so I ordered a drink to keep us there a little longer. haha and that seems to be the end of dennes, as we stayed there till closing, with the friendly staff of paulaners giving the bday boy drinks... haha in total, our little dude got 4 liters of beer in his system that even... and this is what happened... after we left and thought of getting supper of lao pasa. (Note:* not for the faint hearted)




Of course he is in this wonderful state courtesy of his wonderful gang... hehez... GROUP PIC just for memories...



We got him home at about 3 ish in the morning, had to carry him all the way back to his flat, and boy is he heavy for a bag of bones. (oppz) hehez... Had to take a really long shower when i got home as i stink from his "waste" after carrying him all that way.. and was off to bed at about 4am.


Got up at 8 plus Sunday morning, was super tired so decide to give beefcake a miss. Sieh Ling, was joining me this morning for a paddle, hehez, not exactly the best time to ask her along, but hey its wonderful experience to bring home with her... So met up with her at Kallang MRT station, walked to the river and started the session off proper... Training was tough, for once in after so long, i actually found a session tough, my breathing was irregular, i don't have strength and i was drained. All thanks to lack of rest and one too many booze i suppose... so yah... there abstaining is a MUST from now to the race.


After that session, Angie joined us for lunch and we met up with Emily for lunch. After that, Sieh Ling head back to the hotel for a good shower and rest before meeting up again in the evening for dinner with my parents, and since i had some time and didn't wanna go home, i spent the time walking around town with angie instead. Was really a zombie roaming around town, nothing seems to interests me... hmm, or some clothes does actually. heez.. Skin (another shop bringing in american street wear) is offically in singapore. Took a look at some of the things in it... and boy are they nice... hahaha and very expensive too.. Celo mag was having a promo there and I bought a pair of sunglass (Adidas again) since it was off on a good deal... not sure lasting thou but love the design. Afterwhich, lacked around with angie off at NYDC for awhile before parting with her and met up with the ladies again for dinner. Had dinner off at Uncle Chan's, a fren of my dad's little restraunt in Queenstown. And that pretty much sums up my day, tiring but fufilling. Sieh Ling got me another aussie jersey, which i absolutely loved... Think i will wear it on the Final day of the race. hehez...


That pretty much sums up my weekend, exciting eh... good food, drinking and lotsa fun... haha hopefully it didn't put all my hell week training to waste thou... haha Anyway, HELL week is now offically over, and we are 2 weeks and 2 trainings away from the race. I am not about to take things easy from here... and will come out with 2 weeks of personal hell week for myself, to strenghten the shoulder of mine and also hopefully improve on my overall physics. Wish me luck people. Reap what you Sow... thats have worked for me so far... hope it doesn't fail me now... Cheers guys, going to do some packing up on my rooms and heading for gym training after that... have a wonderful week ahead!

Saturday, October 28, 2006

The Moon, Sand and the Sea???

Nothing can put me to sleep better than a little alcohol, and yeah... its been a long time since i had any so it put me right to bed as soon as i got back from "training" yesterday...

Yesterday I will not exactly call it Hell Week Training, i suppose its a little light after a week of intensive training. Location was at Sentosa, so really wasn't expecting much training to begin with. started off with a little game of vollyball, and as soon as everyone met up, and it was starting to get dark (consider we reach there by 7 in the evening.)we move to a spot with some light and play a little game of touch rugbby instead. It pretty fun i must say, hehe but probably need abit of getting used to, its a new sport to me thou i have done a couple of session with CJ's rugby team while i was there, but that was ages ago. Then we set down for a little drink and pizza and chat out stuff before heading home. Headed home with Hazel, who happen to be heading back to SengKang, and we had a good chat back. hehez...

Today, last day of Hell week, but i could only make it for beefcake session as i promise to go to the Night Safari with Sieh Ling, my cousin from aussie who is visiting for the weekend. So yeah... a break before i kick off the coming week with a bang den... hehez.. Alright den, off for lunch and off i go... Cya peepz...

Friday, October 27, 2006

Its a Friday!!! HELL WEEK ENDs in 2 days!!!

Is pushing myself to the limit really showing off??? thats the question in my mind yesterday, have been hovering in me, even when i dream, can anyone give me an answer please...


Yesterday was alot of running training, and boy did we ran, or should i say sprint will be a more appropriate word. Here is how things goes, we first started off with a slow warm up run around the tracks. Afterwhich, we sprint a round row the track, from there they break the people into different groups of 3 before the session offically begins. I gave it my all for that lap, really when breathless after that... After that, we did for sets of 400m sprints (which is one round), den 4 sets of 200m, and 4 sets of 100m, after each set i feel like i am going to die, but after a short rest, i have not idea what kept me going but i managed to complete everything despite and aching left calve. After that was a warm down run, can't feel that my thighs are already worn out so i ran backwards instead using more of my hamstrings... to me its normal routine, used to do it last time when i ran in camp... But i suppose to the rest i was trying to show off... which kinda upsets me as the intention was never that... haiz... Anyway, we ended last night session with some midsection exercise, which got me totally drenched to the core. Brought along some banana for everyone, since i know it helps prevent cramps or aching of the legs, tips from my runner friends.


After which was off to dinner with the gang, there is where I felt bad again, brought along my own dinner, sweet potatoes and chicken breast meat (steamed). Everyone saw what i brought and all went on a health frenzy, eating fish soup, and all... which made me feel so guilty... Luckily a few sticked to their usual mee goreng and desserts of ice kajang.


Then head back home, dumped all my wet clothes to soak, wash up and turn in... with that question in mind... Call me over-sensitive but i enjoy friends company, but at times i have a strange feeling, like I am not really welcome... haiz.. guess its the low self-esteem bug going to work again. I just hope i am wrong...


Today, woke up at 7am, didn't know why, but felt very awake and all the tossing and turning made my neck really stiff so i got out of bed, showered, made myself good breakfast (3 half boiled eggs, removing 2 of the yokes) and slack at home till its time to head to work. Got to work is when the slpy bug hits again,(My body is screwed up) so drop by maxwell market, get myself some coffee before heading to office. Should be taking my time at work today, have the entire day free anyway. Today's training is abit different, and it will be held at Sunset Bay Sentosa. More of a bonding session rather then training I suppose. Kinda looking forward to it. Finally today i remember to bring camera, after the entire week reminding myself but always forgetting, today the first thing i did in the morning was to dump it in my bag. haha Gonna shoot to kill tonight.


Yawnz... going back to work now... haiz, i hope all this feelings will go away really soon... Am i really a show off??? i wonder...

Thursday, October 26, 2006

4 down, 4 more to go!!! Life is better den HELL!!!

Tonight will be day 5 of hell training, after this is 3 more to go before Hell week is over. Mummy is abit moody today, donno whatever for (as usual). Tried to do my own laundry today (for yesterday's training) but ended up getting a lecture for it... haiz, say I am just adding more workload, life sucks man... Now on to yesterday's training.


Yesterday's training was pretty tough as we deal with some pretty steep hill off at Kent Ridge Park. Andrews idea of cardio is pretty killer, starting off at the foot of the hill, we start off with 20 crunches, before heading uphill, and each checkpoint we do 20 pushup, and back to where we start and repeat the crunches, and up the hill again to another checkpoint, each one higher then the other. By the time we are done, i was soaked both by my sweat and by the rain (it was raining throughout training yesterday. Then was on to circuit, was doing some leg lifts on some of the stations avaliable. could have done more if not for the rain, couldn't really get a good grip on those rings. den was cycles of log lifts, leg suspensions and bridging before calling a day, which ended at 9pm.


Today will be doing trackwork at the old SMU track, which i am still trying to find my way there... haha... Sometimes, i really hope i am not at home, feel like a hinderance to my Mum, when all i want is to spent quality time with her... hmm... guess i will make myself useful by doing some packing again den... hehez... shall blog again soon!!! cheers

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Hell Week day 3

Today was water training, and once again my shoulder have failed me.... haiz... popping out on our 4th race... its dame stupid lor... argh so fustrating... because of it activities now have to be put on hold. But knowing myself, i am moving on with it anyway... if i dun push it then i can never get used to it... not offically serious happened as yet (and hopefully won't) so i am not giving up training now... not when i have already put so much into it...here is how my day went...


Yesterday was hell, today got up at 9.45am (got my alarm set, as i dun wan to waste the morning in dreamland.) Body was a little aching after yesterday's session, but fatigue, so after some stretching its ok already. Spent the rest of the day rotting at home and left home for training at 2.30. The bloody bus took a very long time to come today, and when i got on it, it bloody took its own sweet time lah, lucky i got there on time at abt 3.35 and they were still there... if not i will really curse and swear man... Today was out paddle and we do what we do over in sundays, racing down the race course. Loser adds 1 min to land training after we are done... Won the first 2 pretty comfortably... 3rd one we lost. The 4th was my killer, the first stroke and i felt my should on my back... had to adjust it back before i continue, and through the 350m, it was grinding, so i endured till the finish before letting it go... pain was so intense that my entire right arm actually gone numb and the feeling of when i first dislocated came right back... was told to rest so i took a couple of race to try recover. try doing right paddle but didn't help much as i couldn't really stretch and depended alot on my biceps instead. Felt like such a bum for once in a dragonboat, doing nothing... and boy do I feel bad. tried to paddle a few times but everyone stopped me, Yong even banned me from touching a paddle for the day... *sob*


After that training, iced my shoulder abit before heading off for Muay Thai training... today crowd was huge, almost close to full attendance, i suppose due to the PH, got to know Chee Liong, apparently a semi pro fighter, and he taught me quite good technique... very approable guy, and the usual gang... and since the number of pple was so many, the cruches and all was pretty "siong" haha did 150 crunches and side crunches and leg lifts... its killer, after that while the rest continue with some pad works, I decide to call it a day, since i am on for training tml. (thou yong told me not too, but i suppose a little light running won't hurt).


Alright, there pretty much ends my day, Tml will be another day, another session... hehe hopefully fun fun fun!!! Till tml... nite den...

Monday, October 23, 2006

Hell Week Training Offically begins

Just got back from training, as Hell week offically get on the way. Was there abit earlier, so Yong, John Tan and me went for a little warm up run before training starts proper. Here is how our training went.


basically today session involve 2 point, the point where we start our weekly paddle and the other being the place with the circuit machines. So we are split into 2 groups, and one team row the boat, from point A to B with their hands while the other run to from point A to B too... At the circuit point, every individual is to complete 200 crunches, 100 bicep curls, and 50 chin-ups and at the start point, chores to complete was 100 push-ups, 50 squats and 100 dips. So the teams took turns on the running and the rowing to each destination and we did it for 3 sets... Completing A and B is one set.


By the time we are offically done, its already 9pm, and everyone was drained... even i felt the fatigue... but lucky for me it recovered after the 100 plus I at the bus stop. I guess all these training on my own all this time have already pretty much condition myself to take Hell week better i suppose... But its a good oppotunity to push my limit even futher i suppose, surpass my current abilities...


Tml, a test of my strenght and stamina... as there is paddling in the afternoon and in the evening, Muay Thai, OMG my third lesson... so looking forward to it... the jabs, kicks, blisters, bruises... haha kidding... lolx... a quote from J.I Jane's Instructor "Pain is your best friend, its the only thing that keeps you alive when times are bad" hehez...

Heaven or Hell... You decide...

Monday, the start of a new week and the 2nd day of my very "Hell Week". Many must be wondering what I am talking about, well its less then a month to the big race and this week there is an intensive training session for all... today is day to of a week of training which offically starts yesterday.


Yesterday was Hell Week day 1, there was a change in the beefcake... and well huge change it was. We headed off from our meeting point to the indoor stadium, did some light stretching before the circuit starts proper... it went something like this... we first sprint to the flight of stairs leading into indoor stadium, then sprint up, touch the wall and do 20 push ups and 20 jack knife crunches, back down the starts sprint back, repeat the push ups and jack knife, and that completes a cycle. We did 6 cycles in total before heading back for water activities. I was so gone by the fifth and thought i rest for the last, but the guys spurred me on to finish the last set which i did... and boy was a tired...


After that circuit, we walked back to the river point where we first met, took abit of rest before starting water training, which was equally tiring... After that session, had lunch with the gang at a place call Big Fish off Upper East Coast Road, which was good, food and presentation wise. Then head off to town with Angie to collect her goodie bag for her Great Eastern 10km Run. As i was about to head off to meet Peili for her gym session, got her sms saying she couldn't make it as her tonsils was giving her problem (which i hope is much better now). So with that off my mind, and since i was already out, i walk about in Suntec instead and bumped into a "bodyshop sale" which was in the convention hall... got some body wash that is essential for dragonboat... hehez... while angie help herself with makeup scents and etc.


After which we head off to PS, where we watched the movie,"the Departed", the storyline is pretty much the say as "Wu Jian Dao" but with a twist at the end... haha shall not say too much, or will spoil the fun for those that yet watch it...One advised thou... never go after a tired day, haha its not that its boring show, just that its pretty long (2hrs plus if not mistaken) so yah.


After that head home and was off to bed... slpt like a baby man.. hehez... Today, was kind as i didn't hafta go to work, so have ample time to recuperate for this evening training. Tommorrow will be another hell day, good day for my muslim fren as its signals end fasting period. But for me, its paddling in the afternoon and muay thai after that... hope i can take it... haha will be pretty sad if i fall ill now... so i hafta really take good care of myself now...


Alright den, gotta go prepare for later on den... enjoy your week... Mine is HELL, iI know it...


P.S. Check my schedule if u wan...

Friday, October 20, 2006

Friday!!! Tml Dragonboat... counting down!!!

Pretty sad when its a friday and stuck at home... today is off day and seems like a wasted day altogether, alright not all wasted, at least i got to the gym for a little workout.

Hmm... lets talk more about yesterday, Got to work pretty early as there are some stuff to complete, after work in the evening, head down town and met up with Azre to past him something to be passed to chief clerk, when to do a little window shopping at Celio and Ben Sherman, absolutely in love with the things in there man... argh... tempting... Anyway, evening got to Muay Thai Class, a totally different crowd from Tuesday crowd.. hmm would say more professional crowd, but not as friendly i suppose. Training was less tough, or pehaps i wasn't given that much attention, so when lesson ends i still had tonnes of energy stored within... felt so uncomfortable... wanted to realise them but haven't an idea how. So got home, just kept pumping myself till all those energy more or less got balance..

Today, rest day, but didn't really sleep in, haha didn't wan to waste the morning away, besides i have been having this weird dreams for the past few days, so its have been waking me up many times in the night, breaking my slp, so can say i didn't have undisturbed sleep. and plus all the workout i have been getting, adds on to my fatique i suppose... was so worried that i woke up today with a hoarse throat. Immediately got a huge glass of water and drink before it worsen, and thx god it didn't.

The rest of the day is pretty much spent at home, till about evening when i hit the gym... can say I enjoyed my workout today, pehaps due to not using all the energy within me... it spurred me harder for today's workout. But i still did in moderation as i have dragonboat for the next couple of days and dun wanna tire myself out. talking about dragonboat, we are into the final month before the race... and next weel they start the Heaven (hell) week training, where training is on a daily basis..., I of course cannot make it on the tuesday and thurday due to muay thai, but i will try making it for the rest of the week... hmm pehaps i might go for muay thai only on tuesdays... well have to see how ba...

Well this is friday for me i suppose... tml will be the women's time trial... so hafta be there earlier as they plan to leave the beach a little earlier then usual as the trials can take quite awhile at times... Nothing much to update i suppose... hehez.. take care and enjoy the weekends!!

Thursday, October 19, 2006

Time Trials!!!

Last weekend we have a time trail session for the mens during dragonboat training... Meaning a pair will be selected and placed in a small boat together with 2 others, a sweep and a timer (so total 4 in a boat). Then one side will paddle at a time for a distance of 200m with timing taken every 50m. Below is my results...






Know the prints are abit small, but those highlighted ones are my timing, I did both left and right. Had to do left twice as there was an overwhelming amount of people doing right, so just to balance the boat. My results for my right was 2min 11sec and my left is 2min and 2.03min for the 1st and 2nd attempts respectively. Not wonderful as i wanted to hit under 2 mins, but there is already improvement compared to my last time trial...




Alright, thats all for now... ciaoz

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Tired...

I have not do any workout the entire day, and yet I feel restless the entire day... lack of slp? overworked? i am not sure... but i need to rest, if not with this kind of weather, the sick bug is bound to come knocking on my door, something i won't want happen, especially when the race is only three weeks away...


Hmm... got back from work a few hours ago, haha finally doing something other then data entry, finally feel that my diploma is of some use for my current job... hehez... Well let me talk more about my muay thai lesson den. Actually wanted to take picture of my little accident from muay thai yesterday for a little edition of "Gross", but I am too lazy to even get my bum off the chair now, so i guess i will just describe den... hehe, well... its a pretty common thing you will get i suppose when friction is involve, naturally blister grew, and as u turn blister bursted and the skin is left dangling.... so yah thats pretty much what happen to me when i was practising my kicks, and surprisingly, i continued with that, hahah almost causing another blister to grow within the broken skin... haha hopefully it will recover well enough for my lesson tml night...


Other injuries i got is just the common bruises and well a sore left foot, which i strangly got after and not during training, apparently this old man on a bicycle drop a bag of cans right beside me as he rode past, so thinking he might have heard the loud crashed of the cans, i took my time to pick it up for him... When i looked out, it turns out that the old man must have difficulty hearing or something, he actually rode off without it, so i gave chase... and thats when i felt this sharp pain from the left sole of my feet. The more i ran the more painful it got... so i gave up after awhile and left that big of cans on another bike, which i presumed also collect old stuff, judging on the number of things that is already on it (lucky whoever that is...) Then in had to literally hope on a leg to catch a train back home...


Current status of my leg, pretty ok, at least not that pain as yesterday. Very looking forward to class tml... haha i guess its because i put in too much yesterday, thats why i am feeling the after-effect of losing too much energy all at once... tml will try to take things easier i supppose... hehez... Alright lah, guess thats all i have for now... Tml work and muay thai, friday might not need to work, yipee! long weekend, at least a day rest before dragonboat... hmm maybe go tanning? haha depends on the weather i suppose... anyway... Take care pple... Signing Out. MR. RYAN!!!

Last time and first time....

Today is the start of a new chapter of life... Yesterday is the last day of my NSF life... haha and i am offically ORDed!!! woohoo... the feeling is definately great... Got back to camp at about 2 plus, walked past the guard house for the last time with my camp pass, walked passed the ever so familiar cook-house which i spent many lunch there, and a final climb up the slope to the whitehouse...


The place was awfully quiet when i got there... i suppose its because majority of them have yet return from Korea, as I entered the office, i was welcomed by the familiar voices of Azre and Zul, Azre being the HQBO for the day, and Zul was helping him out with the deepa-raya celebration thingy.Then was off to chief-clerk to help me settle all the documents. Most of the incharge was out so have to get signature from other high authorities before i got reunited with Mr. Pink... The first time i saw Mr. Pink 2 years after i gave it away in tekong, almost couldn't recoginsed myself if not for the name and number on it... haha... But nevertheleast a good reunion.... After that, spent sometime loitering in the whitehouse, since i know i dun get to do that anymore... Got some drink from the canteen, then went to look for my friends at the lower lounge and all before making my exit from the place... Before going down the hill, I complete my chin-up regime for the last time, something i have done for the past year or so everytime i had to fall in, i would do my chin-ups first.. and there was no turning back from there... Got a cab home, took a shower packed some stuff and head down town for my Muay Thai lesson 1.


Got there, Alvin (the coach) was already waiting, was asked to skip for 3 mins with a super thick skipping rope... tiring... but really worked my forarm as i try to push faster speed... very good warm up. den i had a 1-on-1 lesson with Alvin, on basic jabs, hooks, uppercups, knee, and kicks(which gave me a huge blister on my toe... haha) Alvin was kinda suprised the rate i picked up the sport and honestly, so was I. and as time passed, more pple came and lesson was proper... hehez... group, honestly u dun get to learn much, half my time was spent holding the punching pad for other member to punch... not that i dun learn anything, i get to see how others did i at least. We ended the session with cool down crunches and push-up.. haha the push-up was a killer for me...


There I have already made a number of friends, Gary, a teacher at NYJC, and apparently a friend of Mr. Mak(my fren in SAFband) Joani, currently unemployed, Daniel Regional sales, and Ryan, student, sec 3 liitle boy... hehez... went out to dinner with them before heading home... was tiring but really enjoyed the sport...


Thats on my last and first, last day in camp an as a NSF, and my first time in Muay Thai. Now, its time I go shower and head for work... will update more soon... looking forward to Muay Thai tml already!!!

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

On the the next chapter...

Today is an impt day... note it in the history records, the notebook, organizer, watever!!! Coz its yours truly ORD day!!! woohoo... no more army... i have finally become a MAN!!! (haha how people say you are no man till you complete army...)


All the memories, the good, the bad, and the ugly... guess it will be something i can talk to my kids and and grandkids about next time i suppose... haha think abit far yah... But anyway, today is a happy day for me... and nothing will dampen my mood (I hope), the only thing that is in between me and my IC is just the hazy weather... making it dreadful to go out... argh!!!


Ok shall update abit off the weekend i suppose... which is fun filled with dragonboat activities (as usual) heez... despite hazy weather, we still had good training. Not that is was as tough compared to past weeks, but tough nevertheleast. Owen, a new addition to the team and supposedly "dragonboat pro" or does it as a profession was teaching me some technics of paddling which i am trying to master...difficult thou...haha coz my style have been "pretty local" hehez... but trying...


Sunday was ok, but i suppose i am not that much a pacer as i tend to rush things abit... still need to work on the pauses up front... after training we got to shower in a more civilized place, haha actually its Yi Xin's place... very big place i would say and nice too.. hehez.. Had lunch at Xing Wang HK cafe in town. Actually wanted to give it a miss... but after some persuasion, didn't wanna be a wet blanket so yeah... hehez... enjoyed myself thou... never knew that this bunch of people were so into the art scene, watching plays and all... something i love to do... but pehaps when i get a stable job... still living a live of a teenager i suppose... haha broke most of the time... hehez...


Guess thats all i have for today I suppose... gotta get going soon, meeting a friend for lunch before heading back to camp to collect Mr. Pink... and tonite, OMG Muay Thai proper... hope i will enjoy it...hehe... ciaoz

Sunday, October 15, 2006

When the Pain sets in...

This past week have been pretty much "smooth" for me... Would say nothing really special happened to me... Oh except for friday pehaps, was in office doing work and as i was just about to finish up with things, i recieved a call like 6.10pm from California Fitness for an interview like 7pm. I was like shocked when i first recieved the call... haha, as a matter of fact, I actually sent in my resume just for fun, thinking what the heck, just give it a shot... haha


Anyway, went down to California Fitness, at Raffles Place. Filled in some form, then met their manager, Nelson, friendly guy, stern but interactable, didn't really felt traumatised talking to him. He asked me a few questions den kindly walked me through the job scope i would face if i really became a personnel trainer. Its no bullshit man, the job is tough, and alot of sacrifies... i told Nelson that i would consider before i make my decision, and really, i will consider. After that, met up with Angie, who didn't go Oktoberfest as it was packed (Corperate Night), had dinner at some soup places, which suprisingly filled me up, thou its just soup and for the fact i was really hungry... After that, walk about and met up with herbert. Chilled out at Pauliners, and had really talked alot with them... haha first time i actually confide... haha and strangly, i felt lighter of the chest, pehaps its been in me so long that its have unnoticingly became a burden to me... hehez... glad i got everything out... Sorry guys to have to make you guys hear me whine... thx thou


Guess my wounds from wisdom tooth will take awhile to heal and alcohol is really not a good option right now. whenever i have a drink, the pain is intense man... haha.. Anyway, just have to pop in a few pain killer and everything is fine i suppose. Now to training, went for both days despite the haze... haiz, hate the sickening haze lor, causing so many pple to fall ill and not able to give 100% for training... I guess its affecting me too... Must say the training is not really hard, but i am feeling fatigue from it... hopefully i dun fall ill coz its really not the best time...


Muay thai on tues, its officaly, already made arragement with Alvin, so looking forward to it... haha hopefully i will be able to make it... and guess what else is on tuesday... haha ORD lor... see Mr. Pink and regain Mr. status...woo hoo!!! 2 more days... haha well thats all i suppose... ciaoz

When the Pain sets in...

This past week have been pretty much "smooth" for me... Would say nothing really special happened to me... Oh except for friday pehaps, was in office doing work and as i was just about to finish up with things, i recieved a call like 6.10pm from California Fitness for an interview like 7pm. I was like shocked when i first recieved the call... haha, as a matter of fact, I actually sent in my resume just for fun, thinking what the heck, just give it a shot... haha

Anyway, went down to California Fitness, at Raffles Place. Filled in some form, then met their manager, Nelson, friendly guy, stern but interactable, didn't really felt traumatised talking to him. He asked me a few questions den kindly walked me through the job scope i would face if i really became a personnel trainer. Its no bullshit man, the job is tough, and alot of sacrifies... i told Nelson that i would consider before i make my decision, and really, i will consider. After that, met up with Angie, who didn't go Oktoberfest as it was packed (Corperate Night), had dinner at some soup places, which suprisingly filled me up, thou its just soup and for the fact i was really hungry... After that, walk about and met up with herbert. Chilled out at Pauliners, and had really talked alot with them... haha first time i actually confide... haha and strangly, i felt lighter of the chest, pehaps its been in me so long that its have unnoticingly became a burden to me... hehez... glad i got everything out... Sorry guys to have to make you guys hear me whine... thx thou

Guess my wounds from wisdom tooth will take awhile to heal and alcohol is really not a good option right now. whenever i have a drink, the pain is intense man... haha.. Anyway, just have to pop in a few pain killer and everything is fine i suppose. Now to training, went for both days despite the haze... haiz, hate the sickening haze lor, causing so many pple to fall ill and not able to give 100% for training... I guess its affecting me too... Must say the training is not really hard, but i am feeling fatigue from it... hopefully i dun fall ill coz its really not the best time...

Muay thai on tues, its officaly, already made arragement with Alvin, so looking forward to it... haha hopefully i will be able to make it... and guess what else is on tuesday... haha ORD lor... see Mr. Pink and regain Mr. status...woo hoo!!! 2 more days... haha well thats all i suppose... ciaoz

Friday, October 13, 2006

Friday the 13th.... nothing to be afraid off...

Taking a little break off work now... been staring at the com for awhile and dealing with a transaction is already to kill me... hehez... but well when u gotta work you gotta work. This things about Friday the 13th being unlucky and all... well its an english belief i suppose and it won't affect me... coz i am a CHINESE!!! heez...


Today, got up and went to the gym before heading down for work. won't say its dog tired as well have been pretty relax with my workload. No activity tonight, guess will be rotting at home i suppose. Yesterday, got to town abit early, coz ended work early, so went to walk around and window shop abit. Some interesting new find... hehe here is for all the shoppers out there... Start at herren den. The new Levis is superb... huge and many new things to see, there is also a new watch shop by the name of Gallery, that took over the old "wallet shop" sell rather nice watches and Esprit jewellarys, so ladies can take a look.


Erm most happening would have to be paragon. Introduction of alot of new shops. Ben Shermans is finally open. Erm, a new place Celio was having a private opening function yesterday so never walk in to take a look, but majority guys clothes so yeah.. guys go shop yah... hehez... and with that, i suppose explains the reason there was alot of guy models ard paragon yesterday. haha girls are so going to kill me for not informing... Not really sure they are model, but to me they look like as the have all the potential to be one... face, killer eyes and bods, height, u name it... Next Taka, erm... nothing much have changed. But British India was having End Season Sale so things are going off pretty cheap... worth taking a look. A new shop, Bull & Pull (or izit the other way round? cannot remember) not bad.... like their clothes... haha too bad was window shopping... coz to broke to shop if not... hahah... well thats all for now...


After that got to The Cathey to watch "World Trade Center" with Sherine and Adeline, must say its ok only, not bad, but i still prefered United 93. Feel so bad that Adeline got gastric waiting for us and not having dinner thinking we were getting popcorns for the movie (which in the end we didn't. After the movie, went back to PS for some corn soup at MOS Burger (for adeline) before heading home. Yeah pretty much ends the day... Argh, so wanna shop... who wanna be my sugar mommy!!! hahaha


Alright den... thats all for now... happy friday the 13th pple.... Do you feel lucky? Do you? heez

Thursday, October 12, 2006

Stitches is out!~!~

Yeah, my stitches for my wisdom tooth is out, and according to my doctor, my wounds are healing fine. I asked then why does one in particular hurt, and he says its like a frature, it takes time to heal...hmm.. alright den i suppose... hahaha

Today is my 3rd day working... honestly, nothing special, haha just really to past time... tonite meeting up with the girls to watch World Trade Center... hopefully it will be good like United 93.

Yawns, now stuck at work, actually can leave, but have to settle some orders.. and the end i am dealing with is indeed giving me a hard time... haiz... one thing is strange thou... y can't my boss do it himself... haha he seemed pretty free... well i guess since he is giving me a job, den there is really not much room left for myself den.. hehez...

Oh well i guess thats all i have den... shall blog soon again i hope... for now... tata

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

Simple Tuesday!

On my first day of work today... only last 5 hrs before i knocked off work... hehe... Tml is another day and hopefully a better one.


Today, 2 guys added me in friendster... total stranger... and one with the "G" word right in my face man...haha seems like i am getting quite abit of popularity eh... haha too bad its popularity off the wrong crowd... haha but still, its flattering and I thank them...


Anyway after work today, went down to PS to walk walk, since mum is doing her chores at home, didn't want to get home too early and be in her way... Ended of at a coffee place to sip on some coffee and have some toast before heading home... Infront of me sat a group of old men, old enough to be my grandads. They seem so happy chatting away... the scene you would see at olden time kopitiams instead of a crowded and aircon corner of a shopping mall. What more spoiled the atmosphere was the music the place was playing, Techo version of "Tong Hua", what can be worse. But that didn't seem to bother the old people enjoy their cup of coffee. A really old thought came to me suddenly, will i be able to be like them next time when i grow old.... sipping coffee enjjoying the dying moments of my life in luxuary.


I wonder....

Sunday, October 08, 2006

The PAIN....ARRrrgggh!!!

OMG, I think i am having a delayed painful syndrome from my wisdom tooth... the pain is so bad it causing a headache as well... that twitching pain... ARGH!!!! HELP!!! SOMEONE !! ANYONE!!!


Anyway, today, suprisingly, the haze cleared and managed to go for paddle in a nice clear weather... As usual, sunday being the tougher session, got what i have expected, probably not pushing myself hard enough, but will try to improve i suppose. After morning beefcake session, den to the actual row. Wasn't really very taxing, but yeah... got quite a number of blister on my bum and toes... guess i did put in alot of work.. and need sometime to season those area out i suppose.. hehez...


Afterthat, hang around for awhile, chit chat with the guys for awhile, helped spencer return the trolly, before make a move. Had beef hor fun with angie at geylang before heading home...


Got home, watched "Sum of all Fears" haha not really a fan of war war movies... but its not bad... haha no wonder US are so great in movie production... superb film... den was Cradle of Life, which was on TV, pretty much for the scenery and Angelina Jolin of course... hehez...


Haiz... guess nothing much liao lah... hurting gum making my fingers lazy as well... blog again den... ciaoz