Hello 2008 Goodbye 2007...

And so another year is coming to an end. Another time of the year where everyone looks back on the year and reflect. How it has passed. What you gained and achieved. Good? Bad maybe?

Year 2007 I should say, is a milestone year for me. Events came and passed but nontheless leaving a mark in my life.

Serving my Nation. It wasn't an exciting unit. Boring and mundane I should say. And it took up pretty much of the whole year till November. But from the first day I stepped into my unit, I told myself to make the best out of what was already set for me. There was no point grumbling or cursing at what was soon to come but just take it as a challege and try to overcome them as they come.

After commanders course and my promotion, I learnt how to lead a platoon of men from all walks of life. They were of different races and religion and different family backgrounds. I took all the problems they gave me as challenges. Each problem had to be dealt with with different methods based on each person's different personality. Although I could have just showed them the crude middle finger and made them do as I want, I didn't. I prefered a win-win situation in which both parties are happy with the decision made. Leading by example to the men enabled me to be more self disciplined. These men also made me realise the true meaning of friendship and brotherhood. I know I can depend on them for support and help.

And then came the time where I had to go for meetings with seniors officers. With clashing mindsets and different opinions, one had to be patient and tactful with words in order not to offend them. I learnt how to express myself better and control my temper. I also learnt how to work under pressure with all the nonsensical datelines and demanding orders given by superiors.

I took courses that I was sent to seriously unlike some who go for courses just to take a breather from camp. I got to learn a little on military law and civilian law from the Legislation and Enforcement Course. The dos and don'ts of the country and the SAF. How we civilians are protected by the law and which law we are protected under under different circumstances. It was a truely an enriching experience. Rhibs course enabled me to learn a new skill of manouvering a speed boat. A skill which eventually motivated me to pursue my Powered Pleasured Craft Driving Licence. I can now drive a civilian motor boat =)

Then the time for me to ORD came. Bidding farewell to the Navy, I stepped into the working world. Got a job at TTSH as a Social Worker Assistant in the Care and Counselling Department. A fast paced job environment with lots of challenges. Working there enabled me to see how the hospital works in detail. And of course how unfortunate some patients can be. From the interviews that I did with some of them, I really got to see the unfortunate side of Singaporeans. I must say I am really blessed. I've learnt to appreciate what I have and not take things for granted.

I've completed my virgin Marathon 42.195km on December 2nd 2007. I told myself I needed something fresh in 2007 to accomplish and so I picked the Standard Chartered Marathon. I started my training since January. Slowly building up the distances. In between I even took part in Army Half Marathon 21km and New Balance 15km Real Run to gear myself up for the run. I've endured countless long runs with countless thoughts of giving up. Thank god for the company of Daniel who helped me out Never once have I ever wondered why the hell I'm putting myself into so much torture? I guess I just love what I do. Finally me and Dan did our first marathon and we completed it with pride. And boy the satisfaction is beyond words. Only a fellow completer of 42.195km would understand the true feeling of SHIOK!

Of course to mark the end of this year, I'm proud to say that most of my 2007 New Year Resolution were accomplished.

1) To complete a Full Marathon 42.195km (Completed
2) To save more money (Completed)
3) To get my Class 3 Driving Licence (Completed)
4) To get my Powered Pleasure Craft Driving Licence (Completed)

However I've yet to finish re-studying my A'Level Chemistry. Too much to take. Think I shall add that to 2008's Resolution list eh?

Well its been a good year.

2008 will be BETTER.

Merry Christmas...

Ave Maria

Vietnam 2007 Offsite...

Dad's company organised a combine company family all expenses paid holiday to Vietnam. So of course I had to go! How often do you get to venture to such countries for a vacation. And knowing my dad, he probably chose some well developed country with good accomodation if he had the choice. So un-adventurous. So me and my mum signed up for the trip with the exclusion of my sister who had her exam on the day.

Day 1

Checked in at Changi Airport. Mingled around as usual with my dad's colleagues. Saying the standard lines "Hi! How are you!" and shaking hands with them. Its no wonder the airport provides free alcohol hand sanitizer. How appropriate. And so off we were on Singapore airlines to Vietnam. A short flight around 1.5hrs. Took this picture of Mekong River on the plane.
Upon arrival, the hot dry Vietnam air greeted us. December = wet season for Singapore. But definitely not wet season for Vietnam. The weather there was either HOT or HOTTER. Got on the bus and headed to the hotel. Along the journey, this is what we saw.

The traffic in Vietnam is horribly slow. Why? Of the 8million population, 6million of the own motorcycles. And there is only one traffic rule. Just do not collide with one another. No questions why eh, just take a look at the picture! how many of them actually wore helmets? Traffic lights are redundant as they do not follow them. But suprisingly accidents seldom occur as the speed that every vehicle is going at is relatively slow. When I mean every vehicle, that includes buses and cars. Their maximum speed there due to traffic congestion everyday is approximately 30km/h. The drivers are always in either first or second gear. I have never seen them change up to 3rd gear before.

Day2

Woke up, gymed and ate one hell of a breakfast buffet =). Food glorious Food! Yum. Had Lunch later on from 1pm to 2pm with my Dad's whole company. 10 course lunch meal. At 5pm of we were for food again at the Gala Dinner Village. It's a traditional Vietnamese Village. Here are some pictures I took.

And yes, buffet dinner again. So we ate and ate. And I drank like 3 glasses of wine. I think I grew fatter after that day.

Day 3

Headed to Mekong river for the tour. Took a bum boat out to the Cocunut Island. I must say I saw the bumboat did a drift on the water and am impressed. I never knew they were capable of doing so at such slow speed. Pictures again! Here's a petrol kiosk on the the sea itself.

We went on the island and had some fruits and enjoyed the scenary there. And what a way to end our journey on the island. They provided sampans for us to ride to our main bumboat which was docked in the middle of the Mekong River! Talk about traffic jam on the road!Day4

Back to reality. Holidays do not last forever. Did a little last minute shopping before we packed our bags and headed back to Singapore.

Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2007

Well, the big day arrived. Got up and took my milo bar and had one full bottle of water with Berocca (thought I gave it a try). Hahaha "one full bottle", now doesn't that sound awfully familiar. Tied out championchip to our shoes and so me, Dan and Jingzhong flagged down a cab and headed to the event site.

I must say its quite a hassel going to such events without a car.
1) Gotta wake up pretty early

2) Queue up for baggage deposit

Well, I guess that all part of getting into mood for the event. Tons of people were already there when we arrived.

We did a little stretching, had our dose of powergel and of course spammed ourselves with deepheat and Rosiden gel for my knees. Last but not least went to the loo. Like duh, thats the most important thing to do. Hahahah.

Went to the start point. By then the queue to the starting line was way back all the way to somewhere near the 2 durains. And in no time, the race had started. Row by row, runners sprinted off. And it took me about 15mins to get to the starting line to start off so you can imagine how many people were there.

Headed to the gents less than 10mins into the race, it must be that one full bottle of water I had in the morning. Continued with the race after that. As I ran, I just kept my mind of my body and enjoyed the wonderful scene of thousands of people running with you. It does gives you some sort of motivation. And of course reading those runsipration tags on the bag of runners. Runspiration is what motivates you or what you would like to say to those who are running the marathon. Here are some that I actually remembered.

1) To overtake that skinny little bitch in front of me

2) The road is long, but the heart is strong, I must not give up (thats dan's)

3) If you see this (runspiration tag) you should not overtake me

4) I'm here for you to overtake me!

5) Hi, I'm a Japanese and I ran 304 marathons!

6) Think so much for wad? JUST RUN!

7) 42.195km only what! So what?

8) Say Hi when you pass me!

9) For (name) who lived for what she loved doing.

10) To mark my Birthday!

While I was running along Marina South, I saw those Kenyans already passed the first loop. So I thought to myself, I cant be that long from the first loop. Boy that loop didn't came till 45mins later. By then, the sun was already rising, but the day still remained pretty much cold. And so I continued running trying to keep a lookout for the distance marking by the road. And so after passing the first loop, I headed back to the starting line. Thinking to myself I should have completed about 10km already. What NONSENSE! It was only 8km larh!

And so we headed down to Kallang area going towards East Coast Park. By then my knee started to feel weird. There I got the medics to smear me with lots of deep heat. I and mean ALOT! And so I continued my race whilst telling myself constantly not to stop unless my knees collapse. Finally I saw the 21km. Happy that 1/2 the race is completed but sad that there's another 1/2 waiting for me to complete. Met Dan somewhere and we ran together. His foot was giving him problems too. So we slowed down together and chatted as we run. Finally we reached the 26km turning point. He stopped while I pushed on. Finally reaching the powergel station. Had one full packet of powergel and water. And after 1km or so, the effect kicked in. Boy I was filled with energy. The kick was there but I forced myself to slow down to conserve the energy. The sun was finally up. But thankfully the cold sea breeze managed to curb the heat from the sun.

And so we hit the road again. By then my knees almost gave way, so I stopped and did a little stretching before running again. As I reached the turn into the national stadium, the cheerleaders were there to cheer us on. One of them shouted that the race was gonna end soon. She shouted that the finishing point was round the corner. And so believing her, I quickened my steps. What corner, the race wasnt even near ending larh! I only realised that when I saw the road markings. By then it was too late, my quads were on the verge of cramping up. So I jogged and walk and stretch at times.

Finally I saw the ferris wheel. The race was almost over. I passed the esplanade and again my quads almost crammed. So I limped and jogged at the same time. Mr "To mark my Birthday!" came and ran with me. We encouraged each other. Finally the last bend to the finishing line was in sight. I picked up my pace and when it was approximately 75m, I sprinted to the finishing line. Boy the feeling of completing my virgin marathon was ecstatic I tell you. Mr " To mark my Birthday!" was just behind me and I thanked him and wished him happy birthday before submitting my Championchip to collect my finisher's medal and finisher's shirt. Me and Dan met up for drinks and went for massage after that to ease the pain on our legs. Both of us were limping all the way I tell you.

I must say after all those long runs that I had and those gruelling 21km and 15km races that I took part, the feeling of finally completing the marathon is great. I've never in my life felt such great satisfaction. I completed the marathon in and estimated time of 5hours. Not too bad for a first timer though. And finally to note, my 2007's New Year Resolution of completing my first marathon is accomplished.