Limping Marathon Runner

I received a mysterious call. It was Sam, my long time pal which I've known him since Primary 1 schooling days. We exchanged greetings like idiot, silly a******!! That's our way of showering brotherly love. We updated each other on what is new for us. I promised to visit him in Sydney, since he is in Australia now. We chatted for half and hour. More abusive languages and season greetings carried on.

How was 2004 for everyone? Have you achieve what you've set out to do in the first place? Or do you regret for under achieving? I hope everyone will have a smooth sailing Year 2005 ahead.

It has been a ride of rollercoaster for me in Year 2004. I changed my job, after going through thick and thin with my previous company for 7 years. Loyalty doesn't seem to be the most happening thing on earth now. I felt that I've had enough and I left. I'm still adjusting my life in a totally new environment. Things work differently, and so does people.

I learned how to play tennis, which is a good thing because I can't do without sports. I was able to participate in various competitve runs too. I'm looking forward for more activities in Year 2005.

Coming out of a shadow of failed relationship and mis-used trust that seems to be a permanent cast on me, I moved on. I decided to have another go a relationship. It didn't work out. *Previous postings in archive tells it all.* Yet again, I learned more on human psychology, body language and choice of words.

I learn more and more things about myself in a path of self-discovery. I look forward to Year 2005 with more goals that I want to achieve. Have you set your goals yet?

After so long, I still behave like 5 years back, where I had to perform a forced shutdown on my senses. It isn't the most appropriate thing to do. But, it has already been pre-programmed into my CPU. Its not too difficult to know that I can never be a sales person. A new year's resolution:
1) Change for the better. Remove "look-away program". Insert "smile even when you are pissed program".

I'll just have to learn again, like a Nokia mobile "insert text" in dictionary function.

Dear runners. ... . have patience... I'm currently trying to migrate my old website, "The Sotong Club" a.k.a "The Squid Club" and try to compliment my current "Limping Marathon Runner".

Last night, I was having a game of badminton with Jason and friends. I don't understand why. But, somehow, the shuttlecock just seems to find its spot on Doreen face. Poor gal. The heat seeking shuttlecock just locks onto her head like an air-to-air missile, landing with a whack! Not some pretty sensation, I'd say. Nevertheless, it's still better than getting hit by a baseline tennis ball, right in the face. After the game, we had some drinks at a nearby cafe before heading home.

Today, still following up on what is going on with regards to the Asian Tsunami incident, I can only hope for the best for those in the affected regions. I did some donations for foodstuff and medical supplies and I hope it can help someone there.

Last night, I was too god damn tired to blog. But, I saw the tsunami taking place around most places of Asia on TV news. It was too devastating to see. Familiar places like PhiPhi that I have been to, was partially reduced to ground zero. I suppose those beach houses by the cliffs... they would have been gone, by now. I was even thinking of going to Krabi and PhiPhi island again in year 2005. Another place I wanted to visit would be Maldives. It should be hit pretty badly over there too. With all these unfortunate things happening around us, no one can understand why humans cannot co-exist together without picking a fight. No more fighting and war, please. Treasure those around you.

But, what came next on TV was rather heart warming too. It was a documentary about a kid who has a tumor weighing down on her optical nerves causing her to have blur vision at first. Gradually, she has partial blindness and she has to go for an operation before she is blind totally. Swallowing 40 over kinds of pills a day is not a joke. I'm amazed at what mental strength this 9 year old kid has. She has triggered me to think even more. Again. Treasure those around you.

Another year is around the corner. Have you done what you have set out to do last year? What goals have you not achieve? In a few days time, we all have to recap what have taken place for the whole of this year and what is our resolution for year 2005. Love those around.

Conan called me a while ago, asking me out for coffee. I guess he must be feeling down.....

What a night! Yesterday was Christmas Day. I had quite a day of events going on, meeting different groups of people.
Early in the morning, I had breakfast with Donkey since she just came back from Korea. She shared what she had seen and experienced over there. Reminding me what big asses Polar bears have. "They have a really really big ass!!!! You know?" Yes.... .. I know what a Polar Bear is. After breakfast, I gave Donkey her X'mas gift and we went to look for some bags. She needed a new laptop bag. As for me, I needed to replace my old Converse bag. You guys should see the bag.. . . it should not be holding together any longer than 4 months..... The straps are really .. . .. . I should not be too descriptive because it was a gift to me on my Birthday 2 years ago. But, its cutting my shoulders like scimitars. So, we couldn't find any good ones around the area, Donkey left for home. I really have lots of time till my next appointment, I went to my fav bookstore to read magazines... to catch up on some articles. I bought DaVinci Code too.

Time Check. 1.30pm. I should be meeting Jaws for B.T.'s house warming. It's quite a cosy little lovenest. But, personally I do not like the location or I should say the people hanging around the location. I never liked that neighbourhood due to specific reasons. I met Chris, a Yoga Instructor. Mmmm .. . Yoga. Nothing bad about this yoga stuff, really. I guess here, our locals' interest in certain things are as short as a 100mA fuse .. .. "Poof" .. You're gone. No, I'm not talking about the instructor. Its the general public. We have bubble tea, wake boarding, yoga, pilates, clubbing, and more. People should know what they want and not follow 3 little blind lab mice.

Jaws and I left the party at around 4pm and looked for our objective of the day. Since Jaws is into Salt-water aquarium, we went to shop around. Seriously, as a diver, I do not support sale of sea living creatures in any way. They belong to the open water. Not in your 4, 5 room, condo, semi-D's living room, sea anemones and fishes all cramped in a 2 feet tank. So what if you have a 10 or 20 feet tank, free for clownfishes to roam? I stress... they belong to the wild. Of course, my friend Jaws has a huge tank at home. But, still, no support here.

At 5pm, I was first to arrive at Alex's place for a mini-Sec School gathering. More of a discussion and DVD watching of video and photo shots taken on his wedding. I did part of the editing, along with Ngiam. I was early since we only agreed to meet at 7pm. When the crowd actually arrive, we had some food and watched the DVD. Wilson did his wonders by turning the whole party upside down with his "Eddie Murphy" laughters. Right after the movie, Ah.. .. EPL... I'm not really into soccer, but the rest of the guys are!! Tons of swearing and cursing from them:
NBCB - Ever so popular Hokkien little magic word
PDC - Not PrimaryDomainController, but Torn Underwear in Hokkien flavor
D or T - works either way, Cantonese version of the F word
No, it wasn't a real EPL. We made our own clash of Liverpool vs Man U. on XBox. Poor thing.... . I was referring to the wives of these hot blooded males, wildly tapping buttons away on XBox gamepads. These wives are just sitting there and chatting by themselves. Not exactly a soccer fan myself (though I'm a sports fan, I watch almost any sport), I usually chat with them. Oh. .. Wilson and Karen brought their little sweetheart (their daughter), and needless to say, all attention was on her while she was opening up her X'mas present. Well, this couple ended the night early because our little sweetheart is getting Z monster's sleepy eyes. For the rest of us, we did a "Royal Rumble" and a "Chicago vs 90's All Stars" match before we called it a night. We did a pretty quick sum up on our BBQ plans for 1st Jan 2005. Operation "EPL Vulgarities" ended at 2330hrs last night. .. We had our fair share of cursing at a 29" TV. Hence, Operation "EPL Vulgarities" was successful, if you ask me.

Celebrating the Christmas festive season at work, we only have to work half a day for today. People are doing gift exchange .. .. Surprising, I received a gift from AGB. End of the year. End of Year 2004 is here soon, which is just a week away. Usually, at this time of the year, I guess no one has any mood to work (holiday mood). So, just after 1pm, I met up with Beng and Kitty for lunch and immediately after that, I head straight for home. I was dead tired. Probably because I am still recovering from all the cough and flu that has been bugging me for days.

Games Games Games. I surfed Internet for a while, playing some games. It'll be a joke to tell people that I spent Christmas eve alone, playing computer games at home. Well, that's me. I never like to take other people's precious time, especially for times like this where they spend it with their love ones. My most sincere wishes to everyone out there! A Berry Merry X'mas. .. . . . Just an hour away.. Ho Ho Ho

I can't wait to meet my Sec School friends tomorrow night.

while date=23dec2004
{ *sniff*;
*snort* - running nose fluid back up;
*sneeze*;
*snort* - running nose fluid back up;
*sneeze*;
*sniff*;
}

I've been pre-programmed with this code during the entire day. Yes, I still have running nose. No, I did not try to inhale the fluid back into my nose. I used tissues. Eh.... well. .. . I probably just did the "Gravity defying act" for fluid dripping from my nose a couple of times. Ok. . . .. less than 20 times.

As scheduled today, a bunch of male colleagues are getting ready to speed of right after work for some munchies. Right after that would be a bowling session (something that I have not done, in ages). To make matter worse.. .. . Roland is also sick (going home), Willy needs beauty sleep (going home), MPEG needs godknowswat (definitely going home). So, who's left? The 3 musketeers ( alternatively you can call us the 3 stooges, because we are such clowns of the year) - Commando, HaHaHalim and Muggs (That's Me). We dropped the idea of bowling due to poor attendance and did some shopping instead. Shopping was Commando's idea. He got a pink Tshirt (how "colorful" can you get?) and a short sleeve shirt. Hahahalim purchased a long sleeve shirt. Me? Window shopping. Girls on a shopping trip? I've heard too many stories. 3 guys shopping together? First time. We took dinner and chatted. Jokes and some serious stuff. We had a great time.

Tomorrow is X'mas Eve. Half day for me. I'll be meeting Kitty and Beng for lunch. Following that, I'm meeting SpaceCadet for shopping a last minute X'mas gift (how thoughtful .. . last min). Let's see what I will be doing for X'mas count down.. .. . probably listening to some X'mas songs, let my imagination run wild on some fireplace with burning logs. I like Vonda Shepard. I still like her songs and those in Ally McBeal.

Today's my off day since I had to work on last Sunday. Guess what. I still get calls from my workplace...... I.T. = No Life. Okay. Anyway, I'll be going over to look at some backpacks and catch a movie with Conan at around 9.30pm. Since he has free tickets to watch Ocean 12, why not? BTW, I think he wants to have a look and feel session with my Railmaster. Although he has been talking about upgrading his Tag Heuer, he claims that he'll still give his Tag another couple of years before he "write off" the watch.

This morning, I had to work for the last saturday for Year 2004, because starting from next year, we will be having a 5-day work week for our company. It was pouring when I was on my way to Coco's place to see his baby little girl, Calista. I met up with Leslie and Christine at the subway before heading over. Coco's little girl is really cute. Well, this word cute only applies if the baby:
1) hasn't pee-ed in pants (pooped....is even worse),
2) isn't bringing down the whole estate with his/her cry,
3) the baby isn't yours.

Of course, at times, even if your kid can cry like a fire trunk siren or poop like Dumbo, you'll still love him/her simply because you are his/her parent.

I watched National Treasure at around 6.40pm and I didn't really liked the show. The only part about this whole movie that I loved were the riddles. Shucks..... I still need to work tomorrow, Sunday, due to a power migration at my workplace.

I saw a Fossil watch today. Most of the watches are more suitable for teenagers on the "trendy and wild" side. I was looking for something more.... .. . smart, dress looking. I found one. It has a silver colored, rectangular faced watch with a black strap. I like it a lot. Looks like this will take over the place of my Omega Railmaster before it arrives. :)

Suppose to have a game of badminton today. However, I think the E-booking system over the net has screwed up. A double booking. People pissed. I wasn't even mad yet. There is just one "senior badminton wannabe" who was kicking up a big fuss. I offered to take one court and let them have the other one. He simply didn't buy my idea. He was raising his voice over this matter to the facilities' staff. What the heck!!! It wasn't even this gentleman's fault. It was a bloody programming glitch. Mince the programmer instead!! Grumpy old man. Fortunately, his pals were much more understanding than this "I want to speak to your management" badminton wannabe. I left the place, informing the rest of the friendly elderly that I have asked my buddies not to come. But, I guess what is most important is that why kick up a big fuss over someone who offers help to resolve problems? Silly old man.

It started with Mr. Sun smiling brightly over every block around my estate. Just short, in the afternoon, it rained. Wet and wild days are here to stay. So wet that I doubt I can hardly arrange any tennis sessions. Wild.... ?... X'mas is here soon, following by New Year 2005, that can be wild.

Another year has passed by. Its either you love it or hate it. Ah Beng (my friend, a.k.a. Bird Bird Tan) asked me:

Beng: "These few years, time really flies faster, hor."
Sotong (that's me): "Time is constant. 10, 20 years before. Time still tick at a constant rate. If you say it flies faster, its because you feel you're getting old and not achieving more. Summary .. tired is the word."

Beng: "Another 10 years from now, we will face possible retrenchment. We'll either be beggars or beg for jobs."
Sotong: "Hey, either way, it works."

That's why I think the government is educating the society to do financial planning on your own, or engage financial consultants. You see people stretch their dollars, paying everything by installments (barely leaving any for savings). Living a high profile lifestyle. Choose your option:

Package A:
Now - Drive fancy cars, staying 5* local accomodation, clubbing at every hotspot in town, strives to be seen.
30 years from now - You'll still be seen, on the streets. That is if you screw up your job, can't pay your loans. Compounding interest on your loans and savings enough to buy you a bun a day is on the way.

Package B:
Now - Buy what you can pay now, travel on public transport (still, you can be seen).
30 years from now - Eat what ever you feel like, still being able to pay for any bills (medical bills might be one's greatest concern by then), have a roof over you head during rainy days.

Anyway, I hope I can still jog tonight. I need to carry on limping.

Yep... life has its ups and downs. Probably its my view in life, I think there are people who are just too comfortable with their area of operation. Hey. If you can't change the environment, you have to change.

It has been 4 days since I had coffee. What an achievement!!! Well...you see, I'm trying to cut down on caffeine. From my usual, a cup of coffee per day, to once a week. So, I made Friday a "Caffeine Day", which I would only allow myself to have one cup. A pat on the back, for myself!!

Today is my off day. I hardly get a chance to rot at home. Well, since I have some physical fitness test tomorrow, I thought I might as well take a night off from jogging. Guess I have more updating to do on this blog site.

This is a log of my Shanghai Trip. Not much of a log on things that I have because its a business trip instead of leisure. But, I've mainly documentated interesting dishes that I have tasted over there.

Day 1 : 23 May 2004
Upon touchdown at Pudong Airport, I can see that the airport has a modern look. Immigration is still okay, where there is long queue but everyone moves quickly. Once out of the airport, there was a cool breeze, such a different climate as compared to the hot and stuffy climate back at home.

Along the way to the service apartment, I was busy looking at the buildings that they have along the way. They look like Taipei's city layout, if you ask me.

Once I reached the apartment, I changed and headed towards the Bund. I took some pictures before heading towards Nanjing Rd, where all the neon lights, eateries and shopping are. So many familiar shops around. KFC, Mac, Subway, Yoshinoya, Ajisen, etc. Much of this is tourist stuff. I saw a dog meat store on the way. After my ramen dinner at Ajisen, I went back to the Bund for more pictures of the night scene of Pearl TV Station. Breeze at the bund is strong. Anyway, my apartment is just 10 mins walk away from the bund.

Back at the apartment, I can even see capital land towers(sound familiar?). So much for first night. Sleepy already ... need pilos.

Day 2: 24 May 2004
Got a shock, thought I was late. It was 5 plus in the morning when I woke up and found that the sky is already bright as noon. I continued to sleep till 6.30am, get changed and be ready for breakfast. Breakfast at 30th floor was with a good view of the Pearl TV station in panoramic view. Soon, it was off to our Shanghai branch for work, meeting everyone there. So, much on work. Of course, I shall not discuss about work. Lunch is interesting. We had lunch at one of their local eatery, which had a local ambience. We had duck cooked in beer, pork belly as appetizer, wintermelon and carrot soup, chicken feet's tendons, bean curd with chicken mince meat, stir fry vegetables, stir fry pork with mushrooms. Yummy.... Very interesting cuisine. Moreover, we had rice that cooked in little clay rice bowls that looked like flower pots. But, there was something that I noticed about the locals here.They do not really eat rice in their meals like lunch. They just feast on the dishes that they order. Oooops ... Time's up ... back to work.

Dinner after work....., we went to Xin Tian Di. A hip place with lots of pubs and restaurants. I heard that they even have a website dedicated to this place. Ahhh... starbucks .... familiar. We went to a restaurant that serves food like our local flavor. They had curry fish head, satay, curry puffs, etc. In my humble opinion, the dishes are decorated well and boy, am I hungry. Afterall, it looks like a posh restaurant. But, the food does not taste as good as our hometown. Probably, it has been prepared to suit the local taste. From Xin Tian Di, I can figure my way back to my apartment (born with capabilities of a map reader, I'm a navigator). Back in apartment, I had to finish up some work on reports. Mmm... someone actually called my room to ask if I wanted massage. Ha....and I thought this only happens in Taiwan. Fortunately, she was quite courteous to hang up the call when I refused any services. My motto: Don't try. You might set fire on more than just your butt alone.

Day 3: 25 May 2004
I almost could not wake up because my watch (as alarm) is under my pilo. I had to rush for breakfast. For lunch, we are having something interesting again. Yum yum. Fried eel with banana slices. Another interesting dish. The other dishes are still okay, but not as exciting as the fried eel.

At night, we went for dinner at one of those Hong Kong restaurant with a Zen theme. It is easy to see that most people who patronise here are businessmen. Classy and yet food is expensive, well...at least to the locals here. An interesting dish I had was sweet bbq pork ribs... A familiar dish would be an appetizer, cucumber with soy and oil(taste like hainanese chicken rice cucumber). Another appetizer that was totally interesting was plain pomelo. Soup ... ahh ... something that all cantonese would say that it's a must have. It was a carrot, corn with lean meat soup. Taste totally like my mum's cooking.

We walked around the area near to Xin Tian Di and further up to somewhere far. Fortunately, I was near the subway. I took a train, 2 stops back to Ren Min Guang Chang, which is just next to Nanjing Rd. So, I had to walk our way back to our hotel. Well, the subway wasn't such a bad idea. But, I got quite a shock since I saw people eating and drinking in the subway which is a rare sight back home. Tonight, it is quite hazy, and couldn't see the Oriental Pearl TV station as clearly as the previous two nights.

Day 4: 26 May 2004
This morning, it was really hazy up at the cafe on 30th floor of my apartment. Breakfast was as usual. It was still as busy at work. For lunch, I got to taste some excellent dishes at a really run-down side of the town. The restaurant is tastefully decorated and there is a really cute waitress. Now, on with the dishes. First, it was duck with deep fried golden brown ultra thin ginger slices. The ginger slices was not at all spicy. In fact, it tasted more like fries or potato chips, with dash of ginger flavor. Next, we had eggplant with golden mushroom. Funny combination, but, it turned out to be as good as the first dish. The next dish, stir fry bacon with long beans and water chestnut was my favorite. It has a good combination of vegetable and meat. The cod with beancurd and salted vegetable was well done too. I was most amazed by the way that the chef who prepared the Triple layered fatty pork with vegetable. Each of us had a small bowl. The pork was fat, with lean meat. It is called Dong Bo Meat. But, it kind to my taste bud was smooth as wine. After a satisfied meal, on to more work again.

For dinner, we went to Pudong side, where roads are wider as compared to Puxi. The place where we took our dinner is called Ai Wan Ting, which is very near to the Oriental Pearl TV Station. For appetizer, we had pig tail in bbq sauce (a cold dish). We tasted the famous shanghai crytal dumplings and fermented beancurd too.

After dinner, I took a picture with David Chen, Nicky and Susan, standing in front of the restaurant. Nicky and Susan went back home, so, we proceeded to the Oriental Pearl TV Station and bought tickets to the 2nd highest level of the tower at 263metres. It cost $50 RMB. To reach the top, it would cost $100 RMB. We walked around and I took some night shots of the Shanghai Bund and the Pudong area. After which, we took a cab back. I came to realise two things. One is that traveling in cab in Shanghai is really cheap. $10 RMB for the first 3km. Second thing is that cab drivers are really skillfulwhen it comes to driving in Shanghai. They can really speed and cut corners. But, for pedestrians, even crossing a street becomes an art (in dodging cars and bicycles). One more thing, there isn't a minute that you will not hear the sound of cars horning. I learned that they use the chinese word "Ting" or as in listen in English, for a can (like a can of Pepsi). Another thing, I didn't see any Coke in Shanghai, it is all Pepsi....oh Brother... You can get Coca Cola, but only at specific places.

Day 5: 27 May 2004
Breakfast, .... pass.. its the American breakfast again. Off to work and more stuff to be completed. Lunch was still ok today. We had some mini crustaceans which looked like mini lobsters. More like thumb sized lobsters. Dinner was exotic. I think it is a muslim orientated restaurant because they are serving XinJiang cuisine. Their appetizer was yoghurt. It is taken with sugar, after stirring together with yoghurt.I took my first gulp of yoghurt without sugar added just to have a feel of what it is like. Oooooo.....it was sour as lemon, with a dash of fermented smell. I would think that it goes well with sugar. They had some sort of a chicken pie for appetizers too. It is mince meat, in dough and baked to perfection. I think that is good too. They even had dances and performances in the restaurant while patrons are having their meals. We ordered so much food until we could not finish it. Too much leftovers. I tried their XinJiang red wine, which in my opinion, I think that it is a little bland as compared to those from California, France or Australia. But, overall, I still think that its suitable for daily consumption over dinner. We took a little stroll over to the XiangYang Road to try to shop at the "OEM" market. However, it was already 9+ pm and theyhave already closed for the day. Well, guess we'lll have to come again another day. Along the way, there were many people approaching us, touting...asking us to buy "OEM"watches and bags. So, we carried on walking and I discovered the that road, along theway, can actually lead us back to Hong Kong Square. Mmmm..... it all seems clear now. I can sort of navigate around the area, without much difficulty.

I did surf the Internet and found that they have marathon in Shanghai too. How couldthey not have when Shanghai is such a big city. Mmmm .... I think I will come for the marathon race one day.... Marathon in Beijing Great Wall of China..... that would be a great feeling too.

Day 6: 28 May 2004
Today's lunch was with all the big bosses. The cooking has been specially prepared more suited to our taste like back at home. The dumpling soup was fantastic. Salad was simply delicious.

Dinner, once again, appetizers were great. There was lotus roots, which had their holes filled with glutonous rice, cooked with sweet sauce. The deep fried eel was great too. The stir fry donkey meat with lady fingers was something different. It tasted more like pork.

After dinner, we walked around the Capital Land building area, which was just a stone throw away from the Nanjing Rd. The Capital Land building is also called Raffles City (don't they all have the same names??). Once I step into the building, I get the feeling that I am in a shopping mall, back in town.

Day 7: 29 May 2004
It was only half day at work, since it was a Saturday. We had lunch at some simple Italian style restaurant. After lunch, we went over to XiangYang Rd "OEM" market. When almost near to the site, there are loads and loads of people who will approach you to see their stuff(mostly imitation) like LV bags and watches. I was tired of reply "No", "No, thank you". At a point, I thought it would be better to just keep quiet, because they will actually bug you and walk with you for the whole stretch of the entire road. They will follow you where you go. However, when I shook my head, I got jigged by 2 ladies asking if I had just taken ecstacy. Ignoring them totally,which would be the best thing to do, I proceeded to cross the road the Xiang Yang market. It is not a very huge area. But, I guess you could get pretty confused at times of your own location because most of the items that are sold in one shop couldbe found in another. I discovered that prices quoted by the stall owners are usually was higher than the cost price. It is possible at times to slash the price down to 50% of the initial price that they asked for. After buying some T-shirts, I went back to my apartment for the day. I stopped by the Bund for a Japanese dinner.

Day 8: 30 May 2004
After breakfast, I walked over to the Yu Yuan Gardens. It is more of a tourist orientated area, I guess. There isn't much things that I can write over here since its my last day in Shanghai and I'll be rushing to the airport soon. It'll be home sweet home.

Yoiz,..its been 4 days since Valentine's Day. Happy days for some people and normal days for others. I had a great time on V-Day. I took time to think about all that has happened. Things happened for a reason. Just hope that things would go better. Keep our fingers crossed.
I went shopping around with my colleague to get a present for his wife, for Valentine's Day (of course) . Ooops .. I have been out of action for so long that I think I've lost it. Or at least, I feel lost.

Kitty, Beng and I were playing tennis today, after work. It was fun. Finally, I had the chance to try out my new TT Scream racquet. At least, I'm happy with it. I need to work more on the control. Mmmm....next monday, we're playing again. :)

It was turtle's birthday yesterday. HAppiiii Birthdddeeeyyyy!!!! I got a book and some chocolates as presents..... Well....chocolates are known to produce chemicals that make people happy and that's exactly what a turtle needs now. *Wink*