Limping Marathon Runner

I got more than what I bargained for - mainly sprints workout. I thought there would be someone around at least to distract a little so I can slack. No.... no no no no no. I am alone. Several folks in the pool think I am a nut case. Chlorinated water seeping through my ears and into the head, clearly does no good. Insane is just a passing state and Crazy is my middle name. Obviously, I am not pushing hard enough as pointed out. Tired but still a very good workout. I was not done yet. I rinsed and ran to the tracks for part II. Brick? Haa... I continued another 2.8km of run before warming down and proceeding to ABC market for dinner. Where are we going for food next week? Prata? Nasi Lemak?

Ohh.. I got my rear bike lights running on AAA batts. Time to look for supper spots.

With constant threats from the One-Arm bug syndrome, a special Ops team has been assembled to confirm some information gathered by an intelligence agency.

• Target has been bitten by One-Arm bug
• Target is still in his Nike-runaholics Tee

With Ojective 6-Papa identified, Team Commander (LongLegs) issued a final warning order over loading. Char Kway Teow - 'checked'. Ice Mocha - 'checked'. We were ready to rock and roll. Watever led Gold Team into position, securing the area before the transport landed with Blue Team. A quick check by LongLegs once again before we did a tactical movement, hitting the 6th floor lift button. *Ding* Moving swiftly, everyone knew where to go (after several wrong turns) and ended up at the correct unit. LongLegs gave a thumbs up, sending Tolay and myself moving into position, ready to storm the front. The rest of the team took up various positions under good cover. On go signal, we breached into the premises and took the target by surprise with the rest of the team rushing in. Setting up the room for interrogation, we took various strategic positions, using hard and soft techniques to obtain information from our target. In no time, we got what we came for and left as swiftly as we arrived.

What? You mean you can get a ticket for illegally landing your transport in the field?! Uh oh......

Navigating my way to the meeting point, I was right on time. Ooopps. Cyberkinetic not in sight. I suppose that was the gathering point, with lots of people standing around. 'You look familiar.' 'You too.' We exchanged sentences. Someone I know through work, where we once attended a same course in KL. Apparently, TK is one of the regulars here. All of us went in for a short introduction and briefing of purpose of this clean up exercise for the old folks. We were briefly taught on how should we approach the old folks in a way where we have to be sensitive to their feelings. Words to avoid and things we should follow. Swiftly, we grouped into teams based on area and left for the blocks.

I was assigned to another estate with another gentleman (Francis) and another lady (an Aussie-Born-Chinese). "What dialects are you guys proficient in?" For some particular reason, we are all speaking the same dialect. Arrg.... if the old folks are speaking a different dialect and does not utter a single Mandarin word.. We will pointing to the sky, ground and anything that moves when we communicate in sign language. First stop at one of the assigned unit, I start by greeting the senior citizen (Madam Yeong) 'Good morning' in Mandarin. She replied, 'I can't hear you!', in our dialect group. The three of us (volunteers) felt relieved! She is a kind lady who required us to clean two fluorescent tubes and one light cover. We were spared from cleaning her already-clean floors and toilet. My guess .. she did not want to trouble us. We kept asking her if there is anything else we can help her with. But, she just said, she will do the rest on her own because she wants to exercise by doing some simple cleaning on her walls. Madam Yeong even made us coffee. We talked to her more since we figured out most folks need people to talk to. After talking to her for a while, we got reassigned to help other units that require more thorough spring cleaning. I joined TK, JooLeong (another young gentleman) and a lady (whom I do not know her name) in cleaning the unit. They were working at the windows and floors while I made myself useful by clearing the toilet. We ate lunch with the gentleman (senior citizen) who is on walking clutches and did a little more cleaning before leaving around 2 plus in the afternoon. It was a wonderful experience knowing people from different walks of life lending a helping hand. Most of the time, dependents do not require our money. They require care and concern ... our human touch.

I thought of taking pictures of before and after spring cleaning effect. But, I was soon against the idea, since its a respect of their privacy. But, it sure is satisfying to see the results.

I have always wanted to help out in community service. Given my job scope, I can never commit a fixed amount of time as many organization require. However, I only can extend help on a ad hoc basis. Tomorrow will prove to be an exciting day for me, I cannot wait to carry out spring cleaning for senior citizens.

Today, I finally identified which oven to buy! Great!

Something different.
A casual chat turn serious and all of a sudden, the facts came sounding all too familiar. I understand the highs and lows of emotions like a roller coaster ride. The threats as well as the feeling of leaving things to fate. I never knew this happens to my colleague too. Information I gathered is really helpful to make me see things clearer.

Something else that is different.
A letter says it all. How different is it today? There is no stopping ... Me.

It feels different.
A dip in performance? Due to two sets of chin ups? I guess so. Catching up with the group one is tough. Very good swimmers, they are. I am one of the last few and that equates to no rest. Let me see how I will fair next week, assuming that it is due to that two sets of chin ups.

My day was not at all smooth sailing. It was almost a last day on Earth, dated 23rd Jan 2007. With debris on the highway, the cab I was in changed lanes. The car in front of us swerved into our lane and for no apparent reason, jammed his brakes. We were a palm's length away to being a flat as hotcakes. Even my bag flew forward to the front. I left the cab feeling lost.

'When the tough gets going, the going gets tough.'

This quote pushing humans beyond limits. I was already in burn-out mode by 4pm this noon, clearing the cases and taking in new appointments in office. I would prefer the local quote by myFTOgpx.

'No come, no come come. One come, three, four come.'

I was pretty stoned when I stepped out of office. Fortunately, I was happier when I saw my running mates. Every smile on their faces cheered me up, with me leaving thoughts of work behind. As if the morning near slam incident was not enough, I almost rammed into another in runs (almost tripped).

Renohtaram and a few others mentioned about cryptic entries. I am no Davinci. What is here is whatever is in my mind.

Last night's workout was tiring. But, I just could not sleep. I kept staring at the ceiling with a pair of heavy eyelids and really sore feeling eyes. I need songs like this to slow my mind down in order to sleep. I love her songs.

Artist: Sade
Title: Your Love Is King

Your love is king
Crown you with my heart
Your love is king
Never need to part
Your kisses ring
Round and round and round my head
Touching the very part of me
It's making my soul sing
Tearing the very heart of me
I'm crying out for more
Your love is king
Crown you with my heart
Your love is king
You're the ruler of my heart
Your kisses ring
Round and round and round my head
Touching the very part of me
It's making my soul sing
I'm crying out for more
Your love is king

I'm coming on
I'm coming
You're making me dance
Inside

Your love is king
Crown you with my heart
Your love is king
Never need to part
Your kisses ring
Round and round and round my head
Touching the very part of me
It's making my soul sing
Tearing the very heart of me
I'm crying out for more

Touching the very part of me
It's making my soul sing
I'm crying out for more
Your love is king

This is no
Blind faith
This is no
Sad or sorry dream
This is no
Blind faith

Your love, your love is real (your love is king)
Gotta crown me with your heart (your love is king)
Never never need to part (your love is king)
Touch me (your love is king)
never letting go (your love is king)
Your Love is King
never letting go (your love is king)
never gonna give it up (your love is king)
I'm comming (your love is king)
making me dance

Last night was a wedding dinner night for my Sec School classmate, knowing each other for twenty years. What surprised me more was that quite a handful of his guests are people in the industry. I know those guys. Small world indeed. After reaching home and preparing the stuff for today's bigger event, I fell asleep only at 1am this morning.

Lambie's day started early this morning with the groom appearing at her place around 4.30am. I had to give it a miss and settled for an Emcee job with Kitty. We did a rehearsal and went live. Kitty covered the English while I covered the Mandarin frequency for introduction. We spoke mainly in English during the song and game. Lambie's friends did a short song to express their friendship, which was pretty touching. Neat to know that there are friends out there for you anytime. We did a little game section for the couple and got the whole restaurant of people excited. Yum seng (local meaning for wine toasting) party seem a little blur and we had to get them to come around. We had to chip in (with Beng). Ha. Beng had to go off a little earlier. Kitty, KittyTrainer and Kitty Jr. left after the last dish.

Me: *Waves at Kitty Jr..* 'Bye, Kitty Jr..'
Kitty: *Instigating her Jr.. to wave goodbye* 'Bye Brother Mugg!'.
Me: '"Uncle Mugg" is fine. .......'

We waited for this special day since who knows when. As most said, finally, someone to take care of you, Lambie. Happy Everafter!

Torturing fun. As those words suggest, it does not take a moron to discover that I am a sadist. Hitting 1.8km for all (missing out some warm up strokes), it was some strenuous fun. I would not call that a really tough workout since the only killer was the all out 50m. I am glad my 10 strokes training paid off. Tough but I still managed to squeeze it in. Everyone laughed when I shouted, "I want Roti Prata after my swim!". I got a few mistakes that were spotted. See if I can do anything about that. We did some light stretching after our swim. Nope.. I did not have my Roti Prata. Maybe next week? Now.. things are starting to warm up... Exciting!

My application has received amber notice. Final say is still on pending. Either way, contingencies will be planned for.

I think I have identified the source for my SP and PLMD. I cannot change anything. I can only tackle from my end. It flashed across during my sleep the other day. Headaches... ouch.

If there is an assignment now, I would just take it. I need to clear my head. Probably tomorrow's work out helps.

Last September, I did a stroke count of 42 per lap. The other day, I cruised and finished with 34 and it seems like our hard work is paying off. Now, which is helping? The slacking breaks of mindless chit chat or the breaking away from slack by torturing strokes exercises? I choose the former. Anytime. Nevertheless, I am happy. Anything to keep to strokes down. Game for this Friday's Swearing Night?

Now, with all the planning in the world, one wrong step or situation not catered for, you will be caught vulnerable. It is time to put this into action, Forward Mode.

There are times where I question myself. Where am I? Am I there yet? Not a clue, still. Should I take a step back, look, assess the whole idea again? I always do. Many times, I get a clearer and less hyped picture. Steady. No sudden movements.

Yesterday, I did strokes. Today, it was killer strokes. 600m warm up, 1200m strokes, 200m warm down. I bet spearing a trident at my arms, I will not feel a thing!

Ooops! A new Sony Ericsson W810i just joined. Latest fashion items are never seen on me anyway. A phone ... is just a phone.

Back from company event that I spent time on, which I should be spending more time on information harvesting for my own trip! In the committee .. no fun. Arranging for things, making sure everything is in order, I only managed to have some time to swim on third day. Every night, I just crash into bed in the room. Back at the ferry terminal, my task and duties are completed. Now, I can channel my energy to elsewhere!

C'mon!! You can do better than that! You should know better.

Wish you were here!

I am spent .. Energy level is zero.
At least, I got new swim gear! That helped a little. Spotted some cheaper ones too!

I finally have bruised toe nails. Cool! So Revlon. Ouch.... The price of vanity.

I have done some search around on my stuff. I have identified not one but two sleeping disorders! One of the disorder's causes - puberty. LOL! Still growing up ... yep.

Today's swim session was great. Never been so "no nonsense" before. 'Don't slack! Coach watching.' No talks! Swim! I did kicks! I have not done those since I was seven or eight. It is still fun while the rest complained. Ha! I tried out the frogger gloves. Two laps are all it takes to make my shoulders feel that the workout is effective.

A lazy morning, left me reading some stuff for information harvesting before I meet Chini, 54Brownie and ChinBoiBoi for Congo daughter's birthday party. Girls love Barbie dolls. Even the cake has a Barbie design. At first, ChinBoiBoi was a little shy. After spending some time coaxing him to have his milk, playing with him by stacking soft toys on his, he was calling me ... 'Ah Mugg'. 54Brownie kept teaching him, 'Uncle Mugg'. Apparently, he could only pronounce two syllable words or so .. made up by himself. I could do with 'Ah Mugg', ignoring the fact that it sounds like 'Ah Ma' (Hokkien dialect version of grandma). As of now, he can only pronounce stuff like 'Daddy', Mommy', 'Bus' and 'Car' accurately. Mommy wants him to try 'Alphabet', which he failed miserably. It turned out to be 'Albet' sounding like 'Albert'. Kids... really cute kids. Yeah.. they still respond to tummy tickling. *Chuckles* By the time we left Congo's place, ChinBoiBoi and I were playing in the car like friends!

I left the Punngol area and joined some friends for coffee before sweeping the Travel section in Central Library. As I walked over to Suntec area, I spotted a low flying object with a green glow. I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me. However, I do not think so. Reaching home, I did a search and CNA states that viewers called in to report a comet look-alike object sped across the sky. Even my colleague told me she can see the object in her JB home as well. Interesting! I am dead tired... from whole day's events.. Sleep now.

曳搖共對輕舟飄　互傳誓約慶春曉
兩心相邀影相照　願化海鷗輕唱悅情調
艷陽下與妹相親　望諧白首永不分
美景醉人心相允　緣柳花間相對訂緣份

**
心兩牽　萬里阻隔相思愛莫變
離別悽酸今天似未見　明日對花憶卿面
淚殘夢了燭影深　月明獨照冷鴛枕
醉擁孤衾悲不禁　夜半飲泣空帳獨懷憾

重唱 **

夜半飲泣空帳獨懷憾

It has always been refreshing to hear his songs again, over a period of time.

I had one of the best days so far today! Morning set up breakfast has been canceled via SMS. Around 3pm, Albin, Endlesstrail, BlingBling and I linked up at Vivocity. Götheborg was the theme for today. The guys went on board for the shoot while I stayed on land. Walking around the shops, I got a Xbox 360 game: Ghost Recon for my colleague, since he could not find this game anywhere else. Most important of all, I found something that I need for a long time. The three of them were done around dinner time and we dined at Mac. BlingBling made us laugh again! She had mayonnaise as dip for her fries. Since mayonnaise has a pale color, she landed her cup of hot fudge sundae on the patch of mayonnaise! Loads of laughter! More ... when she had mayonnaise all over... her hands, chin, hands again.. ha! We went back to the Götheborg and stood there a while, looking at the skies talking about anything under the stars. Careers, partners, places, .. everything! We wrapped up the night with after a cup of coffee at Pacific Coffee. Thanks guys! I had a wonderful day today!

Two more have punched out. They know the problem but simply refuse to do anything.

I am glad I waited. Here comes a voucher as a reward for loyalty. Quick! Before my mobile phone dies, do something about it.

I lost it.

Blew my top before I knew because it's driving me nuts.

This conversation came up last night over MSN about measurement of success, otherwise known as comparison.

'2L car? good for you... I have a 2L camelbak.. good for my system'

'You have a beautiful wife? Great! I have a faithful NikonFM2 ... she's with me since 1990'

'You earn 200k per year? Awesome... Man... I lost count of the Ks I earn from shoe mileage'

'Sub-5? I like Subway sandwiches more!'

This morning, accompanying my folks for breakfast and followed by some grocery shopping, I had a little trouble in walking. It only happened when I carrying the 10kg pack of rice. Overall, the reddish patch is gone. I am still sticking to a no-run policy for this week.

Gathering plan is still on! My Sec School friends went ahead to karaoke and I joined them only at the dinner. I managed to board the new range of buses as well. Nice! While walking along ECP, I think I spotted Divey running along the coast. I was on headphones and did not call out to her. Meeting everyone at the restaurant, we had a eight course dinner (compared to our usual BBQ). BBQ requires more preparation work. Now that we have 2 babies and 1 kiddo .. it is tougher to do BBQ. We did a cheers to our 20 years of friendship. We all breathed a heavy sigh... more to express that it is really difficult to find friends that still keep in touch with one another after all these years. Having friends like these, makes me feel blessed, every year, every time.

First thing in 2007... laze in bed! I wish I had a better start like doing a recovery 5km. But, heck... staying in bed is not that bad after all! Left foot seems better, though the visible red patch is there. I guess I'll have to shelf off BC to a week later.

Several days back, Gang4 mentioned about getting into old folks home together.
Gang4: 'Why aren't you seeing someone?'
Me: 'Why aren't YOU seeing someone?'

Gang4: 'Ha! Maybe we should go to old folks home together when we're old.'
Me: 'Arrgg.....' *eyes roll*