Hi people, pls sms me ur name (full will be good, bec some christian names can be quite common) so that i can rebuild my contact list.
You know my number.
Thanks so much
Monday, October 31, 2011
Saturday, October 29, 2011
My poor toes- a fake spell poem
Black as night
While as light
Blood-filled or hollowed
Swollen or dented
At my command
Flesh of mine
Be on the mend!
While as light
Blood-filled or hollowed
Swollen or dented
At my command
Flesh of mine
Be on the mend!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
What you wish for- A poem
While the sun wishes for calmness
The moon, wishes for warmth.
As the grass wishes for growth,
The flower wishes to be alone.
While boys dream of glory,
And girls, ribbons and bows.
Men they dream of ladies
Women, they dream of homes.
I don't know what you dream of
But I know what I want the most
A man of my choosing
Who made me his life source.
The moon, wishes for warmth.
As the grass wishes for growth,
The flower wishes to be alone.
While boys dream of glory,
And girls, ribbons and bows.
Men they dream of ladies
Women, they dream of homes.
I don't know what you dream of
But I know what I want the most
A man of my choosing
Who made me his life source.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Mortality makes me do crazy things
Knowing that I have been given an untold and exhaustible amount of time. Of which I cant carry forward or appeal for extra time, I do crazy and wondrous things. I can't help feeling that work is just a mean to some other end. And my life should not be a carbon copy of what others are doing but a pursuit of what I truly want- which is nothing but happiness!
I should not be too boggled down by social norms because what are they but limitations to conform people so that we are more easily managed. So, what am I saying? Hm... I guess just make sure your life is the one you actively pursue for your own happiness and well-being.
:)
I should not be too boggled down by social norms because what are they but limitations to conform people so that we are more easily managed. So, what am I saying? Hm... I guess just make sure your life is the one you actively pursue for your own happiness and well-being.
:)
Being involved in a wedding
Is a lot more personal than just attending one. Of cos, a well planned, beautifully executed one will touch you with it's lovingly crafted speeches and thoughtful touches but it is does not give you the insight to the love shared by the couple like being involved in the wedding does.
Yes, it is tiring but I am always glad to be part of something so important to my frens. Thank you for having me.
To Elaine, if and when you see this... I'm ok to making more guy frens but pls stop with matching making la....
Anyway gtg sleeps.
Yes, it is tiring but I am always glad to be part of something so important to my frens. Thank you for having me.
To Elaine, if and when you see this... I'm ok to making more guy frens but pls stop with matching making la....
Anyway gtg sleeps.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Actmen gathering before Elaine's wedding.
So glad for this bunch of friends.
They are seriously one of the best things I got from SMU.
They are seriously one of the best things I got from SMU.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Drained
It needs getting used to. What I mean are the train rides which make me sleepy, the late dinners which is terrible on my gastric, and the packed schedule and how everyone knows what you supposed to be doing.
But so far, so good. Other than tired and my toes really make me uncomfortable. I'm good. Need to make sure I stay healthy though.
Nitez
But so far, so good. Other than tired and my toes really make me uncomfortable. I'm good. Need to make sure I stay healthy though.
Nitez
Monday, October 10, 2011
Mt. Kinabalu (Part 2- End)
The end of the granite terrain are huge boulders, which isnt a very pleasant sight, but that is exactly how the tip of Mt. KK is to a exhausted, cold and wind-beaten me. To reach the very pinnacle for THE photo is a struggle on all 4 limbs, sticking fingers to the cold and hard rock surface, pushing yourself from 1 boulder to another. It was also a battle against the wind from all directions. And at last, we have reach the 2 by 2 meter tip of Mt. Kinabalu, got all 8 of us in a reasonable space for photo-taking. 3-4 snaps and we are scrambling to leave the summit as the wind was merciless.
Making the downward journey from the summit was difficult on my own. While the day has broken, it highlighted exactly how high up we are and how steep the upward journey had been. The porters again played a large role in aiding me down as they grip our hands and drag us in a steady mountain goat trotting fashion. Seriously, they are key to the speed of our team as they help the ladies navigate both up and down the granite terrain.
Miraculously, we reach Sayat Sayat Checkpoint close to 8am (most likely a little later) and we are offered the opportunity to do VIA Feretta! Of course, at that very cold, tired, hungry and weak state, I did consider letting that slide BUT again... my greedy heart wanted to try it. Luckily, Suichen also is inclined to try it out and so, we did. It was game on for 6 out of 8 of the team!
The harness did gave me a sense of security, as I made the journey on the edge of the cliffs and mountain slopes. But, I have to say that in the beginning of the journey, my hands were wet with fear (in addition to the already soaked gloves), and I was gripping too tightly to the cables and not leaning on my back and not using my legs to support as I wanted to be closer to the 'ground' (if you can call it that). It was about 1/3 of the journey when I realised that I was getting too tired due to the uncomfortable grip and began to loosen up, supporting my back by placing my feet flat on the clip and holding on to the cable in a better more relaxing manner. It was about then, when I could take in the breathtaking views.
Resting (taking water breaks) at the edge of the cliffs, the view stretches as far as your eyes can see. Below the grayish rocks, are shades of rich green, then followed by patches of residential areas made up of tightly packed houses. And the sky, it was clear and blue, with clouds here and there, it was moments like these that life is really about! You get to immerse yourself in the wonder of the world we live in, and you dont think of anything except how beautiful it is.
Finishing the VIA Feretta, we reached Pendant Hut, had a quick 2nd part of our breakfast (hotdogs, eggs and toast), packed up and got ready for our climb down to base. We left around 2pm? (I wasnt sure, since i have practically lose touch of time). The downward journey was the also quite difficult for me mainly because I had no more energy and strength- there were times, I felt my legs give way temporarily. And I hit some rocks and roots on the way down which is the reason why I painted my toes to cover up the greying nails. The toe injury drastically reduce my speed and I have to say, it made every step down (worse for steps down) a freaking pain. But we survived! We reach the base at 6pm - everything was closed but I was happy, happy and proud of myself (and I believe everyone is too).
And that was the end of the trip for me. The rest (going back to the hotel, dinner, flight back) pales in comparison. When I reach Singapore, my movement was hampered greatly, stairs were challenging. Getting up and down, rising and seating, going to bed, going to shit - all of that HURTS but still, I can do it with a smile because I MADE IT!
(End)
Making the downward journey from the summit was difficult on my own. While the day has broken, it highlighted exactly how high up we are and how steep the upward journey had been. The porters again played a large role in aiding me down as they grip our hands and drag us in a steady mountain goat trotting fashion. Seriously, they are key to the speed of our team as they help the ladies navigate both up and down the granite terrain.
Miraculously, we reach Sayat Sayat Checkpoint close to 8am (most likely a little later) and we are offered the opportunity to do VIA Feretta! Of course, at that very cold, tired, hungry and weak state, I did consider letting that slide BUT again... my greedy heart wanted to try it. Luckily, Suichen also is inclined to try it out and so, we did. It was game on for 6 out of 8 of the team!
The harness did gave me a sense of security, as I made the journey on the edge of the cliffs and mountain slopes. But, I have to say that in the beginning of the journey, my hands were wet with fear (in addition to the already soaked gloves), and I was gripping too tightly to the cables and not leaning on my back and not using my legs to support as I wanted to be closer to the 'ground' (if you can call it that). It was about 1/3 of the journey when I realised that I was getting too tired due to the uncomfortable grip and began to loosen up, supporting my back by placing my feet flat on the clip and holding on to the cable in a better more relaxing manner. It was about then, when I could take in the breathtaking views.
Resting (taking water breaks) at the edge of the cliffs, the view stretches as far as your eyes can see. Below the grayish rocks, are shades of rich green, then followed by patches of residential areas made up of tightly packed houses. And the sky, it was clear and blue, with clouds here and there, it was moments like these that life is really about! You get to immerse yourself in the wonder of the world we live in, and you dont think of anything except how beautiful it is.
Finishing the VIA Feretta, we reached Pendant Hut, had a quick 2nd part of our breakfast (hotdogs, eggs and toast), packed up and got ready for our climb down to base. We left around 2pm? (I wasnt sure, since i have practically lose touch of time). The downward journey was the also quite difficult for me mainly because I had no more energy and strength- there were times, I felt my legs give way temporarily. And I hit some rocks and roots on the way down which is the reason why I painted my toes to cover up the greying nails. The toe injury drastically reduce my speed and I have to say, it made every step down (worse for steps down) a freaking pain. But we survived! We reach the base at 6pm - everything was closed but I was happy, happy and proud of myself (and I believe everyone is too).
And that was the end of the trip for me. The rest (going back to the hotel, dinner, flight back) pales in comparison. When I reach Singapore, my movement was hampered greatly, stairs were challenging. Getting up and down, rising and seating, going to bed, going to shit - all of that HURTS but still, I can do it with a smile because I MADE IT!
(End)
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Mt. Kinabalu (Part1)
It was a moment of quick&dirty decision making which led me to scaling one of south-east asia's tallest mountain- Mt. Kinabalu. Looking back, i would say it is one of the least thought out decision i have ever made which turn out pretty darn fine.
Jeslyn (my best buddy and partner in all things criminal and frivolous) told me she is going mountain climbing and i thought to myself, "yeah, why not?, climbing a mountain will be cool" plus "if Jes thinks she can do it, i should be able too!" and with that, i filled up the form and made the 50% down payment to Adventure Quest.
The first briefing cum meet up session at Adventure Quest (Sims Ave) was a little awkward as none of us really knew each other- Evonne (youngest and joker of the team), Jeremy (has a freaking fit mom), Jeslyn, Kayne (taught at AISS), Mark (i still cant believe you are a medic but is terrifically efficient) and Suichen (looks so good for her age) would come to be a group of people who i may not be able to reach the summit without.
My first thought to myself was "What?! nobody had climbing experiences??" and "Will the guys be able to pull me up the mountain, if i cant make it?", but of course, what I did not know then was the mental strength of everyone as well as the commitment we would put into our trainings to ensure that we reach the summit.
The trainings we undertook during the 2 months prior to our trip was a collection of climbs at Singapore's tallest peak (dripping with sarcasm) and HDB stairs master regime. Some of us also went ahead with jogs and swims to add variety and compliment our monotonous and routine climbs. 5 crazy enthusiastic people even manage to pull off an overnight walk around Singapore (21Km) - they are Evonne, Jeslyn, Kayne, Mark, and myself.
In no time at all (really, because during the 2 months, I was undergoing some major upheavals at work as well as my recovering from poor health), the time for training has passed, we went to the new relocated Adventure Quest (Clark Quay) for our final briefing and got to know of the last minute addition to our team - Ivan (the question mark that turned out to be a great help).
When the plane touched down, we learned that we may be facing some tail wind of the recent typhoon that affected Philippines and all of us are praying that the major bad weather would pass over that first night (when we are safely sheltered in the hotel). The first night was difficult for me for a couple of reason - terrible noise pollution and maybe (just maybe) me being too excited. I clocked 3 hours of sleep - at best.
2nd Oct morning, we woke up bright and early (6.30) for the 2 hour drive to the starting point of our climb. The drive was peaceful and the view was a serene if unrealistic prelude to our climb. The chill sat in once we alighted the mini van at the base. We were introduced to our friendly and helpful porters cum tour guides (Johan and Jinus) who proceeded to carry our extra luggage (16Kg at RM$10/ Kg) for the whole trip- to and back.
The hike up was tiring but manageable, the terrain made up of steps as well as messy placements of rocks pretending to be steps. While I didnt get to see the Rafflesia, I did saw the Pitcher plant and some kinds of orchid look alike flower. The most difficult part would be my sudden coughing fit as well as the last flight of stairs up Pendant Hut. (note to self, do not get a house that has many steps (5 is max) leading up to the entrance)
Dinner was good after some kind people gave up their seats for us (it was packed). We tucked in to the stewed lamb, noodles, rice and i esp. like the banana cake. We headed back to our bunks early as we were told that we will need all the rest we can get for the next part of the climb. Kudos to the sleeping bag man, it was the warmest sleeping bag I had the pleasure of using hahaha.. which is really saying a lot because throughout the bitter cold, howling night, the sleeping bag kept me and my toes toasty warm! (10degC indoors).
At 2am, we got up, or at least most the them got up, I didnt sleep much (again clocking only 2-3 hours). We had a simple breakfast of toast before we brave the darkness of pre-dawn. The initial challenge was the darkness, our paths are solely lited by the headlights on each of us. Then the cold seeped in as we made a slow journey up the steps and onto the steep granite terrain. I believe that everyone of us was fighting physically as well as mentally throughout the climb. We had to grip onto railings when available, and take the steps and rocks at a tortoise's pace, grab on to secured ropes on the slopes and pull ourselves up most of the way. It is made harder knowing that a fall would cause you your life (or injure you badly) and it is so dark, you barely make out the steps 3-5 meters ahead.
At Sayat Sayat Checkpoint, we had to make a decision - to give up on the summit or to give up on Via Ferreta. I thought- "how about both?" but I wasnt able to voice it out because I really wanted to complete what I have set out to do - Reach the Summit. Of cos, conquering Mt. Kinabula is the grander accomplishment and that was what we decided. We persevered (and I have say, perseverance never seem so hard) despite our slow speed. The sky turned bright when we were only half way (estimate) to the peak. All we saw of the rising sun was the slight ribbon of orange before the mist wrapped it up from our sight. This stretch is made up of entirely steep, endless granite. So many times, I had to stop and ask the team to slow down, so many times, I tell myself "I cant do it anymore", "I am not going to make it" but the team kept me going with their encouragement and by their willingness to fight with me against the cold and wind.
(to be continued)
Jeslyn (my best buddy and partner in all things criminal and frivolous) told me she is going mountain climbing and i thought to myself, "yeah, why not?, climbing a mountain will be cool" plus "if Jes thinks she can do it, i should be able too!" and with that, i filled up the form and made the 50% down payment to Adventure Quest.
The first briefing cum meet up session at Adventure Quest (Sims Ave) was a little awkward as none of us really knew each other- Evonne (youngest and joker of the team), Jeremy (has a freaking fit mom), Jeslyn, Kayne (taught at AISS), Mark (i still cant believe you are a medic but is terrifically efficient) and Suichen (looks so good for her age) would come to be a group of people who i may not be able to reach the summit without.
My first thought to myself was "What?! nobody had climbing experiences??" and "Will the guys be able to pull me up the mountain, if i cant make it?", but of course, what I did not know then was the mental strength of everyone as well as the commitment we would put into our trainings to ensure that we reach the summit.
The trainings we undertook during the 2 months prior to our trip was a collection of climbs at Singapore's tallest peak (dripping with sarcasm) and HDB stairs master regime. Some of us also went ahead with jogs and swims to add variety and compliment our monotonous and routine climbs. 5 crazy enthusiastic people even manage to pull off an overnight walk around Singapore (21Km) - they are Evonne, Jeslyn, Kayne, Mark, and myself.
In no time at all (really, because during the 2 months, I was undergoing some major upheavals at work as well as my recovering from poor health), the time for training has passed, we went to the new relocated Adventure Quest (Clark Quay) for our final briefing and got to know of the last minute addition to our team - Ivan (the question mark that turned out to be a great help).
When the plane touched down, we learned that we may be facing some tail wind of the recent typhoon that affected Philippines and all of us are praying that the major bad weather would pass over that first night (when we are safely sheltered in the hotel). The first night was difficult for me for a couple of reason - terrible noise pollution and maybe (just maybe) me being too excited. I clocked 3 hours of sleep - at best.
2nd Oct morning, we woke up bright and early (6.30) for the 2 hour drive to the starting point of our climb. The drive was peaceful and the view was a serene if unrealistic prelude to our climb. The chill sat in once we alighted the mini van at the base. We were introduced to our friendly and helpful porters cum tour guides (Johan and Jinus) who proceeded to carry our extra luggage (16Kg at RM$10/ Kg) for the whole trip- to and back.
The hike up was tiring but manageable, the terrain made up of steps as well as messy placements of rocks pretending to be steps. While I didnt get to see the Rafflesia, I did saw the Pitcher plant and some kinds of orchid look alike flower. The most difficult part would be my sudden coughing fit as well as the last flight of stairs up Pendant Hut. (note to self, do not get a house that has many steps (5 is max) leading up to the entrance)
Dinner was good after some kind people gave up their seats for us (it was packed). We tucked in to the stewed lamb, noodles, rice and i esp. like the banana cake. We headed back to our bunks early as we were told that we will need all the rest we can get for the next part of the climb. Kudos to the sleeping bag man, it was the warmest sleeping bag I had the pleasure of using hahaha.. which is really saying a lot because throughout the bitter cold, howling night, the sleeping bag kept me and my toes toasty warm! (10degC indoors).
At 2am, we got up, or at least most the them got up, I didnt sleep much (again clocking only 2-3 hours). We had a simple breakfast of toast before we brave the darkness of pre-dawn. The initial challenge was the darkness, our paths are solely lited by the headlights on each of us. Then the cold seeped in as we made a slow journey up the steps and onto the steep granite terrain. I believe that everyone of us was fighting physically as well as mentally throughout the climb. We had to grip onto railings when available, and take the steps and rocks at a tortoise's pace, grab on to secured ropes on the slopes and pull ourselves up most of the way. It is made harder knowing that a fall would cause you your life (or injure you badly) and it is so dark, you barely make out the steps 3-5 meters ahead.
At Sayat Sayat Checkpoint, we had to make a decision - to give up on the summit or to give up on Via Ferreta. I thought- "how about both?" but I wasnt able to voice it out because I really wanted to complete what I have set out to do - Reach the Summit. Of cos, conquering Mt. Kinabula is the grander accomplishment and that was what we decided. We persevered (and I have say, perseverance never seem so hard) despite our slow speed. The sky turned bright when we were only half way (estimate) to the peak. All we saw of the rising sun was the slight ribbon of orange before the mist wrapped it up from our sight. This stretch is made up of entirely steep, endless granite. So many times, I had to stop and ask the team to slow down, so many times, I tell myself "I cant do it anymore", "I am not going to make it" but the team kept me going with their encouragement and by their willingness to fight with me against the cold and wind.
(to be continued)
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