Happy New Year!!

Well only a few more hours before 2005 is over. It has been a tough year for me, spiritually and emotionally. Therefore, I really look forward to the new year as it always brings a fresh new beginning. I don't have any new year resolutions, i make resolutions all year round anyway. In any case my life long resolution has always been to lose weight. Not that I really need to lose any more weight (as most people would tell me) but I am just paranoid. I weigh 1 kg heavier than what I did this time last year. Well that's also becaue I did the Singapore Marathon last year, but in terms of running races it has been quite a flop this year. Taking that into consideration I think I have managed to maintain my weight pretty well!

As I've said, I dont really have any resolutions, but I pray that I will fall in love with the Lord all over again, and I truly want to follow Him. I know it is something I can't achieve on my own, with all the distractions in this world..which is why I don't make a resolution out of it but I pray much about it.

Happy New Year...may the year ahead be fruitful and wonderful.

Post cantata happenings (which is not much really..)

Like HL, I miss the singing too! But I've been on an Indian food rampage the last couple of days. Deprived of Indian food for the last 1-2 months (for the sake of voice preservation) some of us immediately hit Flavour of India (in Desa Sri Hartamas) right after service on Sunday. What a feast!! I truly enjoyed the palak paneer as usual, and the bindhi jaipuri (fried okra). Right after lunch I went to Angel's place (no, my friend is called Angelina - we call her Angel. Not like I had some encounter with some heavenly beings..) for the usual annual Christmas do. Continued my feast there...didn't really eat much but munched here and there. Oh and Dharm's famous chocolate cake....

Therefore I have been pounding the treadmill yesterday and today. 5km yesterday and 3.2km today....

Celebrating Christ

Our cantata "Celebrate Christmas, Celebrate Christ" which was held last Friday was very successful. Up to our last few rehearsals we were still making very glaring mistakes, but last Friday, everything fell beautifully into place. It was truly amazing and indeed very much the work of God. I had never sung with so much joy in my heart, and could not stop smiling throughout the whole show until my face felt so tired! Now I'll have even more prominent smile lines like Linda Hamilton!

It was truly a time of not just celebrating Christmas but celebrating Christ. The most joyous part was that I was able to share my joy with my parents, Mien & her mom, Ellen & WW. I'm really glad they came. I dont have any pictures to post but I'll probably steal a few from ET's blog.

Moi? A parrot??

You Were a Parrot

You are a master of language, and you use your wit to mock and tease others. But you are also wise, and you often think carefully before you speak.

What Animal Were You In a Past Life?

I don't believe in reincarnation at all but just did this for fun. Am definitely NOT a master of language, not especially when I can't even speak mandarin. Anyway....me? A parrot? I'm quiet by nature actually...

Scary Spice...not!!

You Are Not Scary

Everyone loves you. Isn't that sweet?

How Scary Are You?

Well...just taking a break and doing some silly blogthings quiz again..

Caramel pics

I was probably too busy to blog about Caramel's move. He's moved to my brother's place and he's adjusted pretty well. He gets quite a bit of attention from the children (which is excellent for him socially) These are some pictures which I took before he left. He now sports a light brown leather collar and is bigger than what you see in these photos. He's looking very grown up now. He's extremely happy, has a lot more place to run around and he loves the grass.

Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Much has happened in the last 2 weeks, but just too busy to blog. Anyway my L shaped sofa arrived yesterday, and I'm gonna check it out later (Uncle Wong received the goods for me - I haven't seen it yet) Well at least my guests will have a place to sit now, other than my bean bags. I'm really looking forward to tomorrow, it is THE day of our Christmas cantata - "Celebrate Christmas, Celebrate Christ". Meanwhile, I have been gulping Hor Yan Hor tea, lemon green tea, Lor huan ko and the infamous PPK. Anything to keep the voice going!

I look forward to meeting up and catching up with old friends too. It's the most wonderful time of the year......(that's one of our numbers in our repertoire!)

Ran 6.6km today..very good feeling..must be the choc chip cookies....

PPK

Yikes! Exercise diary for last 3 days is zilch. Just been too busy....lazy to blog as well!Choir practice has been going well, I've been consuming Nin Jiom Pei Pa Ko (PPK) courtesy of Zandra to preserve my voice for this Friday.

I'm really looking forward to Christmas and the year end. Yippee!

The last 3 days

Been busy busy busy. Monday night was totally flat out and fell asleep in front of the telly. Tuesday night I went to visit a good old friend who was feeling down, we ended up chatting until 1am. She even showed me a birthday card which I made for her when I was about 10 (I think). Amazing. My writing has evolved so much since! Last night, I did some last minute Christmas shopping in Mid Valley - BIG MISTAKE. I was tired and sleepy (from the night before) but was stuck in the car park for half hour trying to get out. Anyway, had an unpleasant dream last night. Dreamt that I was in a quaint little town, and I was trying to get out of it but no matter what train or car I took, it led me back to the same path and I could never get out of the town. It was rather scary. Wonder if there's any significance behind it.

Today's exercise diary:
nil

Wednesday:
25 min on ellyptical machine
20 min on stepper
Double crunches
Leg raises
Crunches

Tuesday:
6.6km outdoor run

Monday:
4km run on treadmill
10 min on ellyptical
Leg press
Leg extension
Alternate lunges

New Home

I'm really too tired and not in the mood to blog. Anyhow today Caramel moved to my brother's place, and he got used to his new home pretty quick. Of course he whimpered quite a bit initially but my mom being there made the move easier.He was also affirmed by my nephew who played with him and even the next door kids came to play with him. He was extremely happy to see me tonight, jumping all over me and licking my face and of course cried when I left. His move there will be good for his social life, as he is rarely around kids at my place.

Ran 4km on the treadmill today.
Leg press
Leg curl
Leg extension

I ran 13km on Saturday!! Longest run in a long time.

I'm off to read a bit now..

Are you a Diva?

You're Part Diva

You know that a girl's gotta work it to get her way in the world. And while you aren't about to throw a tantrum at every turn... You do amp up the drama when you know you need it. You mix charm, honesty, and kindness to get ahead.

Are You a Diva?

Hey HL, ET try this and let me know your results!

Addiction

You Are Italian Food

Comforting yet overwhelming. People love you, but sometimes you're just too much.

What Kind of Food Are You?

Mamma mia! Me too much? *smile*
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Your 2005 Song Is

Since You've Been Gone by Kelly Clarkson "But since you've been gone I can breathe for the first time I'm so moving on" In 2005, you moved on.

What Hit Song of 2005 Are You?

Yup, moving on.

Cutie pies

Today's exercise diary:
25 min on ellyptical machine
20 min on stepper
Squats
Alternate lunges
Bench press
Flyes
Deadlift
Double crunch
Reverse crunch
Bridge

Banana

You Should Learn Chinese

Surprised? You shouldn't be - Chinese is perfect for an ambitious person like you. You're a natural entrepreneur, and a billion people are waiting to do business with you!

What Language Should You Learn?

This is hilarious!! Yes it is true, I SHOULD learn Chinese....I'm such a banana!

Just running

A ray of light,
A ray of hope.

I'm not a Sunshine Runner..I don't run as fast nor as often as them, but I can appreciate the beautiful skyline as I run. Did a 6km run this morning and it was one of the best runs I've had in a long time. Woke up feeling really tired, was very tempted to walk but it was great that I had Hsiung and Jules with me or I would have just walked. The sunburst was really beautiful, though it didn't create orange streaks in the sky, it was a bright burning ball of fire that was blinding. I'd imagine that would be what it would look like when He returns. It inspired me to run, and I felt a sense of freedom and joy as I ran.... I wonder..would I still be running in Heaven?

Today's exercise diary:
6km outdoor run

Whatever Happened to.....

Have you wondered whatever happened to some of the famous celebrities from yesteryear?
Check this out then.

Dirk Benedict (Battlestar Galactica)
Mark Hamill (Star Wars)
Carrie Fisher (Star Wars)
Kirk Cameron (Growing Pains)
Sha Na Na (band) ..I can't believe how educated some of them are!
Milli Vanilli
Debbie Gibson

More of Blogthings!

You Are Lemon Meringue Pie

You're the perfect combo of sassy and sweet Those who like you have well refined tastes

What Kind of Pie Are You?

ok...ET started all this blogthings quiz. But it's pretty fun :)
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Your Blogging Type is Kind and Harmonious

You're an approachable blogger who tends to have many online friends. People new to your blogging circle know they can count on you for support. You tend to mediate fighting and drama. You set a cooperative tone. You have a great eye for design - and your blog tends to be the best looking on the block!

What's Your Blogging Personality?

Me? Great eye for design?? This quiz is way off...
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Your Animal Personality

Your Power Animal: Deer Animal You Were in a Past Life: Panda You are a fun-seeker - an adventurous, risk-taker. While you are spontaneous, you are not very rational.

The Animal Personality Test

This is so weird.....I'm not a risk taker at all. Hmm not rational??? OK last quiz:
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What Your Sleeping Position Says

You are calm and rational. You are also giving and kind - a great friend. You are easy going and trusting. However, you are too sensible to fall for mind games.

What Does Your Sleeping Position Say About You?

Now it says I'm rational.....

It has been a pretty eventful weekend. First of all I'd just like to welcome 2 good old friends who have just come back for a short holiday - Clau from Oz and Suresh from USA. Welcome back, really missed you guys!

On Saturday night I attended a dinner hosted by one of our suppliers. It was a pretty impressive event, there was an exhibition on several brands of eyewear like Calvin Klein, Levi's, Jill Stuart and Mini to name a few. It was held at the Carlton Conference Room in JW Marriott. I felt like a tai tai shopping, trying on a couple of groovy sunglasses. This is the best part of my job (spending $$ for the company hehe..) as I get to try all the latest designs and I know what I look good in! Ended up making a purchase on Levi's eyewear. I really like their "premium" latest sunglasses which is this really huge bug eyed sunglasses which you can also use as a hairband. I generally don't look good in bug eyed sunglasses but this one was really nice. Quite loud too as the temples had huge Levi's brand engraving on them.

Anyway the highlight of the entire event was the contest. Grand prize = My Vi = my dream! I've never really won anything in contests, not even booby prizes. Quite "bad luck" (although I don't believe in luck). The only time I've ever won anything was cassettes (yup back in the good ol' days of cassettes) back when I was in secondary school. As they drew out the names of the participants in the contest I thought to myself "Oh well, another one of those days where I won't win anything". My brother got bored and decided to take a break in the loo. Just as he left, they announced our shop's name!! I could not believe it!! My heart was pumping fast from the excitement, and the wine and coffee which I had earlier accelerated it further! There were 14 prizes to be won, ranging from Nokia handphones to optical equipment to of course, the grand prize of My Vi. I thought, I'd be happy just winning the handphone, but of course deep down inside I REALLY wanted the car (some of you would know that I still drive a 9 year old jalopy and am overdue for an upgrade).

They first drew out the names of 14 participants, then from the 14 entries they did another draw. They allocated the prizes from the smallest prize (ie the handphone) to the grand prize. But the MC kept announcing one name after another and our shop was still not called out yet!! Could it be? Could the My Vi be mine? Hopeful.....very hopeful....and finally it was down to 4 contestants..that is the first 3 prizes plus the grand prize. I couldn't believe it! I made it that far!! For once in my entire life! Third prize was a lensmeter....and I didn't get it! Second prize was a drilling machine..... I didn't get that either...and then there was the 2 of us left!!!! I stood a chance of owning that My Vi!! Heart was pumping faster and faster....any faster I would have had a cardiac arrest!!! And finally the first prize ( refractometer - optical equipment) went to...........me. ARRRGHHHHH!!!!!! I was SOOOO close to winning a My Vi. My head was dizzy from the excitement. As I collected the redemption certificate for my prize, I was in disbelief. Disbelief because I had won something so big in my life and also disbelief because I was so close to winning a My Vi. Oh well I guess it was never meant to be. In any case, the equipment is worth about 25K so that would really help our shop. If I had won the car it would have been a personal gain but oh well, I guess everybody in the shop will indirectly benefit from it.

After all that excitement, I went back to my new place to chill out and sleepover. I really relish the silence and peace in my new place, with no one to bother me. There isn't much entertainment there currently, so it gives me a chance to really relax everytime I am there.

Sunday
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Woke up at 6.30am to accompany Jules for a walk in Kiara Hills. It was a lovely morning. For some reason it only rains on Saturday, my outdoor training day. Maybe I have to change my training to Sunday. Oh congratulations to Jenny who completed the Singapore Marathon within qualifying time despite minimal training.

Went to church as usual after the walk. Caught up with Clau over lunch at House & Co. Had my usual favourite beef rendang pita. Then rushed over for choir practice. I must say that although we can still barely hit the high notes, it seems less of an effort now to sing. Perhaps I am improving? I think we're getting there. Overall we have improved but a little off in timing in a couple of songs.

Ended the night by going to watch the Canticle Singers. The choir was much smaller this time. Their voices were good, although I must say the music arrangement wasn't particularly interesting. I think the music arrangement for our choir is 5 times better. But then their voices were 100 times better than ours...Met Liz for the first time after reading her blog for a few months now.

Saturday's exercise diary:
8.5km run on treadmill

Today's exercise diary:
4km run on treamill
shoulder presses
push ups
dumbell row
upright row
double crunches
bridge

Running around the World

I've been around quite a fair bit lately. Been to Austria, Italy, France, Portugal, Ireland and more within 2 weeks....hah...only on tv. I guess that's the only way I can globe trek around the world.. for now. Today it rained (AGAIN). It's been rainin 4-5 successive Saturdays already which means I don't get to clock in my outdoor mileage on Saturdays. I know most people would be happy to sleep in but I was all geared up to run today. Not wanting to lose out on my running, I went to the gym today.

Today I ran 8.5km in China. Here are some of the places I travelled today (with Megan MacCormick that is) Shanghai, Wuhan, Huangshan, Chongqing and finally Xian. The scenes were really breathtaking.

Oh how I yearn to travel around the world.... I haven't been out of the country (aside from Singapore) in the last 4 years. My ideal travel places would be in Europe as I love culture and architecture. As per the quiz which I did, Rome is the city I belong in. It's really true because Rome is the number 1 place I want to visit followed by Paris. I'd love to go back to Austria one day too. But travelling is far too expensive so I guess I'd have to settle for local places for the time being....or else globe trek via tv...

Today's exercise diary:
8.5km run on treadmill

Memorable Quote from Footloose

I came across this part of the script for Footloose, a really ancient movie which was popular in the 80s (Seems like I've been going down memory lane quite a bit in the last few days!) The movie stars Kevin Bacon (Ren), Lori Singer, Chris Penn (Willard), John Lithgow and Dianne Wiest. Anyway here's part of the conversation:

---

Ren: You like Men At Work?
Willard: what men?
Ren: Men at work.
Willard: well where do they work?
Ren: No, they're a music group.
Willard: well what do they call themselves?
Ren: Oh no! What about the Police?
Willard: What about 'em?
Ren: You ever heard them?
Willard: No, but I seen them.
Ren: Where, in concert?
Willard: No, behind you.



I loved this movie and it has a great soundtrack. In search of it..

Hyper!

Tried singing to "We Three Kings" on cd. Horrible! Horrible! Horrible! Screeched like a cat (as described by HL). I'm surprised my neighbours haven't thrown shoes into my compound!Only 22 more days before our cantata. Aiyo! I can't write much now. Had 2 cups of Yukon blend which is making me all hyper now, my hands are trembling and can't type properly!I think it didn't help that I ran this morning so my body is flooded with endorphins and caffeine..man my hands are shhhakinggggg noww.....uguguguguug.....

Today's exercise diary:
6.6km outdoor run