Today was the day. 25 countries ran on this day. A total of 1 million participants. I'm one of them. One of contributors to his world record event.
It was a chilly morning when i woke up. It rained pretty heavily during the early hours of the morning. I can hear the clashing of the raindrops on my windows before i drift off to sleep. I changed into my gear and left home with lots of excitement and hope. The rained had stop before i dropped of the station near the starting point. While walking there, you can see many others wearing the same. They too share the same feeling as i do. Once im there, i checked in my bag and proceeded to the starting point.
The temperature was getting better. It was definitely not as cold as my training days. It is the last day of winter anyway. So as i stepped into the back of the crowd where everybody waited for the gun to fire off. Some final stretches and the race started. The running course took us round the botanical gardens, into the city, off to another garden and back to the botanical gardens. It felt like i'm running back home when the marathons are usually held in the city limits.
After 55mins, i've arrived at the finishing line. Its been awhile since i've ran that fast and that long. The fastest guy in Melbourne was 32mins, so im aiming to at least hit 45mins for my next 10km run. The ultimate goal is still the 42km marathon at the end of the year. I will look forward to seeing my friends back in Singapore where we complete the marathon together.
Oh... Did i mention that tomorrow will be the first day of Spring? Okie. Tomorrow will be the first day of Spring. NO MORE BONE CHILLING DAYS!!
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
I do not comprehend...
I do not comprehend how life works. You tend to look one side and the other side evolves or change without you knowing it. When you turn back to look at it, it just makes you feel uneasy, a tinge of unfamiliarity and uncertainty. That's why i do not question how life works, i just accept it and move along with the flow.
I do not comprehend how fate works. It binds time and events together. Some people believe in it, some people do not. I'm one of the latter, always thinking that fate is just another word. Another word people used to simply summarise. That's why i do not question how fate works, i just accept it and move along with the flow.
I do not comprehend how luck works. From life and death issues to items of monetary value. We look at how lucky or unlucky we are in life and compare with each other. Sometimes we blame ourselves for being unlucky, sometimes we blame objects or even loved ones. That's why i do not question how luck works. If it works in favour for me, i appreciate it. If not, i'll just accept it and move along with the flow.
I do not comprehend how love works. It is something that couples share. It is something that all living things share. We love not because we have to, because we want to. We want to because we have a feeling that cannot be described. It cannot be described because it is something we are unable to explain. That's why i do not question how love works. I just accept it and put in as much effort into it as i can.
I do not comprehend how fate works. It binds time and events together. Some people believe in it, some people do not. I'm one of the latter, always thinking that fate is just another word. Another word people used to simply summarise. That's why i do not question how fate works, i just accept it and move along with the flow.
I do not comprehend how luck works. From life and death issues to items of monetary value. We look at how lucky or unlucky we are in life and compare with each other. Sometimes we blame ourselves for being unlucky, sometimes we blame objects or even loved ones. That's why i do not question how luck works. If it works in favour for me, i appreciate it. If not, i'll just accept it and move along with the flow.
I do not comprehend how love works. It is something that couples share. It is something that all living things share. We love not because we have to, because we want to. We want to because we have a feeling that cannot be described. It cannot be described because it is something we are unable to explain. That's why i do not question how love works. I just accept it and put in as much effort into it as i can.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
My First Varsity Goal
Match just ended three hours ago. The score, 5-3. My name is included in the score sheet. Haha... It's been awhile since that feeling has been felt. The opposition team wasn't really good so coach didn't put in the first team players in to play. The only ones are the goalkeeper(which was substituted in with 20mins to play), the captain of the team and two central defenders.
So i manage to play the entire match. We dominated the game most of the time and it was 3-0 during half-time. We were too confident and allowed 2 easy goals for them. Captain wasn't really happy with that and he made a very bad tackle in the box which resulted in a penalty. So they pulled to tied. When the kick off started, i was free on the right. I guess nobody wants to mark this small little asian kid. Hehe... So i was picked out and i took a crack shot at the goal. It was fantastic, just outside the penalty box and it went into the net. The feeling was fantastic. 4-3 now.
Nearing the ending of the game, i was part of the play that lead to a fantastic goal. I got the ball at my half of the field and started sprinting up field. Passed to the centre and it was pushed up to the strikers. The strikers played perfect one-two and they put the ball behind the line. An amazing goal but the strikers.
No matter what, it is still a match with a lack lustre team. No point celebrating like it is the finals. Two weeks time we will be facing our toughest opponents, champions for last year's tournement. Hopefully we won't be muscled or out-classed, but im sure we will put in our best effort to secure at least a point.
So i manage to play the entire match. We dominated the game most of the time and it was 3-0 during half-time. We were too confident and allowed 2 easy goals for them. Captain wasn't really happy with that and he made a very bad tackle in the box which resulted in a penalty. So they pulled to tied. When the kick off started, i was free on the right. I guess nobody wants to mark this small little asian kid. Hehe... So i was picked out and i took a crack shot at the goal. It was fantastic, just outside the penalty box and it went into the net. The feeling was fantastic. 4-3 now.
Nearing the ending of the game, i was part of the play that lead to a fantastic goal. I got the ball at my half of the field and started sprinting up field. Passed to the centre and it was pushed up to the strikers. The strikers played perfect one-two and they put the ball behind the line. An amazing goal but the strikers.
No matter what, it is still a match with a lack lustre team. No point celebrating like it is the finals. Two weeks time we will be facing our toughest opponents, champions for last year's tournement. Hopefully we won't be muscled or out-classed, but im sure we will put in our best effort to secure at least a point.
Monday, August 18, 2008
National Day Rally Speech
I missed out on the National Day Rally Speech due to my current location in Australia and the Olympic games in Beijing where our Singapore women's peddlers contest with China for the gold medals. No matter, i went online to read the transcript of our Prime Minister's speech today.
When i was young, i have never liked to listen to what our PM has to say. I would often run off to play games, watch movie or even read a book. It is until i was forced to listen to one of the speech and write a reflection about the speech in secondary school days. That speech was given by the previous PM, MM Goh. I have to say his speech changed way of thinking about Singapore and about my future. About what i want to do and what i can achieve with the help of the government. The next day, i started writing my reflections. It was suppose to be a 500 words essay but i submitted an essay that equates to four copies of the required word limit. My teacher said she was amazed at my reflections. But she warned me not to write that much the next time. Haha...
This time, i would not write that much about the speech. I have decided to keep my reflections to myself and remind myself of the goals i have been aiming for. It took me about one hour to complete reading the transcript. The only part that will drill deep inside me is this ending conclusion to the speech.
Ours is an improbable nation. We are a small country in an uncertain world, we always worry about the future, we never take anything for granted. Many people have put heart and soul into building what we have today. And through hard work and clear thinking, we've created something unique and something precious in Singapore, a home for all of us. Our forefathers have planted the trees which now provide the shade which we now enjoy. It's now our duty to plant trees and grow them, trees which will give hope and strength to a new generation. And you should do this not because you happen to be born here or because you happen to hold a red passport but because you believe in this mission, you believe in this ideal, you believe that Singapore is something special and worth fighting for. As Mr Rajaratnam said once, because "being Singaporean is not a matter of ancestry but of conviction and choice".
I know National Day has passed more than 9 days ago. But i have to say, being proud of my nationality is not just on that day itself, it is everyday of the year. Nothing comes closer than that...
When i was young, i have never liked to listen to what our PM has to say. I would often run off to play games, watch movie or even read a book. It is until i was forced to listen to one of the speech and write a reflection about the speech in secondary school days. That speech was given by the previous PM, MM Goh. I have to say his speech changed way of thinking about Singapore and about my future. About what i want to do and what i can achieve with the help of the government. The next day, i started writing my reflections. It was suppose to be a 500 words essay but i submitted an essay that equates to four copies of the required word limit. My teacher said she was amazed at my reflections. But she warned me not to write that much the next time. Haha...
This time, i would not write that much about the speech. I have decided to keep my reflections to myself and remind myself of the goals i have been aiming for. It took me about one hour to complete reading the transcript. The only part that will drill deep inside me is this ending conclusion to the speech.
Ours is an improbable nation. We are a small country in an uncertain world, we always worry about the future, we never take anything for granted. Many people have put heart and soul into building what we have today. And through hard work and clear thinking, we've created something unique and something precious in Singapore, a home for all of us. Our forefathers have planted the trees which now provide the shade which we now enjoy. It's now our duty to plant trees and grow them, trees which will give hope and strength to a new generation. And you should do this not because you happen to be born here or because you happen to hold a red passport but because you believe in this mission, you believe in this ideal, you believe that Singapore is something special and worth fighting for. As Mr Rajaratnam said once, because "being Singaporean is not a matter of ancestry but of conviction and choice".
I know National Day has passed more than 9 days ago. But i have to say, being proud of my nationality is not just on that day itself, it is everyday of the year. Nothing comes closer than that...
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Recent Events...
After that party on the 9th of August, there are a couple of events i would like to record down on this online journal of mine. With the start of the Olympics, i see myself as a track and field athlete. I've started on my 400m hurdles race and i've only jumped pass one hurdle... Well, hopefully the next hurdle would not be that difficult. The last hurdle before i finish the race is a huge one. That will require lots of skill and strength to overcome. With the support of friends, i should be able to clear the last one alot easier.
The landlord replaced my chair finally. After two weeks, he finally bought a new chair and its rather good. It's been awhile since i've sat on a good comfy computer chair. Hehe... The ones in school are good but i only get to sit on them for that tutorial class. Plus it is always the case that you want to get out of the class as soon as possible. Well... New chair is here and im sooo enjoying it. Haha...
Last night, i was in the city attending Jason Mraz concert. His concert was amazing. Even though we sat waaaay back at the last row of seats, it was still amazing!! He belted out a few of his famous hits and we sang along in certain songs. In between songs, he crack a few jokes which made his concert all so enjoyable. It ended around 11pm which was late and only reached home at 1am. Well... I do not mind attending another of his concert. He is really good at entertaining crowds.
The landlord replaced my chair finally. After two weeks, he finally bought a new chair and its rather good. It's been awhile since i've sat on a good comfy computer chair. Hehe... The ones in school are good but i only get to sit on them for that tutorial class. Plus it is always the case that you want to get out of the class as soon as possible. Well... New chair is here and im sooo enjoying it. Haha...
Last night, i was in the city attending Jason Mraz concert. His concert was amazing. Even though we sat waaaay back at the last row of seats, it was still amazing!! He belted out a few of his famous hits and we sang along in certain songs. In between songs, he crack a few jokes which made his concert all so enjoyable. It ended around 11pm which was late and only reached home at 1am. Well... I do not mind attending another of his concert. He is really good at entertaining crowds.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
The Patriot Inside Me
There are dates that i look forward to every year. No matter where i am, those dates are noted in whatever possible way. Dates such as the Lunar New Year, Valentine's Day, birthdays, etc. No doubt the important dates will increase as we progress in life but i always look forward to August 9th of every year. That is the day we celebrate our independence, our freedom and our home.
Since my arrival to Melbourne six months ago, i've wondered how would i get to see the National Day Parade(NDP). I've always looked forward to watching the NDP as it signifies how great our country is. How much our people love our country and how spectacular a small country can celebrate the independence together as one. My answer came from a close friend of mine who is the organiser of the NDP party in Melbourne city. It was the answer i was waiting so long.
On the very day itself, there was hundreds of Singaporeans there. I've met up with all my friends and we chatted while we had food and drinks. It was great to see my friends but the main highlight was to watch the NDP on a live feed. It was really cool to watch it in a foreign country. My friends and i had mini flags and we waved about while we sing some of the songs. In Singapore when they stood up to sing the National Anthem, we all stood up and started singing it too. I can see that no matter how far we are, we are true blood Singaporeans. Nothing could ever disrupt this loyalty and patriotism for a country so small yet so influential.
My best moment was the closing of the parade when we sing a medley of songs and end with a recital of the National Pledge and a last round of the National Anthem. I felt like i was back home, together with my family and friends. I realise that i belong back to Singapore. The patriot inside has awaken yet again.
Since my arrival to Melbourne six months ago, i've wondered how would i get to see the National Day Parade(NDP). I've always looked forward to watching the NDP as it signifies how great our country is. How much our people love our country and how spectacular a small country can celebrate the independence together as one. My answer came from a close friend of mine who is the organiser of the NDP party in Melbourne city. It was the answer i was waiting so long.
On the very day itself, there was hundreds of Singaporeans there. I've met up with all my friends and we chatted while we had food and drinks. It was great to see my friends but the main highlight was to watch the NDP on a live feed. It was really cool to watch it in a foreign country. My friends and i had mini flags and we waved about while we sing some of the songs. In Singapore when they stood up to sing the National Anthem, we all stood up and started singing it too. I can see that no matter how far we are, we are true blood Singaporeans. Nothing could ever disrupt this loyalty and patriotism for a country so small yet so influential.
My best moment was the closing of the parade when we sing a medley of songs and end with a recital of the National Pledge and a last round of the National Anthem. I felt like i was back home, together with my family and friends. I realise that i belong back to Singapore. The patriot inside has awaken yet again.
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
It's Running Out!!
I running out of my moisturiser. If anybody can find it in or anywhere else, please let me know. I use the moisturiser from The Face Shop and its really good. Below is the photo of the product and the link of the product.
http://thefaceshopen.com/skin/detail_view.php?pCate1=5&pCate2=1&pCategory=138&number=1852
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Dilemma
As if im not having one that has haunted me since the start of the year, im having another being piled up on me. If i have not made my commitments for my soccer and marathon participation, i would not have fallen into this dilemma.
I'm being encouraged to take over the presidency of the Singapore students club at my uni. It's not an easy job, as i see my friend, the current President, is struggling with school work and drowned in the club's work. I do not want to fall into the same position as him.
He has told me before that he hope i take over the position. If there is no successor, the club will have to close. That will be very sad to see this club being closed down due to no sucessor and my friend failing to finish his presidency as he has no sucessor.
Arghz... I need advice! And i need it fast!!
I'm being encouraged to take over the presidency of the Singapore students club at my uni. It's not an easy job, as i see my friend, the current President, is struggling with school work and drowned in the club's work. I do not want to fall into the same position as him.
He has told me before that he hope i take over the position. If there is no successor, the club will have to close. That will be very sad to see this club being closed down due to no sucessor and my friend failing to finish his presidency as he has no sucessor.
Arghz... I need advice! And i need it fast!!
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