Anyone interested in 1000 Mile Compression Socks?
Aids in recovery or even exercise in it? Way better pricing than those compression tights!
Judith Goi is selling at introductory price of $29 for ankle socks; $39 for knee socks.
More on the science behind compression socks :
http://www.healthportalonline.com/article/compression-stockings-101.html
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Culmination of a 16 week plan
What a race! I loved it! Best part is I know feel 42km is not all that unattainable!
I ran the first 21km, conservatively and slowly. Even took a pee-break. Quick glance at watch and was shocked to see 2:54. Super slow! At the 23km mark, a woman made a break for it, took the opportunity to follow her as she surged ahead and settled into a nice rthym. Alas she faltered by the 25km. Persisted alone, propeled by (by now) 2 packets of Power gel and my Ipod. Into the dark, I ran.
I ran the first 21km, conservatively and slowly. Even took a pee-break. Quick glance at watch and was shocked to see 2:54. Super slow! At the 23km mark, a woman made a break for it, took the opportunity to follow her as she surged ahead and settled into a nice rthym. Alas she faltered by the 25km. Persisted alone, propeled by (by now) 2 packets of Power gel and my Ipod. Into the dark, I ran.
At the 32km mark, I expected to hit the wall. Funnily enough that moment never came. I downed my 3rd & last pack of Power gel and then the caffein buzz hit me... A very strange (and I must say, not unpleasant) sensation. The training plan really worked, every part of me felt strong. Mentally I was confident of finishing well. In fact, I had my own shadow - another woman following my pace. Lost her when I stopped at the last drink stop 2km from the finish.
The one downside is my ITBs. 5km mark, left ITB throbbed, by the 10km mark, both ITBs were throbbing. I feared running too hard, if ITBs went, I'll be reduced to walking. Funnily enough, every time I felt a sharp painful ITB twitch, I'd either stop for a quick stretch or just reach down, hold the legs and pray over them! Prayers obviously worked, ITBs held for the whole race!
I finished at 5:23, running the second 21km 2:29.
A couple of thoughts - IF I had ran the first half less conservative, skipped the pee-break, if ITBs were fine, if the race path was more well-lit... Well, but then it wouldn't have been as much fun if I had to push for timing. So seriously, all went well and I am pleased.
Race organizers were by & large good. The entire road was blocked off for us, so plenty of space. Drink stations (save the first few) were sufficiently manned. The whole carnival atmosphere at the Changi Exhibition Center was good. And the best part, extensive post race bus service. I happily hopped onto an AC bus which took me home to Buona Vista MRT for $8. Good job Sundown organizers! One more plus - results are already up on their website! Just 1 complaint : obscure race location, lack of parking & the entire road into the starting point was jammed up. I must've sat in the taxi in bumper-to-bumper traffic for half an hour.
I'm not sure I will run next year's Sundown but I'm not going to say no to the concept of another full marathon :) Never say never!
Next challenge : 4 Sep : SAFRA Army Half-Marathon/ Bay Run.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Singapore is a well-oiled machine
Last Sunday I was crossing Holland Avenue when I heard a few loud sounds, then a taxi with a busted front tyre limps by me to turn into Holland Close.
Taxi driver understeered from Holland Drive onto Holland Avenue, hit the center road divider, tyre explodes, and he kept going into the smaller 2 lane Holland Close to get out of traffic's way.
It caused damage to the metal barriers along the road divider used to prevent jay-walkers from crossing the road. These are like metal strips and they were strewn all over the road after the collision.
Within 2 days, the metal strips were cleared and the whole busted up barrier removed.
I am impressed. Which government body is in charge? How do they know? Cos taxi has to lodge report? Nontheless, 2 days turnaround?
Singapore, I am proud to say, is a well-oiled machine. We ought to be grateful to the government in power.
Taxi driver understeered from Holland Drive onto Holland Avenue, hit the center road divider, tyre explodes, and he kept going into the smaller 2 lane Holland Close to get out of traffic's way.
It caused damage to the metal barriers along the road divider used to prevent jay-walkers from crossing the road. These are like metal strips and they were strewn all over the road after the collision.
Within 2 days, the metal strips were cleared and the whole busted up barrier removed.
I am impressed. Which government body is in charge? How do they know? Cos taxi has to lodge report? Nontheless, 2 days turnaround?
Singapore, I am proud to say, is a well-oiled machine. We ought to be grateful to the government in power.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Home stretch...
Went for a massage to ease the pressure off my ITB.
Vacuum & moped the house last night (cos was too tired after Passion run last weekend)
Planning to climb a little tonight with Jo & Maggie from Taiwan
Carbo-loading all week, lunch was a huge bowl of noodles.
I feel ready for the marathon, well, apprehensive but ready for it to be over!
And I miss Matty. Think I go say hello tomorrow evening.
Vacuum & moped the house last night (cos was too tired after Passion run last weekend)
Planning to climb a little tonight with Jo & Maggie from Taiwan
Carbo-loading all week, lunch was a huge bowl of noodles.
I feel ready for the marathon, well, apprehensive but ready for it to be over!
And I miss Matty. Think I go say hello tomorrow evening.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Races this year - updated!
Races this year 2011 :
23 January : Singapore Dualthlon (CHECK!)
3 March : OCBC Cycle Singapore (CHECK!)
21 May : Passion Run 25km (CHECK!)
28 May : Adidas Sundown Marathon
4 Sep : SAFRA Army Half-Marathon/ Bay Run
3 Dec : Singapore Marathon (21km half marathon)
23 January : Singapore Dualthlon (CHECK!)
3 March : OCBC Cycle Singapore (CHECK!)
21 May : Passion Run 25km (CHECK!)
28 May : Adidas Sundown Marathon
4 Sep : SAFRA Army Half-Marathon/ Bay Run
3 Dec : Singapore Marathon (21km half marathon)
Afterburn effect
I seem to be back to pre-Taiwan weight. I believe it is the long runs - ever since the training plan took me to longer and longer runs, the weight just falls right off.
Just finished the 25km Passion run. First 10km really slow for a number of reasons.
- It was a tight squeeze, East Coast Parkway is too cramp and people kept jostling me and then glaring at me like it's my fault. Hey, I'm charting an easy path at an easy pace, just stop cutting me off already!
- I ate a huge lunch at 2:30pm thinking it should be somewhat digested and fuel enough to last the whole run. It was too much, argh... The middle of me (diaphram? stomach?) ache throughout the run. - 4:30pm flag off is too early, it was so warm still. Apparently the heavy downpour all over Singapore, missed the East Coast. It was dry and hot.
Beyond 10km, people settled to their comfortable pace, and the crowd spread out more, ahh better! It was around the 18km mark, that I realized I was on track for a sub-3hr run (somehow Francis' earlier estimate of 3.5hrs stuck in my head). Plus my legs felt good, so at the 20km mark, I up-ed the pace to an easy 2:56 finish.
Here's an article I read on the New York Times on afterburn effect.
For an Exercise Afterburn, Intensity May Be the Key
Joshua Lott for The New York Times
By GINA KOLATA
Published: April 18, 2011
Depending on whom you ask, the answer to this question is either one of the great myths of exercise or one of the great unappreciated truths: Is there an afterburn effect from a workout?
Whether the metabolism speeds up for hours after exercise an old question, first studied a century ago, and over the years, study after study has been carried out, with decidedly mixed results. Some investigators found no post-exercise effect. Others reported effects so small they were almost unnoticeable — one found male triathletes burned just 12 to 30 extra calories after a workout. Others found as many as 700 additional calories were burned after a long and exhausting exercise session.
The latest sally comes in a recent paper in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. Its lead author, Amy A. Knab of Appalachian State University, says it trumps studies that preceded it because of its careful design. And its results are good news — sort of.
Dr. Knab and her colleagues recruited 10 men, ages 22 to 33, who agreed to spend two periods of 24 hours each in a metabolic chamber, a small room that measures the calories people burn while they are inside. The men were not all athletes, but they did have to be able to ride a bike vigorously.
On the first visit to the chamber, the subjects had to stay perfectly still, sitting in a chair and moving only to eat meals, which were sent in through an air lock. In the afternoon, they were permitted a two-minute stretch every hour. Bedtime was 10:30 p.m. At 6:30 the next morning, the subjects were awakened and allowed to leave. They burned, on average, 2,400 calories on this totally sedentary day.
The second visit to the chamber came two days later. Everything was the same, with one exception. At 11 a.m., the subjects rode a stationary bicycle at a high intensity for 45 minutes.
The exercise itself burned about 420 calories, Dr. Knab and her colleagues reported. But what was most interesting was the calories burned afterward. Over the next 14 hours, the men burned an extra 190 calories, increasing the total calories burned by 37 percent.
“We were surprised,” Dr. Knab said. She thought there might be extra calories burned, but she did not expect so many, nor did she expect the effect to last so long.
She suspects one reason she saw such a pronounced effect was that the exercise was so intense. The subjects had had to cycle at 70 percent of their so-called VO2 max, the maximum amount of oxygen a person’s body can take in during exercise — an effort that made them breathe too heavily to carry on a conversation. And they had to keep it up for 45 minutes.
A different study, also using a metabolic chamber, tested the effects of moderate exercise and found no afterburn. Those subjects exercised at 50 percent of their VO2 max, a level that still allows conversation.
Claude Bouchard, a scientist at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, La., along with other researchers, investigated the exercise effect with conventional methods using a mouthpiece and nose clip or a ventilated hood to determine oxygen used and carbon dioxide exhaled. From those measures, researchers can calculate calories burned.
They find, he says, that when studies are done properly (many are not), extra calories are burned in the hours after exercise — but only if subjects exercise at least as hard and long as Dr. Knab’s subjects. And if they exercise even harder, they burn even more calories afterward.
A recent book that Dr. Bouchard and a colleague edited notes two studies that found this effect. The researchers found that if subjects ran at 70 percent of their VO2 max or cycled at 75 percent of it, they could burn 300 to 700 extra calories after the exercise was over, though 700 calories was unusual.
It is not clear why extra calories should be burned after a bout of intense exercise, Dr. Bouchard says. Part of the effect may be due to post-exercise energy metabolism: the body starts using more fat and less carbohydrate after a hard exercise session. Several hormones that are released during exercise remain elevated in the blood afterward, increasing metabolism. And extra calories may be burned when the body replenishes glycogen, the sugar stored in muscles. But for the most part, the effect remains a mystery.
Whatever the cause, researchers say, the extra calories burned after exercise can help people lose weight. Unfortunately, those who may have the most to lose may have the hardest time doing the sort of exercise that gives them a calorie-burning bonus.
The usual guideline for general health is 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. That’s doable for most people and should increase heart health, even if it provides no calorie bonus.
But that sort of moderate exercise, Dr. Bouchard said, “is what we recommend — that’s the target.”
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
What is mercy?
Perhaps Thu or Fri, I was at midday mass and thinking of human relationships and it struck me that if my God can be merciful enough to die for me while I am a sinner, why can't I forgive someone like Monica?
The test came today.
At the wall today, Derek walked by and wanted to take a group photo, muttering how we have many group photos while cycling but none while climbing. He managed to gather 4-5 people, who all walked over, just as Yili & I were exchanging climbing calls & I placed a foot up on the blue route. I told Derek to proceed without me. I really wanted to do that blue route well today. Then I heard Monica cheerfully sing about how the group shot can be taken angled upwards so that it includes me... She went on and on, as if she's so popular and wanted me in the photo, like we're BFF or something. Pffft.
I still recall the horror of her wheels bearing down on my head from last week. Or the too many times when she walked past me, only to turn her face.
To rub injury to insult, Derek proceeds to use Monica's phone after they did the group shot, to video me climbing that blue route.
Derek then nonchalantly walks over to show me his video skills. Good thing I noticed it was Monica's phone and insisted he deleted it.
I know Derek's just insensitive - I don't blame him. I also know Monica will never change nor ever feel bad or even reflect over the past. And I ought to show mercy - my Lord taught me so. But I tell you, it is easier said than done.
The whole gang went to grab a bite after the climb. I chose to stay on, do a warm-down climb with Gabriel, take my time to shower and then drove over to Ian's for dinner. As usual, seeing Matty has a way of making you feel better. He is all innocence.
The test came today.
At the wall today, Derek walked by and wanted to take a group photo, muttering how we have many group photos while cycling but none while climbing. He managed to gather 4-5 people, who all walked over, just as Yili & I were exchanging climbing calls & I placed a foot up on the blue route. I told Derek to proceed without me. I really wanted to do that blue route well today. Then I heard Monica cheerfully sing about how the group shot can be taken angled upwards so that it includes me... She went on and on, as if she's so popular and wanted me in the photo, like we're BFF or something. Pffft.
I still recall the horror of her wheels bearing down on my head from last week. Or the too many times when she walked past me, only to turn her face.
To rub injury to insult, Derek proceeds to use Monica's phone after they did the group shot, to video me climbing that blue route.
Derek then nonchalantly walks over to show me his video skills. Good thing I noticed it was Monica's phone and insisted he deleted it.
I know Derek's just insensitive - I don't blame him. I also know Monica will never change nor ever feel bad or even reflect over the past. And I ought to show mercy - my Lord taught me so. But I tell you, it is easier said than done.
The whole gang went to grab a bite after the climb. I chose to stay on, do a warm-down climb with Gabriel, take my time to shower and then drove over to Ian's for dinner. As usual, seeing Matty has a way of making you feel better. He is all innocence.
Monday, May 16, 2011
New kid on the block (again)
After being in a company a long time (read 11 years HP), I hate the insecurity of a totally new environment.
The false start with Motorola does not help!
Nontheless, company S thus far feels nice. There's F (she's executive director! Clearly doing well!) and V who won the role I had earlier interviewed for & lost. He reports to her. And I hear ST formerly iPAQ team. Cool - a little ex-HP alumnus :)
Also I have a cubical with walls & an actual door. V says it's indicative of a company that values people. Perhaps. It's really not a big deal to me, a simple work station suffices, but certainly it is a first & I'm pleasantly surprised.
Still got no badge nor computer, but only cos K, my new boss wanted me in asap. I literally signed contract Friday evening & show up for work Monday morning!
Scooted off & managed to get to evening mass at Novena. I'm happy.
The false start with Motorola does not help!
Nontheless, company S thus far feels nice. There's F (she's executive director! Clearly doing well!) and V who won the role I had earlier interviewed for & lost. He reports to her. And I hear ST formerly iPAQ team. Cool - a little ex-HP alumnus :)
Also I have a cubical with walls & an actual door. V says it's indicative of a company that values people. Perhaps. It's really not a big deal to me, a simple work station suffices, but certainly it is a first & I'm pleasantly surprised.
Still got no badge nor computer, but only cos K, my new boss wanted me in asap. I literally signed contract Friday evening & show up for work Monday morning!
Scooted off & managed to get to evening mass at Novena. I'm happy.
Last LSD completed, whew!
Did the last LSD (long slow distance) run this Sun morning. Thank goodness for Peter who asked to join me. Cos I might otherwise have stayed in bed - as I did Sat morning, the day I intended to run.
Ran 3 laps of the 10km loop in Macritchie. Didn't bring my iPhone cos my little pouch needed to carry too many things. Based on my trusty Timex timing,
Lap 1 - 1:34 (walked half the time cos Peter's knees were hurting him). Peter left after 1 lap.
Lap 2 - 1:27 (a little slow cos I took a pee break)
Lap 3 - 1:22 (very close to my usual 1:20 speed, not too bad indeed, cos I expected myself to wither)
Long run indeed, it was 4:26 in total.
I am tired. Recovery cycle took a lot out of me just to hold 30km/h. Last few Sundays when I rode after a hard run, I could still stay with the group. Thankfully for Fong who came back after nursing a broken hand - I rode with him at a slower pace of 27-29km/h.
This is it. Next week's LSD is the Passion 25km run. And then it is marathon day itself! Woo hoo!
Next run after the marathon - Army half marathon aka the Sheares bridge run aka Safra Bay run. I love that race, my favourite. Especially now that the whole Marina bay area is so nicely done up, it will be a very scenic run indeed!
Ran 3 laps of the 10km loop in Macritchie. Didn't bring my iPhone cos my little pouch needed to carry too many things. Based on my trusty Timex timing,
Lap 1 - 1:34 (walked half the time cos Peter's knees were hurting him). Peter left after 1 lap.
Lap 2 - 1:27 (a little slow cos I took a pee break)
Lap 3 - 1:22 (very close to my usual 1:20 speed, not too bad indeed, cos I expected myself to wither)
Long run indeed, it was 4:26 in total.
I am tired. Recovery cycle took a lot out of me just to hold 30km/h. Last few Sundays when I rode after a hard run, I could still stay with the group. Thankfully for Fong who came back after nursing a broken hand - I rode with him at a slower pace of 27-29km/h.
This is it. Next week's LSD is the Passion 25km run. And then it is marathon day itself! Woo hoo!
Next run after the marathon - Army half marathon aka the Sheares bridge run aka Safra Bay run. I love that race, my favourite. Especially now that the whole Marina bay area is so nicely done up, it will be a very scenic run indeed!
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Why is it all so complicated?
First it was the Monica fiasco, now there's a Corinna-Derek misunderstanding brewing.
Speaking of Monica... I fell over on my cleats (yes again). I need to stop less abruptly so I can lean over the unclipped side - duh! I keep losing balance trying to lean left. So there I was, falling over in slow motion and all I saw was Monica's front wheels bearing down on my head as I lay vulnerable on the road. Scared the jeepers out of me. Was that really necessary? I know you hate me, but was that really necessary?!
Ok, I digress.
Cor & Derek. By right, they should click. Both are totally independant & totally into sports. Both share cycling as their fave sport of the moment, amongst others like climbing, hiking, swimming. It is troubling to see them fall out over YMCA. I tried to stand up for Derek, but in the process made things worse, dragging in poor Zi. Alamak. Apologies everyone.
Seriously though, Derek can lapse into queer moments (everyone's human!), but he is not stingy nor is he calculative. In fact, he is very generous. A lot of people in the group have benefitted over the past years from his generosity including myself - he has bought numerous meals, mounted more than 1 hangboard, given numerous car rides, celebrated birthdays, loaned his gear without hesitation (spared me needing to carry my rope/runners Taipei-Singapore-Krabi & then reverse), arranged trips, bought the group 100plus & drinks (excluding the time in Keelung when he bought rice wine instead of water when we were dying of thirst - even so, that was funny). He even sacrificed his Aramis to spare us all from bio-warfare.
I am praying that this misunderstanding blows over soon. Cos I really like Corinna, that plus her ability to cycle like a cyborg!
People are complicated. Why can't things remain simple and friendships stay happy and cool?
I need Matty in times like this. He is totally uncomplicated. I love you Matty, hi5 with godma!
Speaking of Monica... I fell over on my cleats (yes again). I need to stop less abruptly so I can lean over the unclipped side - duh! I keep losing balance trying to lean left. So there I was, falling over in slow motion and all I saw was Monica's front wheels bearing down on my head as I lay vulnerable on the road. Scared the jeepers out of me. Was that really necessary? I know you hate me, but was that really necessary?!
Ok, I digress.
Cor & Derek. By right, they should click. Both are totally independant & totally into sports. Both share cycling as their fave sport of the moment, amongst others like climbing, hiking, swimming. It is troubling to see them fall out over YMCA. I tried to stand up for Derek, but in the process made things worse, dragging in poor Zi. Alamak. Apologies everyone.
Seriously though, Derek can lapse into queer moments (everyone's human!), but he is not stingy nor is he calculative. In fact, he is very generous. A lot of people in the group have benefitted over the past years from his generosity including myself - he has bought numerous meals, mounted more than 1 hangboard, given numerous car rides, celebrated birthdays, loaned his gear without hesitation (spared me needing to carry my rope/runners Taipei-Singapore-Krabi & then reverse), arranged trips, bought the group 100plus & drinks (excluding the time in Keelung when he bought rice wine instead of water when we were dying of thirst - even so, that was funny). He even sacrificed his Aramis to spare us all from bio-warfare.
I am praying that this misunderstanding blows over soon. Cos I really like Corinna, that plus her ability to cycle like a cyborg!
People are complicated. Why can't things remain simple and friendships stay happy and cool?
I need Matty in times like this. He is totally uncomplicated. I love you Matty, hi5 with godma!
Hello 995, I need an ambulance!
Was at noon mass at Novena when the woman in front suddenly feel back onto the seat, I can see her eyeballs rolled back.
The person directly behind her (European accented, perhaps French?) looked at me ? in her eyes. After like 2 seconds of blankness, I asked "are you ok?". No response. (Duh, how to answer in a faint?)
Frenchie and I shared more scared looks another couple of seconds.
Then Frenchie herself, tries a pat-pat "are you ok?"... Still no response. (I thought we already established that a fainted person does not reply to questions!)
I pulled phone to dial 995 while kind people (who knew what to do), came over to help lay the fainted woman flat, apply medicated oil to her temples.
In the meantime, mass continues...
All too surreal for me. I decided that I would go outside to wait for the ambulance.
Ambulance arrives in just a few minutes, but the paramedics want to know if there's a ramp nearby so they can push their stretcher up without overcoming the short flight of stairs.
I am not coherent in emergencies. All I could stammer was, "she's just over that, up this little flight of stairs!".
Paramedics gave up on me, follow me up the stairs.
I squeeze back to my seat beside Frenchie and attempt to follow the mass while watching the paramedics carry Ms Fainted out.
The person directly behind her (European accented, perhaps French?) looked at me ? in her eyes. After like 2 seconds of blankness, I asked "are you ok?". No response. (Duh, how to answer in a faint?)
Frenchie and I shared more scared looks another couple of seconds.
Then Frenchie herself, tries a pat-pat "are you ok?"... Still no response. (I thought we already established that a fainted person does not reply to questions!)
I pulled phone to dial 995 while kind people (who knew what to do), came over to help lay the fainted woman flat, apply medicated oil to her temples.
In the meantime, mass continues...
All too surreal for me. I decided that I would go outside to wait for the ambulance.
Ambulance arrives in just a few minutes, but the paramedics want to know if there's a ramp nearby so they can push their stretcher up without overcoming the short flight of stairs.
I am not coherent in emergencies. All I could stammer was, "she's just over that, up this little flight of stairs!".
Paramedics gave up on me, follow me up the stairs.
I squeeze back to my seat beside Frenchie and attempt to follow the mass while watching the paramedics carry Ms Fainted out.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Maria is me
Now that mom has gone to stay weekdays with Ian/Michelle, adding an extra pair of hands to deal with Matty (they use the word : little terror), I'm reveling in my new found freedom. Rejoicing, living it up, enjoying the serenity... You get my drift right?
After a whole week & a weekend of Josh & Toby lounging around on the floor, that plus I woke up sneezing and it wouldn't cease all day today, was a clear indicator that it was time to clean house. Cleaning is a small price to pay for freedom (which is priceless, as the Mastercard ad would tell you).
I vacuumed, moped, changed the bedsheets, did laundry, even wiping down furniture and surfaces. If I may say so myself, an awesome job. *clap clap*
Great job Felicia! (Hey, everyone has validation needs, even someone as secure and comfortable in her own skin as I).
After a whole week & a weekend of Josh & Toby lounging around on the floor, that plus I woke up sneezing and it wouldn't cease all day today, was a clear indicator that it was time to clean house. Cleaning is a small price to pay for freedom (which is priceless, as the Mastercard ad would tell you).
I vacuumed, moped, changed the bedsheets, did laundry, even wiping down furniture and surfaces. If I may say so myself, an awesome job. *clap clap*
Great job Felicia! (Hey, everyone has validation needs, even someone as secure and comfortable in her own skin as I).
Saturday, May 07, 2011
O lazy bones
Ok I remember now why most of this season's long runs are done in the morning despite the late morning scorching heat.
Because my pathetic self will is better in the mornings.
Ok I wasted all Saturday.
Tomorrow I remedy, today I remain a slug...
Because my pathetic self will is better in the mornings.
Ok I wasted all Saturday.
Tomorrow I remedy, today I remain a slug...
Singapore at the polls
I hope we lose the lousy unperforming ministers & MPs. Keep those doing a great job.
And why not?
Singapore is fundamentally performance oriented aren't we? Do badly, risk being sacked. Part & parcel of life.
Why then are politicians measured differently, especially when they are so well paid!
To the health minister who said if you are too poor to afford medical attention to move to a hospital in JB - you are out.
To the arrogant & out of touch ministers : Teo Chee Hean, Lim Swee Say - get out too.
To the minister who lost a terrorist and made light of it - leave, you fail.
To Vivian Balakrishnan for not wanting to increase welfare pay out to match cost of living & messing up YOG budget - time to leave.
To George Yeo - you are a great foreign minister. Please stay.
To Lily Neo - you really champion the needs of the poor. Perfect replacement for Vivian's role.
And why not?
Singapore is fundamentally performance oriented aren't we? Do badly, risk being sacked. Part & parcel of life.
Why then are politicians measured differently, especially when they are so well paid!
To the health minister who said if you are too poor to afford medical attention to move to a hospital in JB - you are out.
To the arrogant & out of touch ministers : Teo Chee Hean, Lim Swee Say - get out too.
To the minister who lost a terrorist and made light of it - leave, you fail.
To Vivian Balakrishnan for not wanting to increase welfare pay out to match cost of living & messing up YOG budget - time to leave.
To George Yeo - you are a great foreign minister. Please stay.
To Lily Neo - you really champion the needs of the poor. Perfect replacement for Vivian's role.
A good day
Got to mass, good sermon. Had a big lunch of kway chup to boost intestinal strength - IBS cramps kept me up last night.
Napped 15mins.
Canvassed funding for a friend's upcoming birthday present - got funding, bought present. All done in 1 hour. Proud of efficiency. *clap clap*
Went for bike fitting with Peter.
Late dinner & supper with Peter.
A good day.
Napped 15mins.
Canvassed funding for a friend's upcoming birthday present - got funding, bought present. All done in 1 hour. Proud of efficiency. *clap clap*
Went for bike fitting with Peter.
Late dinner & supper with Peter.
A good day.
Monday, May 02, 2011
General Elections 2011
It's a big eye opener to see fellow Singaporeans all uptight about the coming May 7 Polling Day. In fact, it's great that most of my fellow countrymen aren't apathetic anymore. I used to call it the Toa Payoh syndrome where you wouldn't care less unless it mattered directly.
Since I'm not entitled to vote, not sure if I would bring myself to vote the lousy bunch of independant candidates who couldn't even come early enough on nomination day.
My stance is still to vote based on performance of each and every MP. I agree with George Yeo of Aljunied GRC. Fundamentally, they are MPs and they serve a constituency, heck, they are paid $15000 per month to serve residents!
Constituencies that have been neglected the past 5 years and look like crap now, please, do the right thing and send the right message.
I do wish the residents of Aljunied & all voters wisdom to vote for the betterment of Singapore.
Since I'm not entitled to vote, not sure if I would bring myself to vote the lousy bunch of independant candidates who couldn't even come early enough on nomination day.
My stance is still to vote based on performance of each and every MP. I agree with George Yeo of Aljunied GRC. Fundamentally, they are MPs and they serve a constituency, heck, they are paid $15000 per month to serve residents!
Constituencies that have been neglected the past 5 years and look like crap now, please, do the right thing and send the right message.
I do wish the residents of Aljunied & all voters wisdom to vote for the betterment of Singapore.
Happy birthday Matty
Was Matty's 1 month birthday Sunday.
Mom in her usual messy style was able to create quite a few boo-boos. When I first appeared at Ah Neo's house to collect the Hainanese kweh, she was surprised cos she had told mom that she'll just bring those along with her. Then mom gave messy directions to all our relatives, so I was kept away from the buffet table to find and pick up various aunties from all over Serangoon gardens.
After picking up yet another aunty and attacking the buffet table the 4th time, I knew I had overate.
Matty as usual had his best manners for his visitors. He slept angelically, smiled when woken up and then would just go back to sleeping.
Right after everyone left, he started to fuss, and boy can he scream the house down. Sigh.
Still, I love the little kiddo. Happy birthday kiddo, now grow big and strong in God's love.
Mom in her usual messy style was able to create quite a few boo-boos. When I first appeared at Ah Neo's house to collect the Hainanese kweh, she was surprised cos she had told mom that she'll just bring those along with her. Then mom gave messy directions to all our relatives, so I was kept away from the buffet table to find and pick up various aunties from all over Serangoon gardens.
After picking up yet another aunty and attacking the buffet table the 4th time, I knew I had overate.
Matty as usual had his best manners for his visitors. He slept angelically, smiled when woken up and then would just go back to sleeping.
Right after everyone left, he started to fuss, and boy can he scream the house down. Sigh.
Still, I love the little kiddo. Happy birthday kiddo, now grow big and strong in God's love.
Cycling - I am starting to really like this
I decided to chicken out of the 100km in a day (to and back from Desaru) cos my legs are really sore from excessive running. Plus Lemna needed someone to accompany her & I'm not confident of going fast enough to keep up with the guys, so it made perfect sense for me to cover sweeper duties.
Thankfully, Peter was kind enough to stop and wait with us. Without time pressure on us, we could choose to wait out the driving rain which lasted almost 45mins. Cycled comfortably to Sungei Ringit, ate 1 chendol, before deciding we'll cycle in the direction of Desaru, and turn around when we meet the others on their return from Desaru. By which time, the rain had stopped, the cloud cover evaporated and back came the blazing sun. Peter and I maintained 20km/hr, but then slowed to 18km/hr for Lemna. Even so, we had to stop often to wait for her to close the gap between us. Yeah, she must've been doing 14km/hr or so. We joked how if we slow anymore, we'll fall over in our cleats. But yeah, nice and easy pace.
At the 33km mark, we saw Grayson flying away, leaning on his tri-bars. So we all u-turned. Went for perhaps 200m before another pit stop cos Grayson needed a chendol from a street side vendor. By which time the whole group caught up, ate our desserts, filled up our drink bottles, took our group photos and all was jolly again.
Lunch of lobsters and crab was fantastic - beyond words. Then finally the whole group cycled back slowly, perhaps averaging 22km/hr back to the jetty. The guys took turns to accompany Lemna, so I cycled back with my buddies : Zi & Peter in our usual laugh and talk cycling style.
It was a nice ride. 66km at a relaxed pace really feels like nothing at all. Really enjoyed this trip. I hope the active recovery also removed most of the lactic acid from my sore leg muscles.
Thankfully, Peter was kind enough to stop and wait with us. Without time pressure on us, we could choose to wait out the driving rain which lasted almost 45mins. Cycled comfortably to Sungei Ringit, ate 1 chendol, before deciding we'll cycle in the direction of Desaru, and turn around when we meet the others on their return from Desaru. By which time, the rain had stopped, the cloud cover evaporated and back came the blazing sun. Peter and I maintained 20km/hr, but then slowed to 18km/hr for Lemna. Even so, we had to stop often to wait for her to close the gap between us. Yeah, she must've been doing 14km/hr or so. We joked how if we slow anymore, we'll fall over in our cleats. But yeah, nice and easy pace.
At the 33km mark, we saw Grayson flying away, leaning on his tri-bars. So we all u-turned. Went for perhaps 200m before another pit stop cos Grayson needed a chendol from a street side vendor. By which time the whole group caught up, ate our desserts, filled up our drink bottles, took our group photos and all was jolly again.
Lunch of lobsters and crab was fantastic - beyond words. Then finally the whole group cycled back slowly, perhaps averaging 22km/hr back to the jetty. The guys took turns to accompany Lemna, so I cycled back with my buddies : Zi & Peter in our usual laugh and talk cycling style.
It was a nice ride. 66km at a relaxed pace really feels like nothing at all. Really enjoyed this trip. I hope the active recovery also removed most of the lactic acid from my sore leg muscles.
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