Act of impulse?
Not really.
Finally, getting started with Decent photography.
Gotten this "kit" at SITEX on Thursday, by parting with 700 odd SGD..
Worth it, i told myself.
20X optical zoom... There's no excuses for not capturing that "perfect" moment, that inspiring move at that split seconds.

Hope the training workshop next week will adequately equipped myself with the basic necessary knowledge and skills to capture that "picture perfect" moment..

Still awaiting for that chance for this not-so-dandy yet stylish little gadget to make its first appearance... hmm....

Saturday
Farewell has never been easy.
Even though when one is gonna be away for good reason/purpose.
Yesterday was a farewell party thrown at Nat's place for Nic, who will be jetting off to Shanghai for his work/studies next week.
We will all missed those training session with Nic, one of our Star pacer in the year's major races.
Hopefully, we will see him back real soon and join us in the races again.
I loved rowing with this Team man!
Another strong reason why hanging up my paddle for good is a "no-no". . .




Sunday
I'm back with the "holy Ball" again !
3 hours of non-stop pounding and "running" around in the INDOOR court!
What a great start.
I still havent lose my touch wor....! well, at least not too bad lah... hahaa...
真过瘾！

Reach!

some dreams live on in time forever
those dreams, you want with all
your heart

and i'll do whatever it takes
follow through with the promise i made
put it all on the line
what i hoped for at last would be mine

if i could reach, higher
just for one moment touch the sky
from that one moment
in my life
i'm gonna be stronger
know that i've tried my
very best
i'd put my spirit to the test
if i could reach

some days are meant to be
remembered
those days we rise above
the stars

so i'll go the distance
this time
seeing more the higher i climb
that the more i believe
all the more that this
dream will be mine

if i could reach, higher
just for one moment touch
the sky
from that one moment in
my life
i'm gonna be stronger
know that i've tried my
very best
i'd put my spirit to the test
if i could reach

The "Dream Team" ever, where the 'bubble' just burst in a split seconds

The winning combination. . . , then again....
The best shot ever. . . (courtesy of Nicole)

The Winner Takes it All.

Suay or what....

Kena DQ-ed twice.
Maybe we are cursed for Regatta.

Medal Haul : 0.

Trust that to come from a Team that never fails to haul Medals in other major events throughout the year...

-Plate Bronze in MR500

-Bronze in SDBF

-Gold in CCG

-Bronze(s) in SAVA Sprint


Medals count aside, maybe thats a good wake-up call as well, to highlight that skills is not all that matters.
And the fact that 一山还有一山高！

Morever with each passing days/months/years, rowers come and go.
For personal reason, for jobs, for various reasons...
I have inevitably fall short to the pool.
Yes, decided to stopped competitive rowing for at least in the near future, pinning Regatta as my finale for competitive rowing.
Of cos that doesn't mean I will be hanging up that wooden stick altogether. There's still unfinished business with it...
It is still gonna bath in Kallang waters, and "sun tanned"under the scorching sun.

This however, marks my first and last regatta thus far, as a rower.
Alas, its a silent exit.
Nevertheless, it was a fruitful 8 months with this brand new combined Team.
Races, trainings, experiences, glory, dissapointments, all within the short 8 months.
This is indeed, a Team of rowers whom I saw "I row because I loved to row" written all over their faces.
No other personal Agenda.
Never regretted joining this team with a full boat load of fun people.
It makes me see Corporate Teams in a different light.

I guess I am not fated with Regatta. Despite having brushing shoulder with the prior 2 Regattas(due to work), being all well-prepared and the chance for this final Regatta didnt turned out that well though.
Perhaps, as coach mentioned, Its all destined and fated..


This Regatta seems more like an "Examination" for the coswaints.
No less than 5 DQs, all attributed to finishing in wrong lanes, and stirring out of course.

However, I must applaud the courage of all coswaints at river regatta. The narrow lanes and water condition doesn't make it an easy way to 'navigate', nothwithstanding they have to pull off a "Wake-boarding" stance at the start line! (one hand on rudder, the other stretching as far back holding on to the starting rope), and the balance to maintain when the boat surge off with a powerful jerk....

*respect*

Further, I think this race was not only one that differentiates strong teams from the Weak, it's also one that showcase the battle between Coswaint...!

From these eventful of DQs in Regatta, it spurs me and fellow rowers to go for helmsman course. I.e., to be certified race Coswaint!
yeah, you dont need a cert to cox in a race, but with the experience, it makes a difference between a split seconds 4th and a Bronze, a split seconds difference between a Silver and a Gold.
Instead of rowers, why not contribute in the way of a Coswaint for the Team that you hold dear, since I have decided to take a back-seat in competitive rowing, and could no longer devote that same amount of time for this sports.
P.s., Light Coswaint and Drummers has great advantages....


Though I would like to take a long break from competitive rowing due to committment levels, I still very much loves this team sports.

And I guess by doing so, its a win-win situation.
There's no lack of rowers, but people who dares to bears the full blame when the boat goes out of course, and claims no credit when the team clinches first position, that's somebody noble and worthy of respect.
Somebody whom you cant be short off, and yet the role may seem so minute...

Finally, I have time for that holy ball again, something that I have been neglecting for the past 2 years?
Time on weekends to don on my red/white inline and glide through the crowd.
Time to do more multi-disciplinary sports.
But of cos, still time for rowing, but in a less frequent, less competitive oriented manner.
Rowing , because my passion still hasn't cease, but no longer for the medal chase anymore.
Rowing becos I wanted to keep a Team going for like-minded people.
Rowing, becos its still one of the Sports that bridges gap and strengthen comradeship.

Despite the lack-lustre results over the weekends, I have gave it all, and I had no Regrets, truly.

"I dont wanna talk
About the things we've gone through
Though its hurting me
Now its history
I've played all my cards
And thats what you've done too
Nothing more to say
No more ace to play

The winner takes it all
The loser standing small . . . "

Nov 22nd

Anyone remembered this time last year?
Todays seems as though it was the perfect moment for everyone to come together.
Tomorrow marks that dreadful day 1 year back.


But does people really remembers?
Definitely those close to their hearts would never forget.

Has poeple memory fades with time?
Has time heal some wounds?
Or people just dont wished to be reminded ?

Nevertheless,

"Remembered, Always"

A gracious exit, or a silent departure?

Whatever it is, Let's enjoy the moment, with No Regrets!

Woohooo...!! Ah.., Ah.., Ah.. ah....

I just can't get enuff of this song..

Damn "SOLID" lor...
Wooo hoooo....!
(ahem... not referring to "her" , but the SONG!)

Amazing... Britney still have such a nice figure after giving birth......
Not a fan of her, just a fan of her dance tracks... nvr fail to impress...

Ah.., Ah.., Ah.. ah....

My $100 gamble paid off.
Giving up the $1,000, I managed to get a chance for the $10,000, and yeah, I won...!

Traded $1,000 for $10,000, and it came true...

Can't express how much a happy man I was yesterday, and would be in the near future...
I saw the ray of light...
I saw the "Lift to heaven"（天堂的电梯）

When the Sun sets...

"Honestly, what will become of me
don't like reality
It's way too clear to me
But really life is dandy
We are what we don't see
Missed everything, daydreaming . . . "

Today marks the last training session in Kallang for the year.
Had lotsa fond memories, tough trainings and strong bonds forged there.
Despite only training with the Team for barely 9 months, the comradeship formed is really heart-warming.
Team-mates who have no personal agenda.
All coming tog for the sports, for the caompanion of each other on the waters.

After Every training, we would be literally dashing over to SDBA to "catch" the shower room before the uncle sprays water and started chasing everyone out of the toilet by 650pm.

"Traveling I only stop at exits
Wondering if I'll stay
Young and restless
Living this way I stress less
I want to pull away when the dream dies
The pain sets in and I don't cry
I only feel gravity and I wonder why. . ."
Today, for some "exceptional" reason, uncle didnt "chase" anyone, even at 7pm.
Maybe he knows it could be a last training for many before he gets to see this "crowd" again, when the next season returns?
Maybe that's why he is giving more "lee-ways'?
And at 7pm, the area was cleared of crowds...

Only us , gathering, waiting for everyone to finish their shower.
What a sight to behold, which I think the photos didnt do enuff justice (thanks to my 2.0MP phone camera....)
Then again, the "pearly white" boats under the evening light, contrast strongly against the back-drop, against the calm water.
So Quiet,
So Calm,
So 舍不得

"Why do all good things come to an end. . ."

Farking ERP

Yeah, i believe thats the sentiments of all motorist.. but as local movie depict, Singaporean only know how to complain and no action...
Well, I am a true blue Singaporean... what to do....

Saturday!
God-damn on a Saturday, ERP gantry are the MOST brightly-litted metal Structure on the roads.
Damn! For goodness sake, Didnt the "garment" moved to a five day work week many many eons years ago?

Why still activate the super bright light on those gantry to operate on a SATURDAY??!!!
How i wished i could tear the IU and slam it on the floor. Just like how the government in various countries stomped out pirated goods.

Turned round corner and tried as hard as I could, I am still slapped with a total bill of $5 on ERP just by travelling Kallang - Raffles Place - Bugis - Orchard.

so frustrated to the extent (that ERP is NOT at all helping in curbing the traffic congestion to town), that i just parked my car at a open air car-park(at the cheapeast rate) outside Bugis Junction ERP holy gantry and took a train down to City Hall to run some shopping errands instead. * I think i enjoy jostling with the MRT crowds more than evading the bright lights shining down from those gantries..*

Dont they understand that ERP dont help enuff in Curbing Traffic congestion.. If people must get form POint A to Point B, they will have to get to POint B!
Its just a conspiracy to "suck" money out of motorist.

Fortunately , Oil prices fall! and Falling! hahahahaha......
just around $1.62 per litre compared to $1.9 -$2.00 months back.
Then again, savings in Petrol kena "suck" away by those "holy Gantries"

WTF....

Life?

One week was over.. worked only 2 days.. hahaaa. so shiok....
2 days leave, one day MC, 2 days work, 2 days of weekend... =)
Though my weekends don't seem to be "well-spent" in the eyes of others, but to me, i think its all worthwhile...

Revolving around nothing but training. Repetitive it may be, but that's my life for the weekends thus far, (at least til the competition is over) and I am not complaining though. =)

Woke up, training with the team that took half the day away, followed by a "power nap" of 2 hrs really did wonder to recover from that 4 hours of rest the night before (or rather the morning).
Finally abit of time to spare for a Korean Movie.
One word: Awesome! Especially on Jung Woo-sung. See how he shoots!

"The Good, The Bad, The Weird"

More training again this afternoon.
Last chance for preparation before the D-day.
5 more days.
It would bring the curtains down for the year's event.
It might jolly-well marked the end of my journey with the team too.

Whatever the outcome, the main focus is the upcoming race.
Nothing else matters for now, even to the extent of sacrificing my social life. yeah, just for this week...
Let's do it together!

"Britney Spears - Womanizer"

*** Doesn't this just keeps you off your seat and make you so wanna dance to the beat?? Another Hard-to-resist-must-listen new release... I'm loving it...! ***

生 病 了。 。 。

First Love

Finally!!
One year ago, I saw this series had its first publication in Japan, onboard a Tokyo Train.
Due to language barrier, I couldn't figured out the title of the manga.
And sourcing it in Singapore or on the net was in vain.

1 year on, its re-printed by a Taiwan agent in Chinese language, and its SOLD in SINGAPORE, FINALLY!!!!

Bought 5 volume at one shot. Can't remember when was the last time laid my hands on a similar one...
Finding such particular genre of manga is as tough as trying to find a living creature (minus the fishes) in the Kallang waters....

Sunday Night!

Its been a long while since the last gathering...
Made possible on a sunday night, thanks to the "out-of-norm" working hours that we shared.... Food and KTV.
Though we see each other in office almost 12 hours everyday, but the kind of contact out of work will always be different...

五联拍

“Synchronised”五联拍

All in One

Deal or no Deal?

you started off with $100.
You took the chance, and won $1,000.
Not ideally what you had wanted, but a real sweetener.

Then came a deal.
Give up that $1,000 totally, then you get a chance to try out your luck for a $10,000 wininng prize.
There's no guarantee that by giving up that $1,000, you will get $10,000.
Worst scenario, you will end up with the initial $100, and the "competition" will be closed to you in the short term at least...
You can't go back to claim your $1,000.
You have to look elsewhere for that $10,000 chance.( if any)

Is it worth taking the risk?
Your main aim in taking part in the competition is for the $10,000 using the $100.

You have less than 24 hrs to decide...

Deal or No deal....?
WTF. . . .

Had a not so pleasant dream...

Dreamt that i missed the 2nd trg of the week...
Cant recall the resaon why.

yeah.. i missed the first trg of the week due to a "valid" reason, and after much 'reasoning" with myself.
But then, I have no reason to miss Sunday's trg..
afterall, i think its much much more beneficial for that 2hrs 30 mins on a Sunday compared to a Sat.
*personally*

No doubt, more trg is better than less, but the "temptation" on Sat is really too much for me to handle...
Afterall, I have "supressed" my regualr saturday "dates" for months....
So just stealing one saturday off should be justifiable...., in the contect of yours truly..

Well..., after that, its a "departure" again for the next 2 weeks at least...
thereafter, I can devote my saturday to "you"....

Caught a movie online last night, and yeah, again, it "rekindle" my love for this song again....

“如果我的坚强任性 会不小心伤害了你

你能不能温柔提醒

我虽然心太急 更害怕错过你”

Heaven or Hell?

What a week...

Reached home and time just "nice" to tabao breakfast from coffeeshop.
yes, that's the time i got off from work, the time school children were waiting for School bus.

Thats how bad things are getting.

Thats hell probably?
maybe not yet the 18 层 地狱.
Then came the "opportunity" to switch...
am delaying that decison, becos there comes another ray of light!!!

Am delighted, that a door has opened for something that i Wanted to do, coupled with the sweetener of having back my social Life!
Hmm.. but its still uncertain...

I just hope this avenue willl be my "stairway to heaven" or better still "天堂的电梯"?

Its gonna be "hard selling" this time round...
Real hard selling, for teh sake of my future.... by hook or by crook....

It will makea difference between heaven and hell.....

A step closer?

received the "long-awaited" call today noon, which woke me up from my sleep...

hmm... step closer to heaven?
Or a step closer to plunging hell....?

heard this song on TV today.
yet another 經典歌曲 that stands thru the test of time.
印象最深就是一部港戏 starring Anita Yuen (袁永仪）about her down with cancer or some illness.
Damn touching story i remember vaguely... haha
Some people may know this song as a 楊宗緯 song, but its NOT! -_-"

Quote of the day:

"A triathlon is a battle. You go in and expect a fight.

During the swimming leg, expect to be kicked, punched and have your goggles knocked off."

hahaa.... how very true... fortunately I'm usually the "defensive" one, once in a while i did kicked... lol

1st day of week already so sianz...

Didnt want to wake up late, but in the end, still have to shelf my "fitness plans" and had late lunch...

ok, must make myself get up early later....
No more procrastination...
and also to psycho oneself to make myself feel better, and the week to pass faster

"I love my job, I love my job, I love my job...."

Yes, i Really LOve my job...!

Itsuka No Kimi e

It may not be a new release, but an interesting movie.
No, you can't catch it in the theatre in Singapore, but you still can catch it online.

Very amazing story-line, which you can't decipher why/how everything happens until you watch til the last part of the show.

Reminds me strongly about another Jap movie, "Cyborg She".
Very very nice story-line.. Highly recommended..

What Can I say, Japanese movies are just damn nice (tear-jerkers) whatever genre they are in....

Hm.. I still cant fathom what is the meaning of "Itsuka No Kimi e " ......

Sell? Don't Sell?

ok... my "communication" wasn't clear enuff...
Cos They got back favourably...
This means, my conveyance of "rejection" came as an opposite... lol

Now, I have to make a decision on Monday.... that is, After hearing abt the renumeration package...

if its really that substantial and that "fantastic", should i really accept it?
frankly, I have no grounds for rejection after all that Prior "self-promotion"

Its another cycle of "Trading Social life for Cash.."
Without doubt, that wouldn't be a consideration if things were 3-4 months back...
but with the current market situation and the bleak outlook for 2009,
Cash counts.. really...
Even to the extent of "selling" off my social life...

*sigh*... now the question boils down to "Sell" or "Not to Sell"