back to the gym

After nearly 4 weeks of rest, I returned to the gym this week. Finding the courage was a little tough. There were concerns I had that I cant run without a limp or that my shoulder may pop out while on the bench press. I am kinda glad none of that happen.

I took upon myself to set only 70% of what I could do previously. The weights felt light and were completed in just 1 set. On the treadmill, I ensure that I ran no more than 2km. All this made me felt humble. Even with this, I felt out of shape.

My right leg appears to recover pretty well. The weights and repetition did not caught any pains. My left shoulder however probably needs more time. I felt a tightness when lifting and sharp pain after a few moments. As I had suspected, its just not fully healed yet. Still having trouble stretching my arm.

I guess I would take things slow. In time to come, I wont remember all this and knew I gotten back my form once more. Till then I could only hope that such accidents never happen again.

Censored Sesame street

Teach them young you say...

"I'll never fall in Love again"

I love Austin Powers, more so when Felicity Shagwell (Heather Graham) came on board. And with this little music by Elvis Costello and Burt Bacharach soothing the mood for all, I cant help but felt that Love is in the Air.

PS. I was out filming today. wont want to ruin the surprise yet. Will say more soon.

Big Bang Theory

I blame my CB for getting me addicted to BBT. After all I just wanted to see just 1 episode with Summer Glau. But now I am almost done with Season 2.

Not to mention, I partially blame Shups for letting me know that ANTM were in it too :P

What happens when you ....

....switch into reverse gear while moving forward

Craze star wars fan's home

I am lost for words and wish my room looks like his.

So many prawns...

....So little time.

I have estimate that my tiny office tank having 30-40 prawns. Some are the size of ants and would be an adult (size of a har bi) in 5 months.

Having started with just 20 prawns. This growth rate is scary. (I wish my bank account grows likewise)

Anyway I have to move some of them to my home tank. Its been a long while since I taken a pic of it. Will probably do so. In the meantime...

The last day

(cant add pic again)

Tomorrow marks the last day of my ICT. And I must say, this past 3 weeks have been the most interesting yet.

First, there was Gonzo, whom has not appeared since the 3rd day. I am kinda glad. Would have throw him towards to rotating blades eventually. Anyway, they are considering he AWOL and taking him out of this ICT and recommending him to see a doctor.

Gotten a sweet $200 and then I was hit by a car. Kinda glad I took my IPPT first, otherwise I am sure be unable to pass it till much later. At the moment, I suspect I have stress fracture (hairline cracks) on my right leg. Wont be running for a couple of weeks, till it heals.

I also met and felt in love with Aiko.

Also this last week, I was made by another reservist from other batches to sign up a security account. Guess he needed the quota, but I am unlikely to put any funds in it.

And lastly, a friend from within is introducing me a sales role. I am not sure I am cut out for doing sales but earning additional income is tempting. Gonna see how this pans out.

Kinda weird how 3 weeks could have changed my life so much :)

Gundam 30

Tips on egg shells

I got this Eggy tips from here and somehow knew that you rather just read it from me :P

1. Compost for Naturally Fertilized Soil
Eggshells quickly decompose in the compost pile and add valuable calcium and other minerals to the soil in the process.

2. Nontoxic Pest Control in the Garden
Scatter crushed eggshell around your plants and flowers to help deter plant-eating slugs, snails and cutworms without using eco-unfriendly pesticides. Also, deer hate the smell of eggs, so scattering eggshells around the flowerbed will help keep Bambi away from your begonias.

3. Less Bitter Coffee
Add an eggshell to the coffee in the filter, and your morning coffee will be less bitter. The spent coffee grounds, eggshell and bio-degradable filter are then conveniently ready for the compost pile.

4. Splendid Seedling Starters
Fill biodegradable eggshell halves with potting soil instead of using peat pots to start seedlings for the garden. And an egg carton on the windowsill is the perfect way to start a dozen tomato seedlings in shells before transplanting to the garden in the spring.

5. Eco-friendly Household Abrasive
Shake crushed eggshells and a little soapy water to scour hard-to-clean items like thermoses and vases. Crushed eggshells can also be used as a nontoxic abrasive on pots and pans.

6. Eggy, Crafty Projects
"Blow out" the inside of a raw egg and paint/decorate the hollow shell to make your Faberge eggs or other craft projects. Pieces of egg shell (plain or dyed) are also used in mosaic art projects.

7. Clever Jello and Chocolate Molds
Carefully fill "blown out" eggshells (above) with jello or chocolate to make unique egg-shaped treats; peel away the eggshell mold before serving, or serve as is and let your guests discover the surprise inside.

8. Natural Drain Cleaner
Keep a couple of crushed eggshells in your kitchen sink strainer at all times. They trap additional solids and they gradually break up and help to naturally clean your pipes on their way down the drain.

9. Membrane Home Remedies
The super-thin membrane inside the eggshell has long been used as a home remedy for a wide range of ailments, from healing cuts to treating ingrown toenails.

10. Treat Skin Irritations
Dissolve an eggshell in a small jar of apple cider vinegar (takes about two days) and use the mixture to treat minor skin irritations and itchy skin.

11. Egg on Your Face
Pulverize dried egg shells with a mortar and pestle, then whisk the powder in with an egg white and use for a healthful, skin-tightening facial. Allow the face mask to dry before rinsing it off.

12. The Fuel of Tomorrow?
Just when your brain was totally fried by all my ingenious reuses for eggshells, researchers at Ohio State University recently discovered that eggshells might be the key to producing affordable hydrogen fuel. I've heard of walking on eggshells, but maybe some day we'll be driving on them too.

If you like this, you may like the Coffee ground tips I had

SE C501

This is what my new girl looks like.

PS. Blogger is once more having issue with posting images.
Update: FINALLY. damn blogger fault took a long time to fix

Now to think of a nice name for her. Need to match her with her sisters and the one that gotten away.

Any suggestions?

UPDATES: I decide to name her Aiko. After a little Japanese girl.

The knock

21 Aug 2009 was a day to remember for me.

Interestingly, I had collected my new IC the very morning. I din expect to use it so soon after.

At about 11.20pm, I was crossing the road to hope on the bus home. It was at a cross junction and what I din expect was to see a red car turning right and dashing ahead without stopping. The next thing I knew was that I felt pain and ended up lying on the floor.

My post analysis of what happen was that the car hit me on my right with the bumper touching my right knee. Immediately I was thrown to the car with my right temple hitting the windscreen. This is then follow by me rolling off to the side of the car and onto the road. At this stage, I probably landed on my left side which severely injured my left shoulder and another knock on the back of my left side of my head.

Several passerby stopped and assisted me. This includes the driver who has ran into me. I was in a dazed stage and could not respond much. My first proper response interestingly was to look for Aileen to call my loved ones. Aileen was not found. I asked frantically and a kind soul found her lying not far away. She had scratches and her face was in a mess.

The ambulance came soon after. (apparently they were on their way to somewhere else but just cant leave me there) And I was transported to Changi Hospital. The doctor examined me and found that aside from being badly bruised and cut up, I was otherwise fine. There were no serious head injuries or neck pains. My back having been shielded with a backpack had averted any injuries. My knee was fine despite the knock. Only my shoulder which I complained of a sharp pain, was send for an X-ray. And that turn out fine too.

The driver was rather sorry about his act. He was no doubt on his way home and though he normally would have check for pedestrian, he missed me somehow.

Its been 2 days after that fateful night. My bruises are still painful though the abrasion have mostly dried up. The pain on my left shoulder has restricted my arm from exerting any strength and can barely lift to a height above my head. But I believe this pain would ease in the coming days.

The Traffic police called and I am to make a sentence with them soon. I would be fair in my statement, after all I had accepted his apologies and would just want to close the chapter of this issue.

For now, I would try to rest as much as I could and take things easy.

Thanks for all your concern. I know some of you guys are worried for me when I din said about this the moment it happen. Well I needed some time to rest and recover. Din want to let the whole world know about it as yet. Kinda felt blessed to having so many friends out there.

To my CB whom pass his driving

I know you would pass. Now waiting for you to give me a lift

The prawn tank

A short while ago, my lonely cory has breathed its last. She has been sickly for weeks now. Swimming upside down and refusing to eat. It has been tough for her, especially when a cousin of hers died last year. Things has not been the same.

The only 2 surviving fishes are the offspring of my original 8 danios. I had just taken them out of the big tank into a smaller space. I had the intention of converting my old tank to a prawn tank for a long while now.

It sure took its time. Over the last 4-5 months, I had been changing the plants and the layout. Cultivating a moss floor and optimising the water conditions. I was afraid to introduce the prawns after the dead crayfish incident scarring me.

Well since last week, I release a handful of cherrys into my tanks and they were doing fine. Sadden by the cory departure, I have took more out of my tiny office prawn tank (farm) and release them here.

One of which is pregnant with eggs and I am hopeful that this would be a good start.

Another IPPT

(For some reason blogger cant post any pics)

Anyway, I did my IPPT today and gotten Silver once more. In the past, I would have dread this day to come but strangely its pretty easy this year.

The months of works in the gym has turn out well. Not only am I quicker in the run (shave 14 secs of my 2.4km) I also fare better in other stations. On top of which, I am pretty much more confident in myself.

In the past, I would complain that I had only 5 hrs of sleep (damn early morning IPPT) or that I barely had any breakfast or that my thigh feels stiff, etc. Well this was all true this morning, but it din matter to me today.

Hopefully I could keep this up for a long while more.

Is it an act?

Its my 2nd day of my ICT and already I am having issues with an idiot who came back as well.

Hmmm to make it simple, I shall call him Gonzo.

back in 2005 I met gonzo when I pop back for a 3 mths period. I had finished my studies and had to complete the 3 remaining months to clear off my NS liability. Gonzo was a newbie then who recently completed his BMT and posted to the SQN. He was the classic blur recruit which we all know. Instructions clearly given but he never fails to screw it up. And also without warning, he could do the darnest thing and gotten everyone to sit up.

Apparently I heard that after my ORD, he nearly walked straight into the tail rotor when the aircraft was starting up. The signs of danger were not apparent to him and his blurness persisted.

So well last year I came back to serve my 3rd cycle and he was listed with me. Having ORD a year earlier, I found that he has a proper job and spoke better. I din spoke much to him back then and not this time either. I had a tendency to get my ass out in the open and do some work while he has found solace in the comfy crew room.

Somehow I am stuck with him this year AGAIN. From the bigger group of 5 of us, only 3 made it this round. On the first day, I arrived at abt 8 and met the other familiar face. We were wondering who is coming back as well and when we gotten the namelist we were not really surprise to see him in it. After trying to contact him, we found that he has off his mobile. Seeing this as he is likely to get charge if he doesnt come up with a good excuse, we laugh it off.

Hours pass and he finally appeared. We asked him what has happened and he merely mumble to himself. I find that excuse he gave that he doesnt know what time is it to be appalling. Surely you wont wake up and leave your place without knowing the time you need to get there by.

Afterward an Encik ask him what he is working as now. With 5 mins pass and more mumbling, he gave up asking. A friend told me later that he is likely to be out of job and interestingly, I could not understand why its so hard to tell strangers that your working status. Its not the figure on your paycheck nor your sexual orientation. For crying out loud, you could just lie to the doremon encik. Mumbling makes no sense at all.

And today Gonzo is late once more. I asked him about it. Not with the status of authority but more becos I am concern. (Also partly becos doremon ask me to keep an eye on him). And strangely he mumble. I asked him what time he arrived and more noise is heard. There is no answer.

I gave up and walk off.

Throughout the day, gonzo went abt playing the blur recruit. When ask to retrieve a tool, he would walk 10 steps away and walk back and said its not found. When there is a refueling going on, he would turn off the pump for no reason. But yet when ask him if he wants to take ippt, he could be a smart arse and answered the right thing. And even go as far as asking the right people about the arrangement.

He definitely knows an opportunity when he see ones.

Which brings to mind, having been labeled a blur cock then, why would one wants to reprise his role so eagerly. After all its only 3 weeks of training, aint that difficult to cross. Why is there a need to put up an act just to skip work.

All I know now is that I would put up with his shit a little while more. After that threshold is reach, I would give him feel small.

District 9

Its a film directed produced by Peter Jackson. You know that guy whom love to have giant monsters in his movie. So well, I expect this to be rather like what Transformer the movies ought to be.

ICTing

If you are wondering why there is lack of post recently, well its mainly becos that I am off for a 3 weeks break and my boss sensing it, was envious and all so jealous that I ended up working late the past week.

Ok.... so a portion of that was also becos I had overdue tasks.

Guess the procrastination part of me is doing me no good :P

The Stig aint coming after all

Kinda felt down the past few days. When I learn that the Stig is helping out Ferrari, I was excited that he would be coming to Singapore F1.

Even Jeremy Clarkson was teasing that the final episode of TopGear has ended last Sunday and the Stig is free for a couple of months and just so happen Shumi is coming out of retirement...

Now all I can say is that I hope he makes a guest appearance. It still nice to have the greatest driver to race down the track.

Starwars book ends

This would make lovely gift for a starwars fan. The only problem is finding one that has books.

Thanks once more

Strangely of all the gifts i gotten so far, the biggest surprise was from my CB and CB-in-law. They gotten me this which I had kinda forgotten I wanted it.

It was a delightful surprise.

And to SherYL, thanks for the good guy gundam tee. Now I am amazed on what Uniqlo has.

PS. I spent 1 hr trying to transform it. This aint for kids.

Thanks you all for the smses

Really appreciated :)

The Run and The Race

Interestingly today marks the end of the Early bird rates for the Std Chart Run. I urge you in the next hour to grab it while you can.

I made my booking today for myself and my Bro thru the help of Ernie's mod friendly owner. In doing so, he was interested and signed up as well. So in total, 2 have taken up the offer for the run.

Now I do hope the remaining would want to meet up for the blood donation portion. So far I din get any positive response for this aside from my CB.

Anyway, the other interesting news today is that I received my F1 pass. Its sweet! All 3 pass for each day of the race. Now this is something I been waiting for. Would love to see the Stig tear down the circuit.

What is that?

The usual church was a pretty boring affair. The priest would go about preaching the sermon and the crowd would sit quietly taking in the words from the passage of the bible.

I came from a Catholic church and though it is noted to be old by many, there is a proactive effort made to modernise. Imagine 30 years back, my church was one of the first to install air-condition and it was ridicule by many. It then added elaborated sound systems to replace the failing organ pipes, LCD tvs to provide a view for those sitting far and wide, giant projection screen to replace the song sheets and so on. Yes it has a website an FB as well, though I not too sure about any tweets as yet. There might be but I leave you to let me know about it.

The homily remains largely the same. The appointed priest would speak out at great length to all. And though it might have a strong message within, the delivery is largely dependent on the speaker. Today interesting we were show a clip. A clip that was not even in English but it gotten me and my pal's attention.



The message was clear here. No doubt a funny one too. Anyway. I do hope they show more clips as such.

The stig replacing Massa

I have bought the Tic for the F1 this coming Sept. What I din expect to see is the Stig.

Apparently Massa, one of the Ferrari driver is injured and the Stig has taken time off from car testing to help the sad red horse complete the remaining of this sad season.

I am as excited as can be.

nom nom nom

I have to post this

Poll: The Gift of blood

Ok firstly who is keen? leave a comment

And secondly, would you prefer a Sat or Sun for this?

The back rub

The 6-7 mths of gym session has slowly taken a toil on me. I never had any issues with my back but lately the stiffness is getting to me. It becomes increasing difficult to sleep properly and not to mention sit up straight while at work.

Some advices were given that I take my training in a lighter tone or that I stop this particular exercise till it gets better. However I din want to. Its not easy to get into shape and once there, I am frighten by the thought of staying away from it.

I had considered going for those back massage available all around. It would have been good to get the experts to break down my muscle tension and eases the aches. However I stumble upon the idea of getting a chair massager. One that I can use anytime and freely.

So over the weekend, I bought one and am pretty happy with the hard rubs it been giving me for the lower back. My family loves it too. Both my parents are suffering from back strain that this little chair fitter manage to help ease. Even my boney sister whom have no back muscle whatsoever seems to enjoy it.

I guess this is money well spent.

Huckleberry hound is gay

I always knew something is wrong with that blue dog, but as a kid I just wasnt sure what was.

Lucky

TO all the Jason Mraz fan out there. Enjoy this new old song. Strangely when I first heard it, I din fancy it.... but it kinda grew on me

Follow up on that thought

See below for the thought

So far only 1 dude has decided to take up my first offer. We would be signing up during this early bird period.

If you still have not decided, I do hope you take your time to consider. After all, JY completed the 10km with ease, I am sure you can do so as well.

But however if you still feel that running aint your thing, I would be picking a date/time/place for us all generous people to donate our blood to the greater good. Might be sometime this coming Aug. Stay tune.

Just a thought

For the past couple of weeks, my closest friends have been asking me this. What do I want for my big 30. And each time, I dun have an answer.

Thinking about it, there is plenty of things I dream of. Like going for a bungee jump, driving the GT-R round a track, firing a submachine gun... well the list goes on.

But what do I want that is realistic. Something my closest and dearest friend could just get for me. I simply do not know. Perhaps maybe perhaps that I am pretty contended with my life now and just happy to remain this way for a long while.

Anyway, I just thought of what I want and its something really simple. The idea hit me today and its something that doesnt even cost much.

I would like my long list of friends, (yes you sitting there reading this) to sign up here and join me this 6 Dec. I would provide the needed training and help if you do need it. We would just go for the 10km run.

And if you decide that running aint your stuff, there is another cause I strongly support. This one is a little more challenging to some but a whole lot less effort if you ask me. Do help me on this and that would really make me happy.

But of course, if you are keen for both, I would be more than delighted that you made my day special.

Thanks in advance.

Crazy for you

More than 10 years ago, well to be precise, I believe I was just 14 back then. I started listening to the radio and that was the era of the 90s music when boyband were too many to name.

Of which, Let Loose stood out for me. Particularly because the lead singer has a voice that is different from the soapy singers. Its from them that I fall in love with the song Crazy For You and led me to buy my very first cassette tape. (CD was just coming out and they were expensive then)

As I was running in the gym some time last week, this oldie was playing thru the radio. The memories flow back to me. Its like revisiting a big chapter of my life. The sorrows of the endless studies met with the introduction to plenty of girl guides.



Strangely I recall I had a huge crush on a girl and this was my theme song for her. Sad to say, I cant recall who she is (or do I). Anyway I quite sure I wont recognise her when I see her now. 15 years has been a long time.

btw, they some had a remake of the song with another mtv. Not sure which of the 2 is better.

Back breaking

For almost a month, I been enduring a long stiffness in my lower back. The aches are relatively light but the tightness bothers me.

I never bother to stretch prior to my gym training. However nowadays I would give a good stretching for 10 mins. Its important that I wont hurt myself after. Despite all this, the backache persist and its killing me.

Could someone heavy please step all over my back. It might just help undo the muscular problems.

level 30 chicken wings

Today turns out to be a rather interesting day.

My 2 colleagues whom daringly took up my challenge on the level 10 chicken wings have surprised me beyond doubt.

There were 6 of us seated. Mr T and Ms J were the challengers (Not sure they are cool with me putting their real names). The other 3 were just along for the ride. It started with 1/2 dozen of level 1 for the 3 companions and 1/2 dozen level 10 for the 2 challengers.

5 mins into the challenge, I knew I lost the bet already. Both Mr T and Ms J have absolutely no problem with their first wings. They were sweating a little and had a sign of swollen lips but nothing more. Just after 10 mins, they were done with their last pieces and I must say they completed with ease.

Just then, someone suggested to take on level 30. Which is the rumor ultimate challenge. Just nice there were 6 of us and each of us had to suffer just going through one.

I strongly chicken out on this. Just simply knew that my stomach cant handle it. They went ahead nevertheless. Finishing with plenty of strength. Towards the end, 1 piece remains and were parted into 2 to be split.

An award is handed out for us to fill out our names. And a commendation was written in our honor to be place on their wall of flames. They included my name in it, though I am far from great. However I would gladly accept this as a serving memory that I have 2 fire eaters friends.

The natural sleeping pill

You probably experience eyes wide open moment deep in the middle of the night. No matter what you do, your mind is active and your body though tired, you just cant fall asleep.

Perhaps its the coffee you had after dinner.
Perhaps its some troubling issue at work.
Perhaps its the argument you had with your loved ones.

And you know for sure if you cant get yourself to rest, the very next day you would be shitty the whole time.

Fear not there is a cure for all this. And its proven to work time and again.

For this limited time only, you would be offered a set of the most boring lecture notes around. Topics could range from politics, history or even Startrek vs Starwars.

And if you call us now, we would throw in a cassette of our lecturer as he goes thru each pages of the notes you have.

Call now, dont wait. This offers would end after the 1st 2 calls.

Flies vs the Water Bag

You probably seen it all around. Hawkers place them near their food items are one of the most common places for them.

Yes, I am talking about a simple plastic bag filled with water. It is a fly deterrent devise that works. Exactly how? well thats the interesting portion.

Apparently flies have ultra sensitive eyes and capture images from a large view angles. The water bag works like a reflective globe, that is constantly reflecting lights and images around. As such, any slightest moment would be reflected onto the water bag, thus causing an impression that something has moved.

With flies sensitive to any movement, this simply scares them off.

Interestingly, I recalled going to a particular Rims and wheel shop with Martin and we saw the water bag hanging there. How amusing we tot.

Firefly

Firefly is a sci-fi tv series that lasted for only 1 season. In fact, it din complete it entire run before getting the boot. Apparently the producers canned it becos they din see the vast potential of this.

And like Star trek, Firefly became a cult hit. Fans all around gave raving reviews of the show and its cast. It became a big dvd hit and that lead to a tv movie being made.

The story is based on a bunch of renegades, crossing the solar system (not ours, since it sorta imply Earth no longer exist) doing "trades" and getting themselves in and out of trouble. The setting gives a old western cowboy feel to it. Which is an amusing concept given that they have a spaceship.

The cast is a bunch of interesting characters, with a preacher, , a companion, a doctor, a mechanic, and of course their charismatic captain. Its no star trek and I am very sure it would lose to NSS Enterprise in a starship battle. However I got a good feeling, the starfleet is no match to them in a one to one combat. (ok I am not sure on this either)

I had started catching this series mainly becos a certain terminator starred in it. Anyway.... you have to see it to appreciate this.

PS. Its called firefly due to the class of spaceship. The ship name is Serenity.

Threadcakes & irplane toilets

Fancy your fav tees being made into a threadcake?

I know you do, dzus!

In other news, I bet you din know this can work. And now that you do, bet that you are tempted to try it

Some Jap mtv

Well I dun quite understand the song. Not even for the chorus part.

However the Music video is the most creative I have seen. And its done by plenty of fans all around the world with just their webcam.

Sweet

Level 3 chicken wings

Apparently my challenge to my 2 colleagues have generated some interest among other groups.

In particular my buddies whom I pop by oversea for training with. With an initial group of 6, we changed our primary target of dining at some coffeeshop French cuisine to Sunset.

I have not pop by there for a really long time. It could have been 1 year++ since I last drop by. While driving there, I lamented that the roads are properly laid with tarmac and that there were lines, street signs and even lighting. It used to be a horror experience bringing your date there where they would wonder if you gonna drag them to the bushes for a rape and murder.

Driving by, I revisited the little rooms and areas where I spend 3 weeks prior to my NS. It was then I met my good friend whom I sorta introduced to my company later on. I recall us staying in that small room, waiting for our chance to get to the sky. I recall we were so eager that we even volunteer to be passengers for the other students and even flown during the Youth Day event.

Such memories are somehow locked away in a single photo I have.

Anyway, my group ended up ordering a level 3 wings. Personally I could handle up to level 4 but with the numerous ulcers in my mouth, I chicken out on it. Everyone barely survive that experience. 1 even gave up after 1 bite. and the jug of beer was almost empty. Only 1 of us was happily enjoying his feast but sweating excessively.

I guess the tolerance is different for all of us. Though I think that challenging for level 10 would still be tough or even impossible. The friendly waiter strongly advised us not to.

PS. You could request for level 13. The ultimate challenge. I would just ring the Fire brigade for you.

Fish lamp

Was on a mission today. Having search in vain for a proper lamp to replace the cheapo broke china made lamp for my home aquarium, I decided to expand this search to Ikea.

In the past, I had 4 bought and threw 4 of such lousy lamps. They were small clips on which work well but quickly break down for no reason. The best part is that, the bulbs are still working but the rest of the electrical components are damaged.

Which is why, I need to get something far more solid. And thus this conventional lamp with a clamp was purchased for $35. I cant wait to test it tonight.

Oh and in my search, we chanced upon a solar powered lamp. I cant really see how this is useful but it would make a funny gift. I bet Stephen chow is regretting not patenting this idea in his movie.

Good vs Evil

This is an old commercial way back when Cantona is still kicking around.

Kinda makes you wonder how many of them are still popular.

unicorn: its finally done

After many moons, I have just completed the Gundam Unicorn. So much so, I din realise that I took almost 3 months to do this :S

Anyway this is one frustrating MG. The transformation is unlike the transformer toy. I have to take apart the gundam just to shift some panels. AND it gets flimsy when its fully transformed. On top of which I have only completed 99% of it technically speaking. There are just way too many tiny stickers to paste and I gave up.

THE BEST part is that they are releasing an even better model just after I complete this. WHYYYYYYYYYYY!

I hope they can just sell me the template for the weapons separately.



ps. at the moment, I decided to rest my hands from making any gunpla. I needed a break.

Shumi the Stig

Some say that he once was the top F1 driver of all times

And he prefers to be in a red tracksuit

All we know is, he is called Michael Schumacher.

The mystical Stig was revealed recently on Top Gear that he is the great Ferrari driver. He is definitely the man most suited for playing the Stig. Given that he is awfully talented behind the wheels and a great mentor as well.

However I have my doubts. After all, the Stig has been around for a long time and I wonder how is it possible for Shumi to find time in between his race days and celebrity endorsement to appear in a White tracksuit without a speaking role.

Not to mention, there are many times the Stig doesnt even race. He just stands there for comic relief. Which brings this to mind, could it possibly be that the Stig is played by more than 1 person. I like to think so.

In any case, he is one respected driver and person, much deserving of the role. And the only person that could challenge my favorite F1 driver.

Spicy chicken wings

Over lunch a couple of my closest colleagues were asking me about some ancient stories. Just some years back, after my visit to Sunset, I came back to relate this "experience" to JKF and gang. They doubted my story and off we set to Sunset to verify the spiciness.

It was a day to remember. Throughout the chicken wings tasting, everyone was very quiet. There were plenty of fanning action and downing of water. I recalled that it took a while for the water to be refill and this was killing them.

Anyhow, my young colleagues whom are firmed chili lovers have decided to take up the challenge. I put it up to them that if they can handle Level 10 and 6 pieces between them, I would honour them with a cash reward. They eagerly accepted and we would be seeing this entertaining event soon.

Top Gear season 13

soon.....

Free prawns

Its been a couple of months since I have baby shrimps. The first batch of them have growth up to be lovely teenagers. While a couple sadly have pass along and became food for the rest.

And the surprising thing is that my adult prawns are still in the heat and getting themselves all knock up again.

At the moment I have like 20-30 tiny shrimps and I would think that the small tank I have in office is too small for their growth. I would need to work on converting my home tank quickly to support this little guys. But I got a feeling it wont be enough.

So I am offering anyone out there, who wants to own some 'free' cherry shrimps to let me know. Its 'free' as I dun provide delivery services.

So how about it.

Sydney

I am contemplating popping by down-under once more. And this is despite the current pandemic which WHO has declared.

Why am I thinking of this? I really dunno for sure. All I do know is that my heart tells me I miss that city.

I would like to sit by the park or the dock, sipping some wine and glancing the view of the beautiful sky.

However I think the world would look upon me differently. Much like I visited an zombie infested area (ala Raccoon City). Like the people all around are dying and waiting to bite me, suck me dry and made me one of theirs.

Thunderstorm

This is amazing. the creation of a thunderstorm just by using their hands

Infatuation

Recently I have fallen for another girl.

We met over the weekend and like a bullet train traveling at the speed of sound, our relationship grew fast. In other words, we were holding hands, hugging and even share a single kiss.

I did not know how this affection of the heart works, but all I know is that I am longing for her at the moment.

I am feeling a little depress now that I have not seen her for the past 2 days. Her parents are skeptical of us and keeping us apart. In fact, her dad said to me that if she would to bring any shitty guys home, he would present to that fellow a shover. Asking him to go dig his own grave.

Anyway, I do hope to see her soon. Would like to see her smile once again.

Need motivation

Lately I found the will to work to be lacking.

Perhaps I needed a holiday, or a new project to deal with, or a new direction in life.

Or it could be that I just need a bigger pay check to boost my morale.

Oh well bonus in a months time. The secret would be out then. How much would they be paying to keep us motivated.

Comic on liquid diet

This and a series of comic strip is done by an artist whom apparently attempted a full week on a liquid diet to drop a few pounds. Personally I dun promote dieting but rather not eating in excess and generally keeping a routine workout.

However the series of comic presents a good and enjoyable laugh and we all should smile more.

Camping under the stars

Having been out of the scouting activities for the past 3 years, I made a trip down memory lane by popping by the scout annual camp located at Saribum campsite. I must say, having not visited that campsite for almost 7 years now, the place has changed alot. There were plenty of new activity stations, like Rock wall, obstacles courses and so on.

This was a long 4 days camp for the boys and they were pretty tired when I greeted them on the 2nd day. Most of them are new faces to me with a couple of over grown familiar faces that I vaguely recall seeing them when they were only 13.

Anyway here were a couple of funny incidents in the past 2 days I was there.

1. A new capture flag game was devised by Aung. The game was more of a plan the bomb kind. Basically the attackers have 3 black boxes with run down counters and they have to run pass a modified Nerf Vulcan firing rounds at them to lay their "bombs" about. (I wonder what would happen if Aung brought this boxes to the airport)
2. Verjean brought Jody to camp. She is able to walk now and is all so cute. She somehow refuse to let Aung carried her and ran towards me instead (a)
3. Little Jody can poop as much as me.
4. The Camp mug is now a lighted red vest
   
5. No one knows the old campfire songs and I partially forgotten the School song and Hymn.
6. When it comes to fire starting, they shouted for the 'Arsonist' and looked at me.
7. I shown Verjean old pic from 75th anniversary and they remarked how skinny Inky was.
   

Anyway, there is gonna be a 85th dinner at the end of the year. Do hope to see you guys there.

Girls on Piano

Ok this is not a kinky video, though the title suggested otherwise.

Instead its a pair of girls playing some melody from Bach (NDR feel free to let me know what tune is this), using their feet. I recall its some Dracula theme song somehow

This is literally amazing. I cant even do this with my fingers and yet they seemed to get the step and timing right with their movement.



PS. As I am told, this is the same piano that Tom Hanks step on in Big.

Afternote: My VB mention its toccta and fugue

Exploding drinks

Here is a neat idea which you could do.

Offer your friend a glass of coke, that has ice cubes with mentos in it.

Half Marathon, anyone?

After complaining and struggling to complete the Std Chart 10Km run last Dec, I am seriously thinking of going for the 21km half marathon.

Its a tiny step upgrade from the 10km and at this very point of time, I wonder, How hard can it be?. Just start earlier and keep running only ma.

Well, nothing in life is easy, nor is it impossible. Just that you have to put your mind to it, set aside some training time and lastly, Just do it. The distance sounds like repeating my IPPT 10 times. And its possibly is. However, the satisfaction of merely completing this attempt would be a milestone for me.

The longest I ever ran was 8km without stopping. Trying to restart running after that was painfully difficult. Clamps and aches bite you when you stopped. I never know how I managed to struggle to complete the remaining distance. I just knew I did. The crowd was all around the finishing point and they cheer you on, all the remaining 1km of it.

You could almost feel what Bolt felt when he showboat his 100m winning run. You feel at the top of the world. And when you are there before, you would want to get back that feeling. At this moment, I urged for all to consider running with me. You wont need to compete in the same category.

Fuzk, Shups!, Verjean and even Inky, I hope you guys would be keen to come along.

as I cap my pen

As I cap my pen to mark the end of the day
I look around to find people dreading to stay
The clock has loomed pass the time at six
While the office chairs are unnaturally fixed

Everyone was rushing to clear their work load
While their evil seniors gloat
The emails went harsh and fury,
emotions raised up in a hurry.

How the difference the life can be
When you started working a year later than me
You looked upon as the newbie in the beginning
Soon enough you turn out to be the terror in the making

The balding hairline is a sign I missed
For an pondering incompetent that left us pissed
He stalks the juniors and winds all day long
To the bosses, he change and sing their songs

----

Pretty bored when I wrote this. Aint any good but well, its my old feelings for a .......colleague of mine.

being socially responsible

I am sick today. Had the sore throat and the runny nose for a few days.

I even went to work when I should not have.

Part of me was hoping for a fever which didnt happen. After all it would have allowed me to stay home tomorrow.

Anyway I saw the doc and she gave me the necessary meds and recommend more water. I do hope to recover real soon. Have a camp coming up which I am incline not to miss.

Buses and train

oldie from when I was much younger

What would you do if....

lets say you would die tomorrow?

Would you say go about saying your goodbyes or would you do something crazy like me.

I would probably go rob a bank. Will plan a heist like Ocean 11. Walk in and play the game cleverly and leave with a nice big sum.

Its not so much on how much I could take with me. After all, if I gonna die what good is money.

Its more of the thrill of doing something this big and making a run of it. Even the thought of chasing police cars are captivating me. In this case, I would probably jump in a GTR driven by my buddy.

The police with their WRX would have a problem keeping up

Bad mood and an unexpected incident

I been on a bad mood the last couple of days. What is it abt? Well I wont be sharing it here. After all this is where my dearest readers come and have a good laugh and so on.

Anyhow, the bad mood kinda ease off when I pop by the gym. Weight training is serious work and you wont want to distract yourself when you are lifting abt 50kg of iron. Not to mention, going for a long jog is the best thing one could do when stress.

I set out to just run 2.4km but kept going at it till I cover 4.5km. Perhaps if I am in an extreme foul mood, I should compete in the 84km sundown marathon.

ok lets not drag this on. In other news, a fire broke out at my old school the other day. What bothers me is that this fire burnt down my scouts store. Taking away all our equipment and camping gears.

Money could easily replace most of these items, though sentiments wont be the same again. And as Scout activities heavily depends on the stuff we have, the coming few meetings would be rather "uneventful".

Too bad there is no such insurance we could look to, to compensate our losses.

Gundam 1:1

At the very moment, Japanese engineer are busy finishing up on the Gundam. Its large frame and weaponry are our only hope against the Zeon forces. We can only hope they finish this by 11 July.

Afterward testing would commence and a shortlist of pilots would be given trial in this mobile suit. Strangely I got a feeling a young boy would end up being selected here....

The testing would end on 31 August.

I dearly hope that I am able to travel to Japan to be a part of this. Though I am more keen to be part of the engineering team than piloting it.

Freshness of prawn

This is one confusing matter. Some say the fresher the prawns, the easier it is to peel the shell off the flesh. My mom disagree and said that the harder to peel, the fresher the prawns.

Looking to googles for answer.
-Some say that the difficulty of the peeling may lies with how well the prawn is cook.
-Others stated that this may be due to how stressful the prawn is before it breathe its last.

It does seems like there is no concrete evidence to link the freshness to the difficulty of the peeling.

All I know is, from my experience of keeping prawns, the harder to peel the shell, might be linked to how recent it shed its outer shell.

Any chef out there that can help?

USB Ravage

Now this would make a lovely accessory to use at work....

Too bad my office would definitely ban me from using this.

Donate to Children's Cancer Foundation

An old friend of mine, prompt me on msn. She asked, would I support a good cause.

Without any hesitation I replied Yes and she point me here.

Apparently this is for the Children's Cancer Foundation and she volunteer to shave her head for them.

I am applauded by her bravery and have pledged a sum for her effort.

Deb! You are currently the strongest lady I know.

Blading down the ECP (again)

Well I did this many time now... but lately, I been blading a little more consistently.

Previously it would be slightly more than a month each time I put on those blades. Today however was the 3rd time in 10 days. I decided if I were to master these wheelers, I must practice more.

This time round, I pop by at night time. As I hurried to put on my blade, I set a goal to reach Mac and back within an hour. As it turns out, I probably did it in 45 mins. This was the fastest I ever bladed.

I am grateful for the lack of traffic and the cooling breeze. It makes the effort less and the rhythms better.

However I do must practice on braking.

Oh and there is this one car that kinda park in a funny way. It makes me feel like.....

Scrubs - upstairs and downstairs

Foldable bike

I had always wanted a bike.... the trouble is I am staying in a cosy residential where space is a luxury. Sometimes finding space to put my new gundam is already a challenge. Much as I would like to place my bike outside, the security for it becomes an issue. Bike robbers are plenty. They come with giant clippers that can snap the whole tree apart (much less the chain). Placing one outside is definitely not possible.

And here is where this neat looking bike comes in. It seems to be a full size kicker and it folds up all so conveniently. I probably could put this in the closet or at the boot of the car. In fact, I probably would ride to work with it.

Now if could only cough up the price for it.

Old couple piano playing

I almost never post anything touching. I wonder why.

In my time of wondering, I present 2 couples playing the piano together. Their chemistry is just brilliant.

what a sunday

I would have like to spend my sundays finishing this little dude below. He is almost done, just remaining are the decals and the bazooka. But things are not to be



I would have like to spend some time with my fish tank too. Its been way too long since the last maintenance. I wanted new inhabitants, new layout, new lamp. But things are not to be

I would have like to pop by ECP and practice on my blading. After almost 2 years, I still move like a beginner. Unable to stop when I need to. Crashing into things and people. But things are not to be

I would have like to do some running. Perhaps run 4km every sunday to keep my stamina and weight in check. But things are not to be

Instead, what I did today was pop back to the office to get some work done. Which was a waste of time and nothing much was really completed. Although the only bonus was seeing some fur being stuck to the rat traps I been placing. Of the 4 I laid, one of them nearly gotten me some mickey mouse.

I re-laid them and place more bait. I doubt anything would happen tonight. But well, let this be a lesson to them if it fails.

Setting the mousetrap

I pop by daiso during lunch time and bought 3 gluetraps. Currently one of the is place under my desk and would be planning to set up another one just nearby.

Since this rodents like to run ard the perimeters, I would be placing them in corners where they would be expected. Strangely though, gluetraps are considered inhuman.

"However, death is much slower than with the traditional type trap, which has prompted animal activists and welfare organisations such as PETA and the RSPCA to oppose the use of glue traps. Many mice eventually die from exposure, dehydration, starvation, suffocation, or predation, or they are killed by people when the trap is checked."

Mouse trap

I need more than one of this traps to work

Rats

As I stepped into the office from a wondrous long weekend break, I was startled to see my fish food container lying on the floor. Some idiot must have knocked it over I thought. After all, this office has some.

As I turned to my desk, I found little footprints (paw prints) all over. These prints covered a third of the desk and one of my fish tank has noticeably less water. I am certain that my area has been invaded by rats.

These nosy little buggers, must have had a party over the weekend. Feasting at one of my manager's desk and ransacking and breaking stuffs. I found a little hole at the bottom of my fish food container. Grumbles.

Normally I am a peaceful person. If they leave me alone, I would leave them alone. But this has gotten too far. Will be shopping for some rat traps later and planting them nicely.

Sniping hello kitties

I been having lots of fun with my Recon. Along with another Maverick, we been having a great time taking out miniature hello kitties.

I must say that the maverick is rather exciting. It challenge you to get a feel on where to aim. Very different from the Recon that has a target sight that makes you hold tightly and obey the past BMT lessons.

Kinda miss my bow and arrows too.... I wonder if I should return them some day.

daily cuppa

Just about everyday of the work week, my buddy and I would take a short walk away from office to a place just across the street.

Its our daily arrangement. A trip to get our morning coffee. A simple cup that kinda allow us to jump start our engine.

Normally I prefer mine to be either a cup of coffee that is chilled or hot depending on the weather or my every changing mood. Ernie's owner on the other hand, would never fail to get his Frosty coffee.

Its may not taste like the coffee drink that we found in Starbucks. It may cost more than the kopitiams. But for sure, its something that we both could enjoy in the comfort of a short trip away.

I miss my coffee today. The rain persist in changing my plans once more :(

Need a break

Work for the past 2 weeks have been hectic for me. Though there is plenty of work to do still, the major headaches have ended and I needed a mental break today. So I chuck away the long list of TO DOs and just set about doing what its urgent.

Looking beyond this, I found there is nothing much left and took a leisure lunch which left me drowsy. At this moment, I thought about the work, the prospect of my career and the need to explore my potential.

Perhaps its time to look for a new challenge once more. A whole new area and a wider job scope. I needed to explore and see and then drag my heavy bum and weary feet to risk my paycheck.

Just then it snaps in my daydream. I guess all I really needed is a break. Been working from the start of the year with only the public holidays and short overnight getaways. I needed a real holiday. A highlight of the year. Something to make me look back much later and said that in 2009 I Been there, I done that.

Oh and if you are wondering if there is any point of this post and the comic and so on. There isnt. I just started typing and never read from the beginning.