Quote

A Tibetan lady overlooking the rolling hills and grassland.

(Taken in 2005)

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"Live a simple material life,

as the quest for superficial things would distract you from

the most important things in life"

- Boon

Random Thoughts: Aware Saga

Recently, there are alot of talks about the Aware Saga in Singapore.

While the new committee was properly elected, however, they have not gained the trust of many people. The new committee members are made up of successful professionals who understand the laws, articulate well and exhibit aggressive behaviours.

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In general, I am quite wary of this type of people.

May be because I had bad experiences previously.

While you cannot fault them of their behaviour (they got elected through proper channel, as they know how to play within the law), but they could not gain trust, which is the foundation of any organisation/family/relationship.

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One of my bad experiences:

In secondary school, I had a classmate ("A") who was from a good family background, pretty smart (done well enough to get into top JC), articulate well (Debater) and had a good command of english ("A" derived alot of pleasure laughing at my pathetic english. Seriously!). "A" was always the model student in the eye of teachers, however, "A" failed to build trust among the peers. "A" would always have some tricks up his/her sleeve. For instance: During our secondary 2 final year exams, "A" used his/her relationship with teachers to spread rumors that alot of people failed their english papers, which was the first paper. That affected alot of people's mood for exams preparation, as there were more exam papers ahead. In the end, most people passed the english exam. The trust level in "A" just plummeted further.

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I was not trying to stir up old dirt.

It was really puzzling for me that people would spend so much effort to create problems for others. Why don't they use the time and effort to improve their own lives? Isn't that more beneficial for everybody?

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I felt that most of the BIG problems in the world is created by smart & educated people. Sometime, you could not prosecute them because they are acting within the parameters of the law like the Subprime crisis was partly created by the wall-street investment bankers. And fortunately, there are some cases where they are hold accountable like the Madoff Incident.

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I was fortunate to mingle with the less educated people while I was in the Army. Some of them had been jailed before, had been involved in Gangs activities, had tattoo all over their bodies etc... I was not wary of them, and in fact, I was quite comfortable with them.

Why?

They are more straightforward.

In short, more predictable.

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It is the smart and educated ones that are less predictable,

which make them scary.

Randy Pausch's Last Lecture

Watched this last lecture back in 2007.

I was totally inspired.

Unfortunately, Randy Pausch passed away On July 25, 2008.

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The Original Last Lecture.

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Inspirational Speech by Dr. Randy Pausch On the Oprah Winfrey Show

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"Why I gave the talk?

The talk isn't about how to achieve your childhood dream. It is much broader than that. It is about how to live your life. Because if you live your life the right way, the Karma will take care of itself. The dreams will come to you. If you live properly, the dreams will come to you...... I only wrote this lecture for 3 people (his 3 kids), and when they're older they will watch it." - Randy Pausch

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This reminded me of a recent conversation with a friend.

He was not excited and enthusiastic about life. He mentioned that what is life about - working, sleeping working etc... He has a religion, he has a good relationship with his girlfriend (getting married soon). Why is he not enthusiastic about life??? To me, a person who is not enthusiastic about life is a walking zombie (I would always see them on a monday morning during the train ride.... haha.)

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It is good to know that time is limited. To know that things does not last. That's when we started to be appreciative and learn not to take things for granted.

For example: I remembered when I was leaving San Francisco Bay Area for Singapore. That last morning, I found the sky to be exceptionally blue, the trees exceptionally green and the air exceptionally fresh. Everything was so beautiful. That's only the end of a phase of my life.

Thinking about my whole life.

Death will be the end of this life.

Reflecting on Death is a great a way to remind me that things are not permanent.

When i realised that time is limited, I see everything around me as a gift and start to treasure life and appreciate little things in life.

More importantly, I want and need to feel ALIVE.

And EXTREMELY thankful that I am ALIVE.

I always feel that:

Life is beautiful!

My thoughts on Ming Yi's Saga (Misappropriation of Funds)

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/423972/1/.html

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When I first heard of the news, I was very disappointed and upset. Before the verdict was out, everybody around me was saying that Ming Yi was guilty, but I was defending him – saying that let’s not make judgment before the verdict was out. I believe in drawing conclusion based on facts.

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I was already upset with NKF incident, as I was donating monthly since year 1 in university and every time during the charity show (taking into consideration that I had limited monthly allowance). For Ming Yi’s incident, I was even more upset because he does not represent himself only, but the Buddhist fraternity. I believe he drew more donations because of his position as a Buddhist monk. At least, I donated as I was touched by his sincerity and his compassion.

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A role of a Buddhist monk is to dedicate his life to help all beings (that’s why they are normally vegetarian), to be de-attached to the worldly possession (simple living) etc… and ultimately, attain enlightenment for the sake of all beings. If a monk who seek enlightenment for self-interest, he will NEVER succeed. That is why I have high respect for Monks.

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After thinking and pondering over this incident, I still must admit that he did a great job for the patients at Ren Ci Hospital. Without him, I do not know what would happen to the lives of the patients.

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From the news:
“Trying hard to hold back his tears, Ming Yi revealed that it was Venerable Siong Khye who sparked the determination in him to set up a hospital for the chronically ill. It was to fulfil his wishes that Ming Yi went on to take over the Chronic Sick Unit at the old Woodbridge Hospital, despite his acquaintances telling him he would not succeed.”

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May be my expectation of a monk is too high. Nobody is infallible, and we are mere mortals who commit mistakes. Everybody comes in different shades of grey (a mixture of White & Black – Good & Bad). Under different conditions, our shade of grey might darken or lighten.

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A friend once told me “To Err is human, to forgive is divine”. (I think it is taken from the Bible). While it is normal to make mistake, it takes a lot of courage to seek forgiveness and it takes a lot of wisdom to forgive.

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That being said, I would definitely continue to donate to Ren Ci Hospital.

The patients are innocent.

Singapore Sprint Series Race 3 - Sprint Triathlon

Completed my first triathlon.

Even though it is only a sprint triathlon, I am still happy about it.

The race consists of 750m swim, 20km bike and 5km run.

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Pre-Race photos

For me, the most happy part was to participate the race with friends!!!

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The center photo exudes the spirit in the gals => fun & competitive
Very fortunate to have a friend who took good photos.
Thanks CT!
=)
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My timing was not exactly what I am proud of, but...
I tried my best and enjoyed the race!!
That's all that matters.
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Total Time: 1hr 30mins 28secs
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Breakdown:
750 swim - 18mins 22secs
Transition Time - 2min 29secs
20km bike - 40mins 02secs
Transition Time - 1min 09secs
5km run - 28mins 26secs
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Category Ranking: 45 out of 108
Gender Ranking: 256 out of 586
Overall Ranking: 297 out of 746
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Triathlon is starting to get abit addictive.

Training for Sprint Triathlon

Recently, I am spending more time exercising and training for Sprint Triathlon (eventually, Olympic Distance Triathlon).
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I like to plan ahead and set goals/targets.
Well, being a lazy person by nature, i lack the self-discipline to push myself if I don't have target.
For example: Completing an Olympic Distance Triathlon is one of the resolutions for this year. Initially, I just wanted to complete it - regardless of timing. Then, I started to time myself (which is good) to push myself harder etc... When my timing did not improve, and even deteriorate (even at my low level of fitness), I get upset with myself.
I became very goal-oriented (which is good to a certain extent), and becoming obsessed with timing, so much so that I forgot to enjoy the journey.
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What do i like about Triathlon?
- The satisfaction of conquering my fear and weakness
- Improving my fitness and Challenging my limit
- The fun of competing
- The Joy of cycling in the morning in the midst of nature and breathing fresh air
- The Joy of jogging in the evening and enjoying the sunset
- The sense of freedom from swimming (feel like a fish... sometimes)
- Socialising with friends after training
- FEELING OF BEING ALIVE!!!.
While it is good to set targets/goals, this is an instance where I felt that the journey is more important. If the joy of savouring the journey is compromised, what’s the use of reaching the goal (ie. Good timing)?.
This applies to a lot of things in life. I learn to re-evaluate my life. Why am I doing certain things? What are the things that really matters? Are the destination/goal/target really matters? Why I did set those goals/targets?

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The Journey is definitely more important than the destination.

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While I am going to do my best for the race, I would soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the whole experience.

=)

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++++

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On another note:

Ralph's day out - in a triathlon
LIKE any 10-year-old, Ralph Payne enjoys the outdoors, but he cannot walk and has the mind of a six-month-old child. This is, however, not stopping him from taking part in the Tri Bob Singapore Sprint Series at Changi Beach tomorrow. His father Anthony Payne will first swim 750m alone, then ride a modified bicycle with Ralph for 20km, and finally run 5km pushing a buggy with Ralph on board. The Payne family hopes to use this opportunity to raise awareness of children with special needs and raise funds for the Asian Women's Welfare Association (AWWA) School. Online donations can be made at http://www.donation.org.sg/Cheque or cash donations can be made to AWWA's Early Years Centre at 11, Lorong Napiri, Singapore 547532.

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Taken from: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/420771/1/.html

SINGAPORE: Many take part in marathons and triathlons for personal satisfaction or just to keep healthy.

But one man will be taking part in his first triathlon for a completely different reason.

Anthony Payne is helping to raise funds for the Asian Women's Welfare Association School - a school for disabled children.

Anthony is taking part in the triathlon together with his 10-year-old son. Ralph Payne is just like any other kid - restless, playful and full of energy. But that is where the similarities end.

He has severe learning difficulties and is also unable to walk without help. His condition is so rare that no doctor has been able to diagnose his disorder.

But that is not going to prevent his father from helping him take part in - of all races - a triathlon!

Anthony said: "Somebody sent me a video of Team Hoyt from YouTube... It was absolutely inspiring. A man had so much love for his son and would go to such lengths to get his son to be able to compete in events such as the Ironman, which is an incredible event to do."

In the triathlon on April 19, after completing the swimming segment, Anthony will be running while pushing Ralph along. And for the cycling leg of the race, he has modified a bicycle he had bought from Denmark.

When the Payne family decided to move to Singapore 15 months ago, one of their main concerns was whether they could find a proper school for Ralph. When they were in the UK, Ralph attended school full time five days a week. Fortunately, they managed to find a school - the Asian Women's Welfare Association School.

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The father and son team are taking part in the triathlon not just to raise money for the school. Their aim is to change perceptions in Singapore about disabled children.

Anthony said: "What I've been told is there's an element of shame in having a disabled kid or maybe the families feel they are protecting the child from people staring or so on. They feel the child is safer being looked after at home.

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"I happen to disagree with that. Ralph loves being out and about. He loves nothing more than going to Vivocity with us in his push chair or going out on the bike with me and taking part in family days out."

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Anthony has been training only for the last two months and it is a physically demanding challenge not many would be keen to take on.

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But for Anthony, he said: "When I'm out with the push chair and the bike, he (Ralph) looks back at me and gives me an absolutely beaming smile and that's all I need."

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A simple enough reason to overcome even the most impossible odds.

To support their cause, you can go to the website at www.donation.org.sg.

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Another reason to go for Triathlon.

Go Ralph and Anthony! =)

This is Singapore's version of "Team Hoyt"

http://ahboon80.blogspot.com/2009/01/can-team-hoyt.html

Weekend Getaway - Penggarang

This is my first overseas trip this year -

It is somewhere really near - Penggarang, Johor.

Yeah, in terms of traveling, this year is quite pathetic so far.

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Even though it is a short trip, it is still an enjoyable getaway.

Changi Jetty > Penggarang Jetty > 18km bike ride > Si-Wan Town (overnight and back)

Colourful friends...

Being to Penggarang a few times before (with family in car), and this is the first time I travel in bike. Even though traveling in car is more comfortable, less tiring, less dirty, no perspiration, it could not beat the experience of riding a bike along the road.

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Somehow, while I was riding the bike, all my senses were triggered. I could "feel" my environment better like looking at simple kampong houses & coconut trees, smelling of the burning plants, feeling the sea breeze passing my face etc.... and enduring the pain on my butt while cycling over those humps.

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I felt more connected to the environment and the place.

Now, I can understand why people prefers to ride a motorcycle or bicycle instead of driving a car.

Even though it was not always fun to get "burnt" under the scorching sun, or face the cold of the rain, or felt the pain on the butt after riding sometime, it is still an enjoyable experience. Somehow, I felt more alive.

=)

Ostrich Farm

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This is my first time visiting a farm after being a flexitarian.

I felt sick when I saw how the animals were being treated.

The Ostriches are kept in confined places - it is meant to be running in the wild.

The monkey is kept in the small cage for 10 years and is crazy.

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I am guilty as well...

I paid 10RM for the entrance fee - which is signalling to the farm owner that he is doing the right thing. In fact, the owner is a very friendly and nice guy, but his farm makes me sick.

Why?

the animals are suffering.

the visit reminded me why I wanted to be flexitarian.

(yup! I still lack the discipline to be a full-fledge vegetarian)

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Random Photo

I like the colour, the angle and the 2 socks on the bamboo stick!
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Good Trip!
=)

Movie: Into the Wild

Into the Wild

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Into_the_Wild

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Into_the_Wild_(film)

Into the Wild recounts the life of Christopher McCandless, a real-life student-athlete at Emory University, as told by his sympathetic sister. In response to his parents, whom McCandless perceives as materialistic, manipulative, and domineering, McCandless destroys all of his credit cards and identification documents, donates $24,000 (nearly his entire savings) to Oxfam, and sets out on a cross-country drive in his well-used but reliable Datsun towards his ultimate goal: to travel alone to Alaska and experience its nature firsthand.

Christopher McCandless aka Alexander SuperTramp (February 12, 1968 – August 18, 1992) in his camp on the Stampede Trail (self-portrait found undeveloped in his camera after his death)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_McCandless

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I am very impressed by his idealism and courage -

to get away from the illusory material world and search for the ultimate freedom in nature.

He must be a great person - just by his act of donating all this wealth to charity. He would be a interesting fellow that I would like to get to know. It is a pity that he died young.

He is an inspiration!

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"So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservatism, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more dangerous to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future. The very basic core of a man's living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun."

— Chris McCandless

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"I have had a happy life and thank the Lord. Goodbye and may God bless all!"

— Chris McCandless' journal from Alaska
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Feel like backpacking right away...

The wanderlust never seem to fade away...

Book - "Common Stocks and uncommon Profits" - Philip A Fisher

This is an investment classic.

For those who are interested to manage your own investment (Equity), this is one of the must-read books. It is less technical and less quantitative, and has a heavy emphasis on investment philosophy.

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Overall, it is quite an easy book to read.

Taken from: http://beginnersinvest.about.com/od/investorsmoneymanagers/a/philip_fisher.htm

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Philip Fisher (1907-2004) was one of the greatest investment minds in history. Working from a modest office on the West Coast in the aftermath of the Great Depression, he developed a buy-and-hold value and growth model for investments that has been considered on par with Benjamin Graham’s The Intelligent Investor by no less a giant as Warren Buffett.

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Quotes from the book:

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"While good fortune will always play some part in managing common stock portfolios, luck tends to even out. Sustained success requires skill and consistent application of sound principals. .... the future will largely belong to whose who, through self-discipline, make the effort to achieve it"

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"A basic ingredient of outstanding common stock management is the ability neither to accept blindly whatever may be the dominant opinion in the financial community at the moment nor to reject the prevailing view just to be contrary for the sake of being contrary."

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"In handling common stocks, as in most other fields of human activity, success greatly depends on a combination of hard work, intelligence and honesty."

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Shit!

There is no easy way out to make good money other than hard work.

haha...

有朋自远方来 不亦乐乎

Lana from Moscow.

We met while traveling in Burma.

She would be traveling in Asia for 1 year!

When can I travel like that?