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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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?

Casualty of Financial Crisis: What's the price of being rich?

RIP
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adolf_Merckle

Taken from:
http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1870007,00.html?iid=tsmodule

German billionaire Adolf Merckle has killed himself. "The desperate situation of his companies, caused by the financial crisis, the uncertainties of the last few weeks and his powerlessness to act, broke the passionate family entrepreneur and he took his own life," a family statement said.
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An unassuming lawyer, he was Germany's fifth richest individual and 94th on Forbes' list of the world's richest people, with a net worth estimated at nearly €7 billion ($9.2 billion).
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This is a sad story.
One moment he was one of the richest man in the world.
Next moment, laden with debt, he chose the easy way out.
He left a note behind read "I'm sorry."
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He lived a life that I could never imagine.
He had so much wealth that I could never imagine.

He had so much problems that I could never imagine too.
Anyway, it is a sad sad ending.
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Will Wealth really bring happiness?
Is he really happy with his wealth or worried about losing his wealth?
What is the price of being rich?

Reflecting on my University Life and Work Life

During my university days, I spent alot of time studying really hard and getting pretty decent grades. Now, looking back at those time, the things that really matters to me are those wonderful moments of traveling and trying new things. I can only remember the fond memories of meeting with friends etc...

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I don't remember much about the excitement of getting good grades. In fact, after sometime, nobody really cares much about the class of honors or the number of As.

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Yes.

The grades are important in the practical sense - getting your university degree/getting the first job/good for resume etc...

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It is a balancing act of being practical and living a life.

I am glad that I did more than just studying.

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Could the same thing apply for working life as well?

Work is definitely important and can be enjoyable.

But when I am on my deathbed,

Would all the career achievements and money really matters?

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Saw so many people working really hard for money.

Sometime, we might even forgotten why are we working hard for.

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In my view,

Money is an enabler, never the reason.

Money enables me to have a decent living condition.

Money enables me to buy nice things for my loved ones.

Money enables me to travel the world.

Money enables me to try and learn new things.

Money enables me to help the less fortunate.

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When the pursue of money compromises "the reason".

May it is time to reflect whether it is worth it.

It is not surprising that people quit their job at their peak like my ex-boss who wants to spend more time with her kids.

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Money is an enabler, never the reason.

Quote

“The religion of the future will be a cosmic religion. It should transcend a personal God and avoid dogmas and theology. Covering both the natural and the spiritual, it should be based on a religious sense arising from the experience of all things, natural and spiritual, as a meaningful unity. Buddhism answers this description... If there is any religion that would cope with modern scientific needs, it would be Buddhism.”

- Albert Einstein

I like this picture. =)

Ignorance

She came into my room like a terror.

Took my books from my bookshelf and threw it onto the floor.

Opened my cupboards and grabbed anything that she wanted.

Torn my book voucher.

Finally, Walked away like nothing had happened.

A behaviour of a Terror.

That's my little niece.

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I am not angry with her at all.

In fact, I would be upset with myself if she gotten hurt in my room.

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Anyway,

How can anybody be angry with someone who is innocent and ignorant?

My little niece. =)

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Sometime we might be upset by remarks made by others.

They might be ignorant too - not understanding what they meant.

So how can we be upset with their ignorance?

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Similarly, sometimes we are also ignorant without realising it.

Let's face it. Humans are ignorant.

We also need forgiveness from others.

Be mindful that we are imperfect.

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This reminded of a story around 15 years ago.

Studying in a missionary school, most of my friends are either Catholic or Christian.

I followed my friends to their church youth group.

Upon realising that I am buddhist (technically, I wasn't), they started to "attack".

One guy said "Buddha is a selfish person, because he abandoned his wife and child to seek enlightenment."

I was very upset by his remarks, yet, I could not defend Buddha, as I was a so-called Buddhist (like alot Singaporean Chinese) who do not understand the beauty & profoundness of Dharma -

http://www.kmspks.org/download/ebook/Lamp08.pdf

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I have forgiven his ignorance.

Buddha would not need to forgive him, as Buddha would never be upset by it. Buddha would wish that this person would be free from suffering and ignorance, and hope he find happiness in his life.

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In fact, I should thank him for "attacking" me.

It exposed my ignorance and my lack of understanding of Buddhism.

I started to question my identity as a Buddhist.

That experience raised a lot of questions on various religions etc...

I read more about other religions and attended more services.

And found the teaching that resonated with me.

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I am glad to say that I am less ignorant than 15 years ago.

However, I am still ignorant.

=)

Singapore Sprint Series Race 2 - Sprint Duathlon

This is the 2nd of the 3 Sprint Series Races.

Sprint Duathlon (3km Run, 15km Bike, 3km Run)

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Prior to the race,

my dad asked me "You just bought your bike 1 week ago, and you are going for a race?"

My reply was a simple "Yup!"

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In fact, my concern during the race was falling down from the bike, as my cycling skill is not good. I learnt cycling when I was 12 years old, and this is my first time owning a bike. So cycling is not really my kinda sport, but I am enjoying it.

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I completed the race in okay timing.
Total Time: 1hr 02mins 50secs
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Breakdown:
3km run - 13mins 59secs
Transition Time - 2min 25secs
15km bike - 31mins 04secs

Transition Time - 1min 24secs

3km run - 13mins 55secs
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Category Ranking: 37 out of 95
Gender Ranking: 179 out of 451
Overall Ranking: 204 out of 628

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There was this lady who rode a unicycle to complete the 15km undulating slopes of mandai road.

(http://www.singaporesprintseries.com/images/duathlonracearticle.pdf)

Respect!!!

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Looking forward to the 3rd event in april.

=)

Root of All Evil??

Challenging your belief & faith is a scary thing for most people.

After viewing this clip, it raised alot of new questions and some old questions (that I am aware, but refused to tackle or too tired to think about it). I still don't have answers. There are some points which I disagree with him, but that's fine. At least, I am aware of other views and open-minded enough to try to understand it.

**Warning: This is a very controversial documentary. View it if only you are open-minded enough. It might be highly offensive to some.

Taken from :

http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=F03E7F058E411B51

In this two-part documentary, Oxford Professor Richard Dawkins examines how religious faith is gaining ground in the face of rational, scientific truth. The program takes you to some of the world's religious hot-spots, both in America and the Middle East. Dawkins meets with religious leaders and their followers, as well as scientists and sceptics to examine the power of religion. Interviews with former Pastor Ted Haggard, the novelist Ian McEwan, the former Bishop of Oxford, and others offer valuable insights into the global impact and consequences of faith in the 21st century.

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Somehow, I think Professor Richard Dawkins' life is at great risk, beacause there are too many fundamentalists around. If you don't agree, just let it be.

Lastly, something that i absolutely agree with him:

"We are privileged to be alive and we should make the most of our time on this world"- Professor Richard Dawkins

Innate Compassion - A lesson from my baby niece

Just want to share a lesson that I learnt.

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A few month ago, on particular evening, my mum was helping my dad to remove "dirt" from his ears. And as usual, my dad would cringe in pain. My little niece (around 11 months old) was looking at my dad with distress, and her reaction/expression was shouting at my mum asking her to stop (that's my guess, as she still can't talk properly).

My little niece must be wondering why was my mum "hurting" my dad.

Nobody taught my little niece about compassion.

Somehow, she could feel the pain of my dad.

And she just expressed her compassion naturally.

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Compassion is a innate quality that we (human beings) possess.

May be it is evolution, May be it is God given, May be it is our purest form...

Anyway,

It is heartwarming to know that everybody is capable of being compassionate at birth.

That's the little beauty of life! =)

If everybody practice abit of compassion, there will be more peace and harmony in the world.

(Taken at 6-Flags in California)

There is a child in everyone of us.

And there are so much things to learn from a child.

Yes, we are growing older, but

are we becoming wiser or more confused?

Movie: Okuribito “Departures” & Topic on Death

I was flipping through the news paper this afternoon, and I read an article about death. The journalist recently watched “Departures” and described his friends’ adverse reactions when it comes to the topic of death. I went to watch the movie immediately and it is a great movie.
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I always like to touch on the topic of death, but a lot of my friends (many who are brilliant and clever) never gave a second thought about their deaths.

For example: One of my usual questions would be -

Do you prefer to have a slow and anticipated death (like contracting terminal illness) or a quick and un-anticipated death (like road accident or plane crash)? The usual reaction would be – I did not think about it, and let’s talk about something else. As for myself, I would definitely love to die peacefully at old age (hopefully). I want to die in an anticipated way so that I could say a proper & final goodbye to everybody.

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On the day we are born, we are going to die.

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I have a good friend (“A”) in the funeral business. I always enjoy talking to “A” about the funeral business, how to view our mortality and how to live life. Recently, “A” took up an embalming course, where they have to do real-life practices. To me, it was very courageous and brave. I told “A” that I would get very depressed if I am in the business.
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I have NEVER despised anybody in the funeral business. It is work just like everybody else. Somehow, a lot of people view it as taboo and something that is “not clean”. I guess their view was clouded by their ignorance, their fear of death and their fear of unknown. In fact, it is a very dignified work to help to close a chapter in another person’s life.

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There are 3 key lessons from the movie

1. Do not do anything that you will regret. Do not show temper and say bad things to people around you, as it might be your last encounter or conversation with that person. Do not use hurtful words to your loved ones and friends (you will definitely regret it).

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2. Try to live life fully and uprightly, so that you will have no regrets (back to point one). The sad thing about life is not the end of life, but a life that is not lived to its fullest potential.

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3. Learn to forgive others and forgive ourselves. A lot of regrets in life are things that we did wrong, but we did not rectify it or it is too late to rectify it. Everybody makes mistake, that is what that makes us human. Be magnanimous and let bygones be bygones. In fact, by forgiving others, we are freeing ourselves. We must also learn to forgive ourselves. Then, there will be peace in life.

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A trivial story to share:

On the children’s day in 1985, most kids brought sweets to share with others; however, I went to Kindergarten empty-handed as my mum did not prepare anything. I was unhappy and shouted at my mum, who was apologetic and went to buy “jelly-sweets” immediately. I knew she felt bad about it. On the hindsight, I felt very guilty and regretful for my action and my insensitivity. May be because I was young, I had forgotten that my family of five cramped in a one-room flat and my dad was a blue-collared sole-bread winner who didn’t earn much – in short, my family was not doing well. Until recent years, I brought this up and apologized to my mum. She was extremely nice, saying that she had forgotten about it totally. Even though she had long forgotten about it and forgiven me, whenever I think about it, I still feel bad. I still have not totally forgiven myself.
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I learn not to do or say hurtful things to your loved ones and friends.
I do not want to part this world in regrets.

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Since I am on the topic of death, let me pen this down. I always wanted to pen this down (as suggested by my friend - “A”), but I never did.

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In the unfortunate situation that I die tomorrow, all my moneys will go to my mother. For the material things that could be of no use to my family, please donate it to charity. I would like to have simple Buddhist rites for my funeral. I want the cheapest items for my funeral (like coffin, venue etc...), I do not need a grand/glam wake. I just want a peaceful wake and I would rather save the money for my family. I want to be cremated and the ashes to be disposed to the seas. I do not want any personal items to be in my wake (if I have spirit after death, I want to move on and put a closure to this life). I came to this world with nothing, I would leave this world with nothing too.

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If food is served in my wake, please make sure that it is vegetarian too. I do not want to cause additional sufferings to any animals. Haha...

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Lastly, please have a big “Thank You” sign on my wake. I want to thank everybody who has shared my short journey.

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P.S. I have planned my “exit strategy”, have you planned yours?

=)

Book - "Rich Brother Rich Sister" by Robert Kiyosaki & Emi Kiyosaki

During CNY Spring cleaning, I realised that I have around 8-10 unread new books. I used have the tendency to buy books and keep them, but then, I realised that books are meant to be read and not collecting dust on my shelf, so I donated 5-6 books to library. I think I will donate more books soon - those are good books. I told myself that I would read them again soon, but after so many years, I still didn’t read them again. It is hard, but maybe it is time to free them.
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So at the beginning of this year, I challenge myself to finish my unread books before purchasing new books. Unfortunately, I still bought a new book. The first time I saw “Rich Brother Rich Sister” was in Kinokuniya bookstore, I read 1-2 paragraphs and forced myself to return the book to the shelf. About a week later, I was in another bookstore – Borders, and I read a few paragraphs again and return it to the shelf. Finally, a few weeks later, when I was in MPH bookstore, I can’t contain my curiosity and my urge anymore, and bought it.
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I failed my challenge, but I am a happier person after reading it.
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I have read “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki 7-8 years ago. I think it was a good book, but I did not read his other books, as I felt that the content and concept would generally be the same.

Anyway, “Rich Brother Rich Sister” is a very different book. To me, it is more like an auto-biography of Robert Kiyosaki and his younger sister – Emi Kiyosaki (Venerable Tenzin Kacho – her Buddhist name). It talked about their common childhood, and how they went their separate ways in life. To a large extent, Robert embraced Capitalism ($$$) and Emi embraced Spirituality (Buddhism). It is very interesting for both of them to share their views on a range of topics like “War and Peace”, “Heaven on Earth”, “Vision for Future”, “Leaps of faith”, “Heaven, Hell and Happiness”, “Life and Death” etc...

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I found honesty in the narration of their lives. At least, Robert was upfront saying that he wrote this book to make more money and share their experiences with everybody.
Robert was a US Marine in Vietnam War (he has an interesting view on war & peace), a Xerox Salesman, a failed businessman, then a successful & Rich entrepreneur/author/speaker etc... Emi was a struggling young mother (unplanned), was a short-term hippie in San Francisco, and a Tibetan Buddhism Nun in America (ordained by His Holiness the Dalai Lama).

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They led a very contrasting lifestyles, yet, I could find subtle similarities between them – the endless pursuit for happiness and truth, the courage to move out of comfort zone and make changes in their lives, non-conformist and being idealistic.

At the end of the day, they lived colourful lives, and more importantly, the kind of life that they wanted.

Below are some quotes from the book which I felt it is worth sharing:

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“The test of a first rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and still have the ability to function”- F. Scott Fitzgerald

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Tibetan Saying “If you want to know where you come from, look at your life and experience now. If you want to know where you are going, look at your mind.”

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“Often, we don’t fully appreciate something until we lose it, or nearly lose it. Being close to dying, and even killing, were great experiences because I gained a deep appreciation for the precious gift called life. Instead of living in fear of dying, I do my best to live a fearless life.... Rather than live in fear, I choose to live life with excitement, gratitude and giving back, in exchange for this gift known as life.” – Robert

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“What is the life you were born to live? What special gifts do you bring to your world and how are you using them to serve? What is worth giving your life to, even worth dying for?” - Robert

My First RoadBike

My First RoadBike.

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Previously, I thought it was crazy to pay anything more than $500 for a bike.

I mean I could easily buy a new mountain bike with $100 budget.

So when I wanted to get a roadbike, I set my budget at $500.

But when reality sets in... it was mission impossible.

Most of the roadbikes are 1K onwards... till $17,000!!!

I got a very good deal...

I spent around 1K for the bike, helmet ++ etc...

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Test "ride" it today.

It was a great feeling!

I LOVE it.

Definitely much better than jogging.

=)

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Just watched “The curious case of Benjamin Button”...

To me, it is a story about growing old, facing death and being alive.

May be a lot of us would like to be like Benjamin, to be younger physically as the day passes...

However, it would be lonely journey...

I would choose to grow old like everybody else...

It is always nice to have people to share some parts of the journey with you...

One group of friends that I really treasure is my primary school friends...

The group of us (around 10) have been friends since 7 years old...

It is interesting to see how everybody changes and evolves over the years...

Seeing the “highs and lows” of everybody...

That’s life.

Seeing people getting married... having children etc...

That’s life too.

I am sure we will see death among us eventually...

It is not morbid; it is part of life too...

We should learn to be at peace with life...

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On another note, I remember around 9 years ago back in 2000.

On a particular Wednesday, I was partying at Zouk’s Mambo Jambo with my JC friends.

The guys were serving our NS and the ladies were freshman in University.

There was a moment that I still remember vividly till today.

My friends and I were singing and dancing to Alphaville’s “Forever Young”.

And I really meant it.

I hoped time would freeze then...

I did not want to grow old...

9 years had passed since then...

I still hope that time would slow down...

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Now, instead of hoping that time would slow down

Why don’t I make full use of it now?

Enjoy every moment and make the best out of it.

Pluck up the courage and take the plunge.

Experience new things in life.

Challenge life.

May be not long from now,
I would be reading this entry on my deathbed and reminiscing about my life.

Hopefully, I have interesting stories to share at my deathbed.

More importantly,

have the wisdom to be in peace with growing old and facing death.

Happy -> Success or Success -> Happy???

Success -> Happy
People working hard for money, and hopefully, they could enjoy the fruit of labour after accumulating enough wealth.
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Happy -> Success
People would try to be happy by doing the things that they enjoy, and hopefully, this would lead them to some kinda success (monetarily)
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I went to a talk by Ajahn Brahm today.

(As you can see, I am fan of him already)

He touched on the topic of Happy -> Success or Success -> Happy?

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Coincidentally, I was scribbling some thoughts while i was on my way to work this morning.
Generally, people have been working so hard to reach a goal.

Needless to say, there would be a tremendous sense of joy and accomplishment when the goal is reached.

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However, Is this joy SUSTAINABLE?

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Do you need ANOTHER GOAL to be happy?
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A few months ago, I was thinking if I wanted to do a GMAT or GRE. I listed out and weighted all the pros and cons of doing a MBA or MFE.

It was a tough decision until I asked myself this question:

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Will I enjoy the journey?

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Won’t it be nice to be able to enjoy the journey?

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If I did not reach the destination, at least, I know that I enjoyed my journey.
That’s all that matters.
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(Taken in Tibet while on the road)

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I hope I could belong to the category of “Happy -> Success”.

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I am still learning to savour every moment of my journey.

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Still Searching and exploring....

Singapore Sprint Series Race 1 - Sprint Aquathlon

One of this year's resolutions is to complete an Olympic Distance Triathlon.

(1.5km Swim, 40km cycle, 10km run)

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It would be challenge for me especially for the swimming and cycling.

Fortunately, Singapore Sprint Series is a good buildup to the OD Triathlon.

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I was really excited, as it was my first swim-run race.

It was my first time swimming in the Sea for a race.

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

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Found this picture on a stranger's blog

I am the guy in the white shirt posing for photos. haha...

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I was asking myself,

What was I doing in Sentosa Tanjong Beach on an early Sunday morning?

I should be in my bed.

haha...

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Getting Hyped up. =)

(Jon, Boon & Winnie)

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I completed the race in decent timing.

Total Time: 46mins 23 secs

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Breakdown:

750m Swim - 19mins 43secs

Transition Time - 1min 19secs

5km run - 25mins 19secs

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Category Ranking: 47 out of 108

Gender Ranking: 200 out of 477

Overall Ranking: 231 out of 636

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I believed I could do better.

But it was not bad for first timer,

considering that last december, I could hardly swim 100m in Freestyle.

Looking forward to more races...

=)

Contentment - Being in Peace

Recently, there are a few things that set me thinking.
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One of them is my little moments of frustration.
Not frustrated about the environment or the people around me.
I was frustrated with myself.
(**It is even more frustrating when you can't point finger at others. haha...)
Frustrated that I lack the discipline and concentration.
Frustrated that I did not do my best.
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The other things that set me thinking deeper:
A friend (A)'s father was diagnosed with cancer a year's ago. Currently, the chemotherapy is not working anymore and his cancer is already spreading in his body. Doctor has explicitly mentioned that his days are numbered. A's father is in a state of depression, denial and frustration. He would hide in his room and cry. Apparently, he was the kinda of traditional MCP Chinese father who does not listen to others.
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Another story:
A friend (B)’s cousin committed suicide at the age of 27 year old during Chinese New Year. A short story about B’s cousin: He was ditched by his wife, and in revenge, he got a girlfriend. Unfortunate, his new girlfriend cheated his money. He left his civil service job to set up business with someone. He borrowed money from family and friends for his new business ventures, however, his business partner cheated his money also. He became jobless and was under huge debt – housing loan, car loan and loan from family. Needless to say, depression might set in and he committed suicide. When his body was discovered, it was already badly decomposed.
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Coincidentally, I attended a talk by Ajahn Brahm
(A truly wise and kind monk with a good sense of humor)
He mentioned that Contentment is about being in peace.
Being at peace with your past and your present.
Learn to be at peace with oneself.
Learn to love oneself.
There are a lot of things in life that is beyond our control.
That includes getting old, getting sick, getting cancer and dying.
It happens to EVERYBODY.
Let’s have the wisdom and insights to make peace.
Make something out of the experience.
Yes, we cannot change life, but we can change our reaction.
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Contentment is NEVER about being lazy.
Contentment is do your very best and be at peace with it.
The outcome is not as important as the process.

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I have found a jewel.
Wisdom of being in peace.
If those in depression have found this jewel, they would have less suffering.
This will be a reminder for myself.
Hope that everybody will find peace in their lives.

Karen Darke

http://www.karendarke.com/site/bio

Taken from her website:

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Luckily I've got an adventurous gene, as life in a wheelchair is full of unexpected adventure. I was a keen runner, climber and all round outdoor addict, and then at the age of 21, I fell off a cliff and became paralysed from the chest down.

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Someone once said to me, “Disability is a state of mind not a state of body.” That’s a notion that relates to us all, regardless of whether we have a physical disability or not. Our own mind is our biggest obstacle to living and achieving our wildest aspirations. What is life if it isn’t an adventure? I’m constantly amazed by what can be achieved if we set our heart and mind to it. It’s all about finding belief, confidence, motivation and commitment. And of course, friends. Then there are no limits.

.

+++

Respect!!!

I have no reasons to complain anymore...

Slumdog Millionaire

How do you know when you have watched a GREAT movie?
When you can't stop thinking and reflecting about it.
This is the best movie I watched in recent years.

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I did not read much about it, just knew that it was about a slumboy becoming a millionaire in India. I knew I would like the movie, but I didn't expect myself to love it.

It reminded me of the colourful and contrasting sights, sounds, smell and energy of India.

To me, it was a beautifully crafted documentary about India
- life in the slums, bollywood, the racial tensions, the harshness of reality, beggers, secret societies, different social strata etc..
The story was weaved beautifully.
It has all the elements of an excellent movie - good storyline, humor, romance, kinship, good acting, good cinematography and more importantly, about values (loyalty, honesty, love).
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One of the scenes was riveting in my mind.
The point when Hamal won the 2 crore (20 millions in Indian Rupees) and Salim was killed.
Salim was kinda trading his own life for his brother's happiness.
He asked God's forgiveness for his sins.

Both brothers with different beliefs led a different lives.
Since young, Salim wanted to breakaway from poverty by any means and he ended his journey in a bathtub of money. Not sure if it was a dream fulfilled.
As for Hamal, money was always not everything and other aspects of life like love, honesty and loyalty are more important for him.
While everybody was happy for Hamal, I felt really sad for Salim. Life was not easy for him and that was the only way out for him. At least, he did a last good deed before he died like:
http://ahboon80.blogspot.com/2009/01/httpwww.html
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I love it because it strike a chord with me on 2 levels.
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Firstly, it is about the India... and this reminded me of the colorful & diversity of India that I have seen. Watching the life in Slum was interesting and saddening, but I did not venture into a slum while I was traveling (just walking pass it). It reminded me of the street kids I saw in India and I felt sad. There are just too many of them.
http://boon-india07.blogspot.com/2008/01/calcutta-west-bengal.html
In the movie, I felt sad when I saw the blinded kid singing in the underground pass, telling Hamal that he was just lucky. There was a sense of resignation to life. In fact, I believe that there are more atrocities and abuses to the street kids than what was depicted in the movie. While to us, it is just a overwhelming emotion of saddness. To the kids, it is their lives and they have to live with it. I hope I could do something within my means to help them.
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Secondly, somehow, I could relate the movie to Forrest Gump. Yes, it is my all-time favourite movie and I pay pilgrimage to it by watching it every year. I could draw alot of similarities between the two movies. Forrest Gump captured the cold-war period of USA while SlumDog captured a transitional phase in India. Like Forrest Gump, Hamal came from a disadvantage background, both of them traveled around their own countries, separated from their love and reunited eventually, went through shits and emerged as a victor (in their own rights), and more importantly, they have unwavering loyalty and honesty in them.

There is a feel good factor that the good will triumph eventually.
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On another note:
My German friends - Mona & Simon are in India now. I hope they are okay.
(http://ahboon80.blogspot.com/2009/02/blog-post.html)
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Taken in Calcutta - Dec 2007.

I could still remember the innocence that this boy exudes.

I am not sure what the road lies ahead for him.

Will he be like Hamal or Salim?

Would he be scavenging in the rubbish for the rest of his life?

Would he be kidnapped, tortured and become a handicapped begging on the street?

有朋自远方来 不亦乐乎

Confucius once said

"有朋自远方来 不亦乐乎"

"To have friends coming in from afar, how delightful!"

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Indeed Indeed

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Mona and Simon from Germany.

They are in Singapore for a 9-hour transit.

We met while traveling in Burma.

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This is not the first time i host overseas friends

and it will not be the last time. =)

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Most Traveled People

http://www.mosttraveledpeople.com/

The link says it all...

I want to be where I am now.

(Overlooking Potala Palace during Dawn at Lhasa, Tibet.)
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I want to be where I am now.

Don't mistaken.

I am not successful by the current society's standard.

In fact, my life is far from being perfect.

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However,

I am really happy and contented with my current life.

My parents, siblings and all my important friends are around, healthy and doing okay.

It is a true joy to know that people around me are generally doing fine.

I hope it will remain that way.

When they are happy, I really share their joys.

When they are facing difficult times, it also affects me.

I have figured long time ago that it is pointless to compare.

Sometimes you are in front, sometimes you are behind

In the end, you are the only person in the race.

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I am not rich materially, but I am fine with that.

I do not need need that much material possesion to be happy.

I am healthy and reasonably fit.

I am at a point where I am not too young nor too old.

I know who I am and who I want to be.

I am old enough to be responsible for my actions.

I do not have much burdens or things to tie me down.

I still have dreams and goals in life.

I am making small incremental steps towards my dream.

I still have energy and passion.

In fact, it is a joy to work towards the dream (whether I succeed or not).

I might not reach my destination eventually.

But, at least the journey is enjoyable.

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Last few weeks had been great.

I felt really blessed to be surrounded by loved ones and great friends.

I am savouring every moment that I spent with my family and friends.

I do not need to rewind or forward my life.

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While I hope that time would freeze,

I know that Life is impermanence.

Nothing last forever.

Cherish it while it last.

Not to take things for granted.

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If I die suddenly tomorrow, I am happy that i was once surrounded by great people.

There is nothing morbid about death.

It is futile avoiding it, why not face it and prepare for it.

As the Tibetan Proverb goes -

"The next life or tomorrow - we can never be certain which will come first".

No matter who leaves first.

I sincerely thank everyone who had walked with me during this short journey.

Life is beautiful...

Where there is life, there must be death.

"Where there is life, there must be death. If one cannot face this reality it will become one’s greatest barrier in life, if one can regard death merely as a fraction within the eternal time and space then death is not an end to life but the beginning of the next."

- The Most Venerable Master Sheng Yen (1931-2009)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheng-yen

Kudos to Bill Gates

Source: http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2009/02/bill-gates-make.html

Microsoft's Bill Gates, who now devotes his time to philanthropic activities, found a way to get the attention of top names in science, technology, business, entertainment and academia on the topic of malaria.

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Addressing the elite Technology, Entertainment and Design conference in Long Beach, Calif., he suddenly yelled to the crowd: "Malaria is spread by mosquitoes. I brought some. Here, let them roam around. There is no reason only poor people should be infected."

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With that, he proceeded to unscrew the lid on a jar and unleashed a swarm of mosquitoes to a stunned audience.

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While he quickly reassured they group they were not carrying the disease, the newspaper says, the organizer of the conference said it was an "amazing moment" that provided the crowd with "food for thought."

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+++

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Respect!!!

We should always learn to empathise with others.

Chinese New Year 2009

Chinese New Year 2009

A special year as my 11-month old niece join us for the first time. =)

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Chinese New Year has always been my favourite festival.

When I was a kid, I liked it because I could eat lotsa sweets.

When I was a teenager, I liked it because I could get lotsa Ang Baos. $$

When I was in my early twenties, I found it boring and meaningless.. doing the same thing year after year, asking the same question year after year.

Now in my late twenties, I love it.

Simply because I am enjoying the quality time with my family and my extended family.

Learning not to take things for granted.
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Now I am looking forward to the next few days spending time with friends.

Book - "The Last Time I saw Tibet" by Bimal Dey

"The Last Time I saw Tibet"

by Bimal Dey

http://www.indiaclub.com/shop/SearchResults.asp?ProdStock=22061

This Author has a very interesting life

http://bimaldey.com/philosophy.htm

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A 16 years old teenager from Calcutta with nothing, and by sheer luck and good fortune, joined a group of Lamas for a pilgrimage to Tibet. It was in 1956, when Sikkim was still not part of India, when Dalai Lama was still living in Potala Palace, when Tibet was still closed to the rest of the world. It was an amazing journey that bring him to Lhasa and eventually to Mt Kailash & Mansarovar. He was able to meet Dalai Lama (Living Buddha & King) in Tibet. This had shown that he was quite blessed.

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After many years, he went back to Tibet with apprehension.

In fact, I enjoyed the last chapter, where I see a struggle within himself. He could not forgot the mystical and beauty of the untainted Tibet, however on his recent trip, what he saw was the onslaught of the Chinese way of modernity. This strike accord with me, as I have similar experience.

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If you ever think of visiting Tibet, I truly recommend you to read this book.

This book would give you another perspective of Tibet that is beyond the beauty of its Mountains, Lakes and Monsteries.

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There are alot of debates on the independence of Tibet.

I felt that the below extract tells alot:

Context: During the author's recent trip to Tibet, meeting with a head lama of a monastery.

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The head lama asked me directly 'Have you brought any pictures of His Holiness the Dalai Lama as a gift for me?'

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'No,' I answered, 'I have been forbidden to carry pictures of the Dalai Lama.'

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'Oh, yes! That's right.' he laughed, 'those who give such pictures and those who receive them are both criminals...'

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Freedom in Tibet???

One Last Good Deed

http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_324798.html?vgnmr=1

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HE took a life in cold blood but in his final moments, former triad leader Tan Chor Jin wanted to help save lives.

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A few days prior to his execution at dawn last Friday, he had requested that his kidneys, liver and cornea be donated, his elder brother Tan Chor Juay told The Sunday Times on Saturday.

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'He said that since he could not take these organs with him when he died, it would be better to use them to help others than let them go to waste,' Chor Juay, 48, said at the wake for his brother in Hougang Avenue 3.

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The 42-year-old, notoriously known as the 'One-Eyed Dragon' because he was blind in his right eye, faced the gallows for murdering nightclub owner and former friend Lim Hock Soon.

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On Feb 15, 2006, Tan tied up Mr Lim's wife, teenage daughter and maid in their Serangoon Avenue 4 flat. He then fired six bullets at Mr Lim, 40, in an adjacent room, allegedly over a money dispute.

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Tan fled to Malaysia and was caught in a hotel room in Kuala Lumpur 10 days after the killing. He was extradited to Singapore in March and was sentenced in May 2007 to hang for the murder. Appeals fell through and his application for clemency from the President in August last year was turned down last week. .

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Together with Tan's wife, mistress and the other siblings, the family sat together as Tan ate his last home-cooked meal.

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When asked what his brother's final words to him were, Chor Juay (Tan's Brother) kept quiet for a long time. Then, wiping away a tear, he said: 'He knows I like to drink so he told me not to drink so much beer and to drink more tea.'

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Chor Juay also noted that his brother's final three hours before his execution were spent with a Buddhist monk.

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'He became much more religious the past few months. He used to have a really quick temper but, since going to jail, he had toned down a lot. The monk told us that he walked away peacefully.'

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I was moved when I read this news.

There is always goodness in everybody.

It is never too late to repent.

It is never too late to forgive

and to be forgiven.

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I hope the family of the murdered victim would forgive him.

CAN - Team Hoyt

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

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“Dad, when I’m running, it feels like I’m not handicapped.”

"I might be disabled, but I live a fulfilling life."

"I have shown to disable people that they don't have to sit back and watch the world go by. They too can go to school, get a job and be included in everyday's life."

- Rick Hoyt

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Amazing Feats!!! Total Respect!!!

Good Blog on Traveling in Myanmar

http://jalanjalan.travellerspoint.com/co/144/

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Just wanna share this traveling blog written by a Muslim Singapore lady.

I enjoyed reading her travelblog and could relate so much with it.

More importantly, probably due to her journalist background,

she was able to vividly document her encounters with the local Burmese people.

In fact, talking to the locals is the best way to understand the country.

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Taken from her blog: Conversation with a local guide

"i asked him how many tourists from my country visit myanmar. he said a lot, but are old people on package tours. he said "those are tourists, they come here snap a few shots, eat a lot, stay at nice places and say they have been to myanmar. you are different, i think. you're here not only to see myanmar, but to feel myanmar. "

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After traveling to some countries,

some of my most memorable moments are the interactions with the local people, when friendships are forged, and when I start to see things from their perspectives.

I would try hard to feel the countries that I travel in the future.

=)

A series of good gatherings

This afternoon,

a colleague who came back from holiday asked me how was my X'mas & New Year?

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I told him I had a great time,

but I did not go for any big feast or party.

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I had a series of good gatherings.

I met up with my primary, secondary, jc, university & army friends.

Feeling comfortable among your old friends is a great feeling.

I do not need nice food, posh restaurant, great outfit etc...

I just need good company.

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May be this is a sign that I am getting older.

Sunday Night CCK Super Supper

Meeting at Kopitiam

Wearing Slipper

Sharing $3 Chai-Tow-Kuay
Drinking $1.10 Teh-Peng

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Enjoyment: priceless!!! =)

My first THIRTEEN WONDERS!!!

Date: 28th December 2008

Time: 2:38am

Thanks to Eugene for the "huat"!!!

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Learning Mahjong since the age of twelve and 16 years later, I finally 胡 with 十三么 (Shi San Yao)!!!

Be'cos of 2 animals & 1 flower, the total 番 is 13 + 3 = 16 番s.

Shiok Ah.

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We played mahjong since 3pm (took an hour break for dinner), and almost 12 hours & 4 rounds later, I won the last game with "13 wonders". There is an urban myth that people who win "13 wonders" will have really bad luck the following day (e.g friend's friend got into accident, another friend lost all his earnings.)

Fortunately, nothing happens to me.

Heng Ah!!!