Standard Chatered KL Marathon

I registered for this event which will be held on June 27, at Dataran Merdeka KL. This will be my second marathon ever, after the Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM) and of course will be another good experience for me to have in life.

I see some differences of this event compare to the previous one. For the full marathon run, the starting time will be at 5am whilst the PBIM started at 2am. My target to complete the run is about 5 hours which seems to be about 10 am in the morning. If the weather is good, 10 am is already hot and will be one of the disadvantage for me as well.

From my past experience, my main problem was muscle pain. I could do better, if I can overcome this problem. I finished at 5 Hours 47 Minutes for the PIBM. Now my new aim is below 5 Hours. I don't know whether I can achieve this. It will depends much on how I overcome my muscle pain.

I decided to run because I just love running while listening to  music. I don't think I can go to the finishing line without my music on, because it will be very boring. Just imagine running 42 KM with an empty mind? At least with music, I can think of many things... life, career, achievements, what would I want to be in future? and etc. These things actually makes my running more enjoyable.

In terms of preparation, of course I will say I am more prepared compare to the previous one. But I don't know how much the time difference will affect me and since my GF will be joining as well, I don't know how it will effect my performance as a whole :).

Anyhow, the first n foremost, I must find a way to reduce the muscle pain problem. I will once again put my body into test. If I managed to improve my timing, means I am progressing, and might be considering another similar event in future. Otherwise, this could be the last marathon I ever join.

-----THE END-----

Proceed on: "Standard Chatered KL Marathon"

Health

I received my blood n urine test result recently and everything is good except my cholesterol & uric acid level which is higher compare to normal. I am just wondering why my cholesterol level never falls within the normal range. Of course it reduced from 6.3 MMol/L to 5.7, but the reference range should be below 5.2 MMol/L. I guess, this is what happen when 98% of your diet is meat-based. I dont like fish. It's smelly! Well, what I have to say is, it could be worse if I didn't exercising. So, be it.

As a summary;

Uric Acid = 0.44 MMol/L (Ref: 0.20 - 0.42)

Total Cholesterol = 5.7 MMol/L (Ref: < 5.2)
LDL = 3.8 MMol/L (Ref: < 2.6)
HDL = 1.26 MMol/L (Ref: >1.024)

Apart from that, my Hepatitis A & B result is nonreactive. So, immunisation shall definitely be considered as a prevention act. :)

-----THE END------

Proceed on: "Health"

The Crossroad

It was an intense time for me for the past 2 weeks. What happened in the past 2 weeks was a situation where I had to choose the next career path that I will have to go. It was so intense in the sense of choosing the best option and what I really wanted.

Everybody have their own way of thinking of what career advancement is all about. For me, I relate it much on money, job satisfaction and location. I am not and idealistic type of person. I am more interested on the value that I might get as a return. It may sounds self-centered or selfish for some people, but at least I know I never doubt about the quality of work I had done so far. Its give and take.

Making a choice was the hardest thing. I, for once thought that I had made my decision, but with just a slight swing on situation, I became unsure. I prayed hard. I asked God, why things turn out to be confusing? What does God want me to see or to learn? I didn't know the answer. But I have faith, that He will show me the right way, out of many crossroads.

In the time of uncertainty, I just walked on, following every logical move and avoiding from making any immediate decision. But thanks to God, starting from yesterday, I have decided on the pathway that I should choose. And I am very satisfied with my choice.

I still remember last time when I was just about to move to Penang, I questioned myself.... why must Penang? Out of many jobs interviews I had attended in KL and only one in Penang, why the one in Penang responded? I asked God what is His plan, and I dont know the answer until yesterday. Now everything seems to make sense for me.

I am very thankful to God for everything especially the precious lesson of a simple word "Have Faith". Senang saja mau cakap tuh 'Have Faith'.... tapi bila sampai situasi sebenar, susah juga ko mau ikut....

-----THE END-----

Proceed on: "The Crossroad"

Catholic Engaged Encounter (5th - 7th March 2010)

4th March 2010 was my last day of working for the week. I was excited to see my fiancee as she will be joining me for the weekend. The next day, I took a leave. I was not that excited at all. I didn't know what to expect. What I had in mind was to complete the weekend as soon as possible and get the certificate. Finish.

Anyhow, it turned out to be a very wonderful experience for me. I feel blessed and lucky to be able to listen and learn from people about their marriage life. Infact, it opens my eyes wide, about what to expect after marriage; the ups and downs or romance as they called it.

All in all, God must be the center of all marriage. Without God, no marriage can be sustained. Apart for that, it is very important for evry couple to be open to each other, to think about "US" rather than "I" or "YOU" and to accept each other as they are.

To love is a decision. A decision to love despite of all the weakness and flaws on our partner. There is no such thing as "Meeting a right person" as we have to work on sustaining our love on the person we have found.

There were a lot more usefull things that we learn together including financial planning, family planning etc. Thus, we recomend every couple, married or not to at least go and listen to get to know how you can improve your married life and strenghtened the bond of love as a couple.

Thank you.

-----THE END-----

Proceed on: "Catholic Engaged Encounter (5th - 7th March 2010)"

Pilot

One day, one day... I will get my Pilot License.
Just a matter of time :)....

Proceed on: "Pilot"

Flight Delay

I don't wana talk about the number of flight delays I had especially for Penang-KL route. I agree at some point that cheap price always come with cheap service as well. Anyhow I would like to share one thing I learnt from the stewardess who accompanied to as I went to the wrong gate. Sepa suru ada 2 kapal pi kl sekaligus.....

She said, if the flight delayed more than 2 hours, you are entitle to get a gift voucher amounted 200.00... so you can use this voucher to purchase a flight ticket in future. You only have to send email to this address  malaysia-support@airasia.com and provide your booking number.... Wait for 3-5 days and they will email the voucher to you.... I am waiting mine as well, so I can use it to purchase my flight back to KK this May.

So, cherish the delay!

-----THE END-----

Proceed on: "Flight Delay"

Hot

I just came back from KL, and after cleaning up I feel that want to sleep. It's raining outside and is so calming listening to the rain drops. But I don't understand why am I sweating at this very moment? It's HOT in here... I mean inside my room! Seriously I should consider installing aircon unit though it will eat up some of my money. Not some, mind you, I consider it as a big amount for a poor ppl like me. Should I? or Should I just buy the most sofisticated fan in Penang to cool my room down? At least it's cheaper...

There are many things that holding me from making some important decision at the moment. Even so, I keep myself walking in this path of uncertainty, making small decision based on fragment of data found along the way. Sometime you just need to move on, and have faith with what you have decided. You don't really know how are you going to do it, but it is very important for you to know that you just know you can make it happen. U just know. Full stop....

Pandai kah sia mengarang?

----THE END----

Proceed on: "Hot"

New Year Resolution

I am sure everybody has one. I don't really set any resolution as I will just do whatever I wana do. Some more, my resolution tends to change in time. Anyhow, this coming year I want to declare 2 things that I would like to accomplish. I know it will  not be easy for me, and I don't know whether I can do it. But, if just saying it out doesn't do any harm... why not?? :)

First, I want to improve my Japanese language skill - without taking any class or teacher.

Second, I want to learn Photoshop so that I can edit my own picture according to my own need and kesukaan. Its quite troublesome if I have to depends on others and sometime the result is not like what I wanted.

So two is enough. We'll see how it going...... How about you?

-----THE END-----

Proceed on: "New Year Resolution"

Holiday 1

I have been very busy last week due to my job commitment as I will be going for a long holiday starting on 20th Dec 09 until 3rd Jan 2010. Well, at last I made it. I am currently blogging peacefully inside my room. Going back to Sabah always meant to spend a quite unexpected amount of money compare to usual life in Penang. Why? Because Sabah is a great place to spend money without guilt :).

Talking about spending, I spent quite a lot of money last week just for my spectacle alone. I think it wasn't appropriate but it left me with no choice. I spent about RM 500 just for the frame. I felt guilty, but at the same time, reminding myself that is the price I have to pay due to my own ignorance. Lain kali kasi patah lagi tuh bingkai.... P'oto.

Secondly, I was contacted by my HR informing me that she did not received my leave application!!. Oh my goodness! I had submitted my application 1 month before, and she acknowledged the submission. But I guess she forgot. I told her that my leave suppose to start from yesterday until end of this year and asked her if anything she can do to rectify this matter. Thanks, she is willing to work on it.

I am very satisfied on how I spent my time for the past 2 days. Well, first of all, I went to Karambunai Resort without even planning on going there at the first place. Enjoying the nice view and walking together with my girl alongside the seashore really give me a sense of great relaxtion and excitement. This is me, happy without reason :)

Apart from that, I have been busy for my Engagement Day's preparation. There are numbers of things to be done, but I am having fun doing it with my love one. Christmas mood here is more appealing compare to Penang. Decorations, Frens and wishes are everywhere.... I managed to get a photoshot of me and my GF in 1Borneo. It was cheap and sweet!!

"Have A Blessed Christmas & A Happy New Year"

-----THE END-----

Proceed on: "Holiday 1"

Embrace The Moment

During my 'retreat' in KL, I found this wonderful Quote:


"Embrace the present,
For the past reflects
the life you lived,
and tomorrow reflects
the life you've promised;
but today is here and now
to cherish for the moment"


I like this quote very much, and will always remind myself to live with it.


I have been in KL since last Thursday as my friend offered me a ride. So, why not?
Met with my e-housemates, went to my fav. shopping complex, sleep on my comfortable bed, enjoying foods etc. Its awesome to be here once a while.

I was in the 1Utama MPH reading books while enjoying the outside view. It was raining heavily during that time, but the view was so calming.

And last but not least, this is my favorite view from outside of my window, a view to enjoys each and every time i sit on my computer table.

I will be going back to Penang later afternoon.....

-----THE END-----

Proceed on: "Embrace The Moment"

Penang Bridge Marathon 2009

It was late midnight. I woke up at 11pm, took my shower and preparing evry stuff need to bring along the run. Before going to my car, I took some pictures of myself, so that i can remember this moment uncertainty. Eventhough I smiled, but deep inside me, I wonder, am I capable of doing this? Am I prepared for this? well, if that is the exact question, the answer is definitely no. Some more, this is my first marathon.

I arrived at Queensbay parking area about 12:30 am. There were a lot of people around. I was alone, as i knew nobody there. I tried to SMS my friends who join for the half marathon, but they never reply... probably because they were still sleeping. So, I walked around, went to the toilet, and just sit to relax myself.

The event started sharp at 2:30am. It was launched by the Chief minister of Penang. I put my earphone on, and starts to listen to my music. I felt good, and actually I gained my confidence gradually as I did not feel tired even after the 15 KM is over. I were saying to myself that this is easy. I managed to finished 20KM in just a matter of 2 hours.

Anyhow, after 25KM, my leg started to pain. I am very much aware that I did not feel tired, but my leg is killing me. I realised that, i might fail not due to tiredness, but due to muscle pain. It crawled up to my back. At this moment, i had to stop and walk, because the moment I start to run, i can feel the cramp coming.

I looked at my watch. It was 4:40am. I was calculating that i still have much time to go until 8:30am. But i wrong. I realize that i can hardly run. So I walked fast and run whenever possibly i could. I could see the sky is brighter and brighter which means it possibly about 7-730 am. Upon reaching the bridge, I can see that the Fun Run already started. I was thinking when  exactly it started. I was a bit shocked as i remember that it should start at 7:30am.... Means I still have 1 hour time before the precribed time.

I told myself that I had gone this far. I want to run but the pain was unbearable. I guess that I still have 30 minutes to go, I started to run. My leg is telling me to stop, but my mind is telling me to run if i don;t want to regret. I forced myself to run until the end. I think I should thank the Lord for the last minute strength that He  had given to me until the finishing line. I finished at 5 hours 46 Minutes.... (official timing will be known once the certificate is out)

There you are... I am satisfied with my achievement eventhough it might be considered as 'Nyawa-nyawa ikan'. after all, It worth it!!

Me with my Finisher Medal.

Feeling proud and satisfied....

:)) My first marathon, yet the unforgettable one....

I got free T-Shirt!!

-----THE END-----

Proceed on: "Penang Bridge Marathon 2009"

Bib & Championcip

As I browse through the PBIM Website, I came to read the following note:

"As a precaution, full marathon participants are advised to undergo a check-up three months prior to the date of the event. Further, you are advised to take part in at least one similar event exceeding 33km in preparation for the run. Kindly do not register for Full Marathon if you have no experience in long distance running."

1. I never have any medical check up for the past 3 months.

2. I stop smoking for the past 3 weeks.

3. My longest run is only 6 KM.

4. I registered for the Full Marathon.

5. Who cares.... Worse come to worse, I end up in the sweeper bus.. hehehe


Then I was thinking, how far is 42.195 KM? By using basic calculation skill, now I understand that it is comparable to running on the 400 meters lap at 100 times.

Apa buli buat, tidak dapat tarik balik... pigi sajalah.... Nah, below is my bib number and the championcip....

This is my running Bib Number

This is the championcip. It will be attached at my shoe.

Kata-kata menyenangkan hati:

"At least sia buat sesuatu yg. bermakna untuk tahun 2009"

----- THE END -----

Proceed on: "Bib & Championcip"

The 'S'

I can't believe that I will be wearing this for the Penang Bridge Marathon. I don't expect that S size would be that small as I measured myself before picking up the size. All the while I was thinking about joining the run, now this shirt make me to contemplate even further.

Hopefully I can request for an exchange FOC. It's a damn too tight. Don't you think so?

-----THE END-----

Proceed on: "The 'S'"

The Memorable November Weekend

I had a great weekend with my girlfriend. Even though the time was short (as usual), but we managed to spend every fraction of it and transform it into a memorable one

(Sorry mukadimah panjang sikit…)

These are the things she brought for me…..  so called “From Taiwan with Love”…..
1. Taiwan beer – To make me drunk over the night
2. Pork Instant noodle – Since I do not stand a chance to buy it here
3. Kinder Bueno – To increase my body fat, so I can compensate for my marathon run (Kalau lah sia join hehehhe)
4. Famous Amos –My favourite since the first time she bought for me.
5. T-Shirt – Untuk sia begaya di sana sini… hahaha


It’s not only that, she even marked me with a stud earring as seen on tv… oppss… in the picture below :)..

The title of the picture should be “He's trying to be romantic”…. Hahaha…

-----THE END-----

Proceed on: "The Memorable November Weekend"

Communication

Three weeks ago, I went to the TM point to terminate my existing telephone and streamyx line in KL. Everything went well. They said I should wait within 10 days and it should be over. After 12 days waiting, I called up my friend in KL asking about the status and the reply was it still working as usual. No sign of anything done to terminate it at all.

I made another phone call and reporting the details about the termination, and they promised to do it within 24 hours. After 48 hours, somebody from the telecom company called and asked for confirmation. Coincidently about an hour before the call, my friend from KL asked whether the account can be transferred under his name or not. This means I have to cancel over the request for termination back again.

Back to the phone call, the lady from the telecom asked my confirmation to close the account. Due to the recent request from my friend, so I told her to cancel the termination as I want to transfer the account under my friend’s name. She was very relieved (Maybe because less job to be done), and straightaway say the case is closed by my request. Well, of course I agree.

When I thought everything is ok, my friend called and told me that the internet is no longer working. I called up the telecom company and they said, the account has already closed. This telecommunication company I believe, does not deserved to be called TELECOM company. Even within the organization they can’t convey the right message efficiently. Everything is lagged, no real time transaction and delayed information is so common. This is not something we can cure.

----- THE END-----

Proceed on: "Communication"

Marathon

I heard about Penang Bridge Marathon and registered myself for a Full Marathon. It was five months ago. I don’t know why I registered for the full marathon knowing that I am not prepared for it. Minta puji mengkali. I might just over confident and thinking that it is just a run… who cares about the distance. But then, when I started my routine training aiming at 3 times a week with a distance of 5-6 km at once, I could feel that my capability is just not there yet. But how??

I was relieved when my company decided to sponsor to those who wish to join the marathon. I fill in the form immediately and submitted for the half marathon. I am more confident to accomplish the run than ever. Today, I decided to check my registration status over the counter in Queensbay. Actually I checked online many times but I kind of wondering why the full marathon is still in the registration and not the half marathon?

To my surprise the PIC in Qbay told me that no double registration is allowed. I am not sure about this as the TnC only says no refundable will be entertained for what so ever reason. I asked the PIC why they accepted my registration and the money paid by my company knowing that no double registration is allowed? The reply which made me really pissed off and disgusted was “We handling a lot of forms, we cannot detect who already registered and who haven’t registered. It is your responsible to ensure that”.

Oh my goodness….. this stupid fella is really a jerk. They key in the registration into the system, they suppose to know if any double registration involved beforehand (Unless the system is really lousy) and they should hold the registration and refund the money back. Why? Because if you said you don’t allow double registration, means you reject the second form together with the money. Is there any registration involved here? If the answer is no, why reluctant to refund the money?

FYI, I am not interested in the refund though. My hope is to be able to choose between the Full and the Half marathon since both is legally paid and accepted to be registered. That’s it. It is just not proper when you says you do not allow double registration but still accepting the fees. The TnC clearly says,

Registration is only valid on the date your registration fee is received by Penang Bridge International Marathon 2009.

So jangan nak mengada-ada. Anyhow I will write to the right person regarding this matter for more conclusive answer. I might be wrong, but absolutely not at the moment. We’ll see how this going on. Worse come to worse, I’ll have to run 42 KM. If only I can finish it.

Proceed on: "Marathon"

Unaware

I was doing my routine job yesterday until I found some concerns regarding the logical point of view of it. I raised this issue up to my immediate supervisor and questioned him whether the formula is still relevant or not. Since I’d done my own study before, I proposed for some solution to make the figure more logical.

Shortly after that, I received a reply from him and he told me that I made a mistake in formulating the calculation. Ironically, I had been using this formulation since I started working here, and he is the one who taught me regarding this. Now, I am told that I did it wrongly?

I don’t want to blame anybody here but it makes me more cautious towards my work. I might have to start to question every concern I have now. Before it ended up on me being perceived as stupid and ignorant.

----- The End -----

Proceed on: "Unaware"

Good News VS Me

It’s been two weeks since I was attacked by Flu=fever+sore throat+runny nose+ joint pain and actually I can say that I have recovered almost completely from it, except for the stubborn coughing and seasonal nasal congestion. There are two types of flu which I usually had. One is mild flu which is just a combination of runny nose and nasal congestion. Secondly and the one which always ruin my holiday is as what written in the equation above.

The second type takes longer time to recover and for that reason restricting me from enjoying some of my favourites activities as well as foods. At the time of writing, I am still coughing. Due to this, I am not comfortable to talk especially to my colleague and boss. What a stupid cough!! Now I have to take a cough syrup which is definitely resulting to drowsiness.

Yesterday was my elder sister engagement day. I did not attend as I do not want to buy another flight ticket which cost nearly RM 700 which I think is a way too expensive for just a 2 day trip. Anyway, congratulation for both of them, may God continue to pour His blessing until their Big day come. I managed to call a few times asking how things is going. Everybody was excited indeed and from the background sound itself I can tell that everybody is having fun. I am a bit regret:)

Another good news I heard two days ago was about my brother’s wife is pregnant. Well, congratulation to both of them also. May God bless them with a cute and healthy baby. I am to be called “Uncle” soon. But not the old type of uncles ok.

I received a call for a job interview in KL. I am divided on this before. But I am pretty sure now that I will not be going. I cannot afford to use my annual leave simply for an interview especially this year when I plan to take a long holiday for Christmas.

It’s 2:11am and I am still not sleepy. Don’t worry, my Cough Medicine is ready at hand to make me drowsy.

P/S: This is how the stupid Flu ruined my holiday!!

Proceed on: "Good News VS Me"

My Childhood

I found this picture when I was looking at the collection of our photo album back in my hometown last holiday. I am glad I still have some pieces of memory during my childhood and it’s really made me smile every time I looked on it. Well, at least I know how I looked like as a baby.



Kind of cute right? Hehehe… then can somebody tells me which one is me? Left or right?

To be honest, I don’t know either and only got to know after my mom told me which one is so.

----- THE END -----

Proceed on: "My Childhood"

Year 1989

The 2 boys at the right and left side is me and my twin brother. Which one is me??? Left or right?? (Click the pic for larger view)

Proceed on: "Year 1989"