||zeapleonia

Home here I come

In less than 4 hours!!

I cant wait, I cant wait and I just cant wait!

I think I developed insomnia for the past week because I was too anxious about home..which means I am greeting home with panda eyes and a bad skin condition *kns

And one of the nicest thing that has happened to me today is that uncle told aunty to cook me lunch before I head home..so nice la my landlords. They make me love Sg even more !!



Brief history : Before I set foot in Sg, I had bad experiences of the moments before heading home; securing transport from jungle to town, the rush here and there, waiting in airport like a ’sohpoh’, delayed flights..*grrr

Updates from Ipoh soon (hopefully) =P

Maggie Mee in disguise

Since exams are over so I itch had the chance to tour around the canteens of NTU for ‘good food’. I remember that I wanted the ‘best chicken rice in NTU’ (my housemate claims so) but I didn’t know that that day wasn’t the ‘Chicken Rice Day’ (that particular stall has a set of different menu daily) , and so I thought,
‘Why not go Korean instead?’.

I couldn’t make up my mind if I should take the beef set, of which I had my maiden taste back in KL months ago, so after much contemplations between cancelling Korean and having mixed rice instead, I finally decided on Ramyun (Beef).

And when the bowl was served, to my horror….
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I knew I had made one of the worst decisions ever – I couldn’t find any excuses to NOT relate this to our famous Maggie Curry Mee.

Oh yes, it tasted just like the Maggie Curry Mee (with egg added), and reluctantly I gobbled down the entire bowl, including the soup because this maggie-mee-in-disguise cost me $3.80 = RM 9.30!!!

Combine celebration

Being born near Christmas, I NEVER get to have my Xmas and birthday gifts separately.


The 2008 Me

Dad and Mom never failed to conveniently combine my presents into one – they always claim that it is difficult to hunt for so many gifts (must be always last minute shopping la tu!). Me being me, I’ve never demanded anything expensive, and most of my stuffs are bought with my hard earned money *pats shoulder =)

Wait, only mom is the generous Santarina/birthday-gift presenter. Dad on the other hand, fails-big-time when it comes to mushy mushy things like these (I know he gives Mom the honour of doing so hehehe). Well, it is never in our family tradition to get each other gifts on birthdays, but a simple birthday meal is compulsory. Wherever we are in the globe, we’d make it home to have a quality meal together. And it is always easier for my part because Dad’s birthday is 3 days before Mom’s, whose birthday is 8 days before Bro’s (haha, confuse already?).

But it appeared to me that it is wayyyy MUCH EASIER for them because my birthday is on boxing day, I mean not unless you forget when’s Xmas then they’d forget my birthday? *kns *kns *kns *kns !!

Although Dad sponsors that main thing called cash, I’ve always loved and still loving Mom more…because she is the angel who patiently hunts for all our gifts and also the One who always presents us the gifts…hehehhe…poor Dad. Don’t marah kay? And not forgetting that she had me for 9 months in her womb (mom said I was a FAT baby, so this means her tummy was really really BIG..and HEAVY!) , something I think is tougher than me enduring the jungle..to the pain of child labour.. to the 25 years of enduring my mischievousness *coughs

Mom decided that my 2009 birthday meal will be held on Xmas day itself, because there will be a small gathering taking place in my house on my birthday night, of which they are playing host, and I gave RED light to have my birthday celebrated with so many people [ei, cannot let people know my age ok , imagine all the uncles & aunties popping the horrifying question - when I am getting married (please spare me the torture of sticking my face onto the toilet bowl on my BIG day)]

Let me tell you a secret. I’ve never enjoyed having my cake blown on Xmas day itself. Not because of the early celebration or what-so-ever, but I disliked the thought of having to queue and hunt everywhere just to secure ourselves a table. How many of you know that it’ll be practically FULL house everywhere from the week before to the week after Xmas. And there were few times when I was a teenager, I ended up eating pizza/KFC for my celebration. *sighz

My perception changed when I couldn’t make home for last year’s Xmas (and birthday)..and from that moment, I knew what I’d treasure most above all things in this world is not the food BUT the quality time with my family and love ones on special occasions , yes which means if this year I end up eating pizza or KFC or McD … (takes deeeep breath) I promise I will not complain lar… *crossing fingers

But there is still hope…my bestie promised to cook a birthday lunch for me .. which I pray whatever she is cooking … is edible .. s*it…don’t tell her this, or erm… bestie, IF you see this , and seriously if you don’t think you can ‘do it’ hor, just tapau my favourite ‘kai si hor fun’ from Kong Heng …..


Image source here.

…..and at least lie to me you cooked it ok? *squints

Nao…all I need is a big bear hug for this season. It seemed like ages that I’ve greeted home for Xmas … what more my dear friends whom I’ve missed so dearly.

….and someone at least please do me justice by explaining on what have I been lacking (the joy/thrill/fun) for NOT getting Xmas and birthday presents on separate occasions pretty please? It’s sad that after 25 years of living and not understanding the joy of receiving both Xmas gifts and birthday gifts you knowww….*teary eyes

Not forgetting friends who are born on 25th of Dec *chuckles. Eh, have you always enjoyed your birthday? (Lol, I.a.m.s.o.b.a.d)

Quality

After the 10km Standard Chartered Singapore 2009 marathon of which I clocked 1hr 14mins, I did a huge mistake, a really huge one.

I didn’t rehydrate myself after the long run because I concentrated too much on zzzZZzz-ing (so I thought it was the best way to replenish my energy, and totally forgotten to also replenish on liquids *roll eyes), and the penalty – my health, of course.

Things went really bad lately, the ’sui-ness’ kinda lasted for quite some time but nothing really major (thank God). From on-off fever to bad coughs, to headaches; they all greeted me (and refused to leave) for more than a week ..well the freezing cold lab of which I parked myself in (daily) made things worse. The transitions between hot and cold temperatures halted my combat of illness.

I felt weird that despite my fever, I managed to work like the others. And quite a hardworking sick cat too *chuckles. I guess as we get older, catching a cold or fever is something we categorize as ‘normal’ ; things have to go on as usual, don’t they? Not unless one couldn’t get up from bed; now that is a warning that falling ill is not a joke and a doctor has to be consulted immediately!

Back to my lack of hydration – recent studies showed no real evidence that consuming water itself has any clear benefit.

The reason behind that is because the fluids lost through sweat contains more than just water ; it contains electrolytes eg sodium, magnesium, potassium and calcium which are necessary for the daily functionality of our body. Thus drinking too much water itself causes over-dilution of electrolytes , termed hyponatraemia. When we feel thirsty, we are already dehydrated.

And at are mere 2% of dehydration, body performance can be critically affected, and one may suffer cramps, weakness, headaches and concentration loss.

Now, I stumbled upon these facts 2 weeks AFTER the marathon. Isn’t it obvious that pre-marathon preparation (mental, physical, knowledge) is important?

>.<

Indeed I have learnt my lesson.

Tramigo

Yes you get me right. Certainly not a misspell of ‘flamingo’ ok.

^___^

Please allow me to bring you through a journey of wild imaginations. Put on your creative caps and be as creative as you can be peeps!

Now, imagine…
1) Your car is stolen. Panic lar!!!

Sadly to say, these days the robbers do not steal, they rampas/snatch your car away from you! Well, it is either your life or your car…so I guess victims are never left with any choices do they?

I personally know a daughter of a family friend who fell victim to a daylight car-snatch. When my mom conveyed the news to me, I was really mad to hear how violent robbers could be these days. If so happen I were the victim, I’d never let the robbers leave just like that. I mean I’d definitely kick his ass gau gau and drag him to the police..ok, I know my Taekwondo skills are rusty but there is something call BRAIN though. HAHA-easier said than done. When it really happens, 80% likely I’d adhere like a lil kitty to their requests anyway ^__^

Eh, stop mocking me. I didn’t mention any ’sweet’ imagination in the first place did I ?!

*KNS

Ready for the next challenge?
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2. What about…this. Your son begs you for a two-hour drive on your Ferrari. You are afraid that he may get hurt because somehow you get the feeling that he may ‘F1′ with your car eventually…BUT you are reluctant to say NO and secretly wish that he may kill girls with your car *evil grin

Don’t you wish that somehow you are able to monitor how fast your son speeds on the road with your babe (if he ever does)?

3. Now, on a life and death reason, you may have a family member who contracted Alzheimer’s disease.

You may have people taking care of him/her but still, God gave us a pair of legs, what more, desire and curiosity. When the Alzheimer-member of yours suddenly goes missing, your nightmare happens. You have not the slightest idea where to start hunting for him/her what more to rely on them to remember your telephone no. to have you pick them up. I guess we all understand that it is rather impossible to tie them up to the four walls or have your eyes on them on a 24/7 basis.

You could read more on Alzheimer’s disease here.



A very good method but how many shirts can you print? 30 pieces? 100 pieces?

The good news is, technology is so amazing that engineers (whee I am so proud =P) have created something reliable to combat #1,#2 and #3 above, or for whatever reasons you may have thought of (security, tracking, business).

This is Tramigo. A GPS/GSM tracking device. Available for cars, motorcycles and boats, depending on your application. Though their original function may have been created for vehicles, I believe we are smart consumers who maximize every $ paid.



A closer look



A SIM card is needed for communication

When I was first introduced to this product, I had no clue of how it could benefit a person. When SK briefed me its functions and how it could be put to full use, my jaws dropped. It certainly didn’t occur to me that this lil’ device could do wonders. I mean at least something that would worth my money instead of shopping for unnecessary clothes or getting a TV that may be just sleeping in my room instead of fully utilizing them!

Now, this software comes with a free software. You can install it on your handphone/computer and as long as your have internet access, you can monitor the device anytime anywhere! Isn’t it awesome?!

So, rewinding to the few situations above

#1 – Your car is stolen ; assuming you have this device in your car, the competition tells you your car’s location (in coordinates and in location in laymans term available in your language) via a simple sms

Afraid that you may not see your car anymore? Send an sms to the device to shut your car down (modification needed before hand)

#2 – Your son speeds ; you could set the limit of the speed and when the threshold speed is detected, it sends you a notification sms.

#3 – Your Alzheimer family member goes missing – like #1, it shows you their location (as long as they are tied with it) and you could detect them easily with the TDL maps provided with this device. More convenient and reliable than waiting at home solely relying only on good Samaritans to come across your family member and eventually ring you!

Perhaps I could use it to detect my hubby’s whereabouts whenever he is overseas!

*evil grin

OKOK, not to misuse this way lar…and more so ever I do NOT have a hubby!

For more details, contact me

OR log on to their website !

My marathon lessons

Is it true that people always get more ‘emo nearing their birth dates?

The content of this post is very similar to my previous ‘emo entries. Btw, interested readers could search my archives from year 2007-2009 for entries during my jungle days.

As I was running my marathon (which I clocked as below)………
1 hr 14mins babeh!

…a lot of things flashed into my mind, of course I questioned myself on why did I pay to torture myself (with the most lauya goody bag ever distributed), the existence of non cooperative nor serious participants who were blocking the roads/paths of serious runners, the shortcuts that people would go through just to run 50meters lesser *rolls eyes

I have to admit all these trivial matters couldn’t be avoided due to the huge number of participants; it was also my responsibility to foresee all the challenges of my run. As I began my run, what actually got me thinking was the perseverance of each participant. Then, it struck me that a marathon is similar to a race of life. As I was running, I looked at the crowd, I realized that just when many people are involved in the race of life; whether to achieve success/climb the career ladder/find their ultimate partner of life etc, this individual race has to be completed respectively at our own par. Love ones could give their utmost support but in the end we are the finisher of our own race.Yes, there are winners, and similarly, there are ‘losers’ too.

‘Losers’ are termed losers because comparison takes place. But from my point of view, losers are those who gave up halfway and refused to learn from their mistakes. What about people who completed their race, but with the timing much lesser than the winner? Are they losers too? No way – they completed their race didn’t they?!

Just like when at certain aspects of life is like running a marathon, forget us not that life is also about making the correct choices, eg picking the correct flavour of cupcake which suits you best. Sometimes we picked the wrong one, it tasted horrible. Sometimes we picked one that is too sweet, it resulted on a tooth ache. And sometimes we couldn’t make up our mind as the cupcakes are too adorable, we find ourselves savouring each and every one in the box which eventually resulted on a tummy ache..>.<

Image source here.

Forgive me if I sound like giving some life lessons here, but a lot of things went through my mind lately. Too free to think, I suppose *lol. I am glad I am jotting down my thoughts here. 20 years from now, I shall review my entires and evaluate my journey of life; whether the zeapleonia that I had known has changed for the better.

Chopped

I had blabbered about getting a fresher look since like forever. Was so tempted to get Victoria Beckham’s look, no joke, BUT with all due respect, I know very well that I do not posses a face shape anywhere similar to hers.

Besides, my ever-loyal legendary cheeks are still sticking to me (perhaps for the rest of my life). It is hard to find a haircut which suits me you know?

Cutting the story short, let me present to you my new hair length? How do you like it?

Did I just transform back to 18 years of age?

The sales person who served me today asked if I were a student. I said yes, and could tell that she was proud of her correct guess. I proceeded to ask her guess my age. Her guess : Less than 20.

And, of course, I also could tell that she was shocked when the answer was revealed when SHE GASPED AND TOUCHED HER CHEST WITH HER RIGHT PALM…

I have no idea if I should love my hair or my cheeks to bits.

Singapore Marathon 2009 #3

Officially the end of my marathon posts.

06122009
Woke up at 6am (thank goodness I didn’t oversleep). Showered, ate my buns for breakfast and drank the energy drink supplied with the goody bag – WC’s advice must follow eh. This year’s goody bag caused a lil’ outrage among participants as it definitely didn’t worth the $50 paid – you judge.

What do you see? A singlet, 1 pkt energy drink, 1 pckt energy bar, 1 pckt joint cream and.. many leaflets *KNS

At 730am, both Yibin and I adjourned to the venue, both sleeping during our journey. Upon reaching, must camwhore of course!

Fashion clash. Light blue + purple cap = FAIL

The drink station at the starting point. I guess this is the only day you could see people littering paper cups on the roads of Sg

My category. Start off with the lowest category if you are a first timer!

Supporters for NUS team..NTU’s supporters were nowhere to be seen ;(

The enthusiastic runners !

The Finishing Point !

Afraid that your supporter(s) will be bored waiting for you? No worries! Many activities are lined up just for them!

I have not the slightest idea what dance is this =.=”

Participants resting after a tired run!!

Sharing my medal with my supportive housemate of course!!

With Edwin, Jamie, WC. Both Jamie & WC are good friends of mine who participated in the half marathon, we met up after we ended our run respectively. Nice to meet you Edwin!

This is to alert you on the importance of training (running) before your marathon..because you’d never want to end up like this in the MRT (too tired till cant even stand for 5 mins) ! *evil grin

Singapore Marathon 2009 #2

Tapping on the Eve here.

So I mentioned that you should be prepared for the marathon. But honestly hor…I didn’t lor *OPS!

Well, hear my cry before judging?

04122009
Sat for my last paper (morning). I didn’t really sleep the night before (prepare). After the paper, my crazy gang went to watch New Moon (because that was the only latest movie which could cater to my time – I got an appointment @ 5pm). Almost fell asleep in the cinema but I guess the on-screen lengchais kept my eyes wide open huh *winks. After my 5pm appointment, I rushed back to West for my dinner date with Samantha and then proceeded for an awesome church service, looking like a zombie. Collapsed by 12am.

05122009
Woke up at 645am instead of 615am as promised. WC was gracious enough to wait patiently *shy and I jogged 4km for my last practice. I thought I’d rest throughout the day until Sunday morning BUT…I ended up meeting SK over coffee in the afternoon, and the W518 gang at Settlers Cafe,Clarke Quay for dinner, of which I had to FFK WC for that *shy shy. It was an awesome dinner as I could finally let my hair loose and transformed myself back into a kid!

Address,
Settlers Cafe
39 North Canal Road
Singapore
Tel:65360435
Settlers_cafe@hotmail.com

Why so awesome a? Let the pictures do the talking!
The ‘Library of Games’.

This is, the Menu.

Mr. Waiter explaining how to play.

Game #1 : You’re An Idiot! A point-based board game of which the person who got the ‘You’re An Idiot’ card has to answer wrongly. Some questions could be quite tough!

Game #2 : Pictionary – something like ‘Win, Lose or Draw’

This was what I drew – ‘Deep Sea Diver’

And the siblings’ reaction when my teammates managed to guess correctly! Gosh, I am so talented!

Game #3 : Some puzzle cards

Game #4 : UNO!

Not forgetting the food we ordered at $14.90+ each. Choice of any meals below $9.50 + 1 soft drink.

We took the “Happy Hour’ (6pm-9pm) package. Browse for more details here.

I had to leave early (and totally forgotten to take a group picture of us – FAIL!) because I needed to rush back to collect my marathon goody bag from WC. He got to wake up early (much earlier than me) for his run too, so here I am boasting that I am a good friend =P

I managed to catch my sleep before 12am, after a fun yet tiring day I secretly crossed my fingers that I wouldn’t oversleep again!

So that was how I ‘prepared’ a day before my marathon. ‘Cekap’ leh.

Coming up : Part #3 – The Actual Marathon Day!

Singapore Marathon 2009 #1

I guess I finally fulfilled my long-awaited secret wish – to participate in a marathon!




On 06122009, I participated in ‘The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon’ just for the fun and the experience, nothing more. Not that I am aiming for the USD 35,000 (1st prize) reward pun haha.

I was so busy preparing for my exams that from a daily 4km jog affair (equivalent to jogging 10 rounds at the stadium) was downgraded temporarily to an alternate-day affair instead. But I had one last day to jog just a day before the marathon so I guess it was still ‘OK’ as my stamina is considered ’stable’. After all, I am a regular jogger *winks

What made me melt was when my housemate Yibin decided to tag along – moral support lar *very touched ok*


She told me that she did inform our landlady that she’d be tagging along with me for the marathon, and seeing the blur reaction from our landlady, this was how she conveyed the message,

” Michelle will be running 25rounds (stadium size) tomorrow and I’d be tagging along to support her “

Actually, I did inform our landlady about my participation long time ago, but I wasn’t sure if she understood me at that time though. I guess our 73-year-old landlady’s heart was strong enough at the moment to sustain the way Yibin conveyed the 25-rounds information, after all, she calls me a tomboy =P

I don’t think I was well prepared besides the fact that I do jog regularly, but I do thank God to have friends like WC (participated in the half marathon and helped me collect my goody bag through his friend hehehehe) who reminded me to drink more water, consume bananas and have ample of rest before the marathon day.

I also remember Kenny Sia blogged about his marathon here, so I remembered to charge my handphone battery the night before, else I’d be so dead without music to keep ‘umph-ing’ !!

So I guess, I’d share some marathon preparation tips should you decide to join a marathon in the future. Hope it helps!

Eve of Race Day
1. Eat well. Consume more carbs (but low in fibre) and slot in some bananas in your meals.
2. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of water.
3. Consume some isotonic drinks to enhance your body’s functionality.
4. Do not change your sleep pattern, but you are advised to rest early to relax your body.
5. Do not over-train. A light run should do the trick. WC says better if you don’t run, so it’s up to you.
6. Go through the information booklet. Strategize by learning your route and the drinks/banana/first aid stations.

Race Day (Morning)
1. Wake up early and have a good breakfast (energy drinks/bars etc).
2. Get there early.
3. I advice you to visit the toilet before you leave your house, as the mobile toilets provided stink! (feedback from my housemate – I didn’t even bother to visit the toilet).
4. Never try on any ‘new’ food/attire (especially running shoes).
5. Warm up before you start.

On the road
1. Refuel with water/isotonic drinks/gel whenever necessary.
2. Seek help if you feel unwell.

After the Finishing Line
1. Stretch.
2. Change your drenched attire.
3. Remember to rehydrate yourself.
4. Most importantly – collect your hard-earned medal !!

P/S :

1. I completed in 1hour 15 minutes(self-timed). Still awaiting for the official results.
2. I ran all the way (okay, I did only stop to drink)! I am proud of myself des-neh!
3. I’ve got loads of pictures to share with you, so await Part 2 and Part 3 soon!
Meanwhile, I need some rest !