Japanese Chocies

Check these out:

Special flavoured kit kats from Japan! The blue one is a bubblegummy flavour... full of fun! the red on is a cheesecake flavoured kit kat. Lotsa japanesey fun in your mouth while you have a break, have a kit kat!

Yata!

3 Years and Counting...

It's been 3 years!

3 years ago today, husband and I trooped over to Thean Hou temple to register as husband and wife. Since the event was taking place at a temple, I had imposed a chinese fashion theme for all who were coming to witness our union of marriage.

I was dressed in a white cheongsam that I had bought off the rack from Shenzhen, a long time before husband popped the question, but had never worn (not that I was keeping it for that particular occassion) and husband was wearing his gold long sleeved chinese top that we had bought specifically for the day.

When husband finally popped the question, most of the reaction we got was, "Finally!"... that's because we had been going out / "pak toh-ing" for almost 6 years. And that day at the temple wasn't the first time we were putting our names together on a contract either - we already had a mortgage on a house.

Anyways, while there have been (only) minor 'ups' and 'downs' since then, I can only recall mostly the 'ups'. Typical human nature to only romanticise the past? I dunno, but, seriously, my husband makes me happy. There are the times when he makes me really mad, but other times, he makes me laugh.

So, to many more years of laughter as we grow old together, honey! Cheers!

Bangsar Happenings...

Bangsar's little claim to fame... Was told that Edison Chen just opened his boutique in Bangsar Baru... So happened to be walking in the area today... And there was a crowd outside his shop... It's next to McDonald's, opposite the old MPH, where Fitness Concept used to be.

Being the kepoh that we were, we stood at the opposite side of the road, watching the crowd, waiting for something to happen - was Edison gonna show up? Wat was the crowd waiting for? Wat does he sell in the shop? What's the inspiration for the name of his shop - Juice? *snicker*

Then some guy who looked like he was in charge told the crowd to queue up... Not much else happened for the next 15 minutes...and here's a photo of the crowd...in conclusion, not very happening la...

Malaysia Tak Boleh... Again

Here's an email sent by an irate marathoner following the Malaysian-Boleh-organisation of the International Marathon held last Sunday. Needless to say, it was far from the world class execution of the other Standard Chartered series of marathons in the other cities - Hong Kong, Singapore.

Have a read of the below... it's from the perspective of a serious runner... and if i was the organiser, i'd definitely appreciate the feedback from top class athletes if I was ever going to improve to international standards.

She did leave out the parts about how collection of race packs was a horror ala KL traffic jam style and how the 5km fun run got terribly truncated that I'm surprised participants are not asking for their money back.

Oh! and not to mention the results mix-up: http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2009/7/1/central/4215135&sec=central.

Here's also a review of the organisation in The Star: http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2009/7/1/central/4215135&sec=central

_____________________________________

To the Race Director and the Malaysian Sports Ministry:

Cc: Ministry of Tourism

Firstly, I think that we should all at least acknowledge and applaud Standard Chartered for taking over the sponsorship of the KL International Marathon. At the very least, we got proper running vests which I must say is welcome relief after years of 100% cotton baggy t-shirts from AMBank (the organisers were obviously not runners or any sort of athlete for that matter)

With a lot of fine tuning, stronger will to implement plans (rather than just thinking it) and some luck, perhaps, one day, the KL International Marathon can match up to Singapore and HK which runners (elite, amateurs and fun runners) mark on their calendar the year before and registration is filled months before the race day. Frankly, these races have a pretty substantial economic multiplier and perhaps the Ministry of Tourism might want to consider jumping on the bandwagon as well. In Singapore, hotels are booked up months in advance as overseas runners fly in for the occasion.

At the very minimum, the KLIM organiser should use the StanChart Singapore participation numbers as the minimum KPI that KLIM should achieve. Just in case you don’t have the data, Wan Yew Leong has kindly put in a nice little excel sheet for your easy reference (http://www.runnersmalaysia

.com.my/resource/articles/

wc02092009.htm)

It is embarrassing that we are so far behind in numbers given our population. Additionally, in Singapore, students (this cultivate athletes) of the appropriate age are encouraged to participate in all categories and, the events reputation is able to attract runners from all parts of the world.

Personally, I found the KLIM route to be far more interesting than the SG Mara run and therefore has far more potential to attract global runners should the coordination of the actual run actually improve.

I would like to breakdown my feedback into two parts:

1) The actual run:

- Simply, people who organise runs should themselves at least complete one full marathon (42kms) or at least a half marathon (21kms) to understand what it feels like and therefore the needs of the runners.

- Water stops: Such a simple but critical part of any run.

• Apparently, my position for the full marathon was #xx (or so your website says though am pretty sure that is wrong as well) and by the time I had reached the 38km water stop there was not a drop of water left (the ~1800 runners behind me did not stand a chance!). The volunteers (bless them for volunteering) could do nothing as full marathoners ran past disappointed. Mentally, it really affects your run as long distance runners plan water stops and fuel intake according to water stops. The volunteers however could have called in to the coordinator for delivery of more water/100+ which I know you had plenty to spare as, at the finish line, volunteers were giving whole bottles away randomly towards the end of the morning.

• According to a few runners behind me, earlier water stops (pre 38 km mark) had also run out of fluids and nothing was done which just shows pure laziness and a serious lack of initiative.

- Banana stops: Perhaps the monkeys got to it before any of the runners could?

- Pacesetters: If you are going to advertise it, at least try to make sure you have it; if not for all times, at least for most. Unless the pacesetters were carrying balloons too tiny for the human eye, I am pretty sure, there were none.

- Interval/race markings: Why so random? This is probably also the reason why many ended up running the wrong route. Where were the people to guide runners? I saw a 21km runner run the 42km route and have to turn back…imagine the frustration?

2) The website:

- Would just like to note that the website for the KLIM does not appear to have any of the same features of the SG Mara website. In fact, it’s pretty amateur for an international race. Some key differences which I have noticed:

1) Search functions - Requires bib numbers and you can't search by just your full name. Many of us can’t remember our bib numbers; either detail should be sufficient to pull out the data required.

2) Comparison function - There is no comparison chart to see where other people were relative to another runner during the run.

3) Time splits – No time splits available for the full marathon which is very disappointing and quite basic. Even the basic runs in Singapore/KL have time splits.

4) Full list of runners - Full list is usually provided in PDF form which makes it easier for people to find their friends, etc and allows them to log the information. (Yes, long distance runners keep logs and obsess over running time, etc)

5) Photos that were taken were not strategically taken (for e.g. take the photo of the runner when he/she is crossing the finish line, not some random spot which is meaningless). When compared to what you could get in the SG mara, it is extremely disappointing - - having the option for the sake of it is pointless if it’s not going to be executed professionally and thoughtfully. It definitely did not entice me to buy any photos (which I always do as a keepsake)

6) Timeliness – Why did it take so long for the posting of results? In the SG Mara, results were available by Monday with the full set of functions with photos to match, etc. You should capitalise on a “runners high” when they will buy more paraphernalia associated with their run, etc. This is of course on the proviso that they had a good experience during the run.

Well, as they say “Malaysia Boleh” so maybe we “Tidak Boleh” this year but will “Boleh” next year. Meanwhile, I am looking forward to the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon where at the very least I know I will get water throughout the race. Perhaps, the Ministry of Sports, Ministry of Tourism and Race Organisers should make a “rombongan” (Malaysians are good at the “rombongans”) and participate in the race to see, feel and understand what a well executed run should resemble.

42 km Female Runner

Bear Grylls, My Hero

Have been wondering what to blog about for a while... Shld I write about the recent trip to KK? Write a review of my polar running computer? Or write a photography review of recent snapping opportunities? All seemed like too much effort... Bah...

Then, turned on the discovery channel and I just have to tell u about Man vs Wild... If u've never watched it, each episode is about how this dude, Mr. Bear Grylls, who is an ex navy or special forces officer or some super well trained fella who knows everything, survives and finds his way out of life threatening environments. His journey always starts with him parachuting into deserts, jungles, mountains and anywhere else where there are threats from wildlife, lack of food, water and shelter. His aim - to get out alive and return to civilisation.

Of all the episodes I've watched, I have seen him battling and skinning snakes, chopping a skunk in half to salvage part of the body that doesn't have the stench, getting stung by bees to harvest honey - all for the sake of food.

And he'll somehow construct instruments for use to cook, scale down mountains, lay traps to catch game a la McGyver style from whatever he has - his parachute, his pants, his parka, skin from carcasses he finds along his way, etc.

One thing that never fails to amaze me though, is when he's really desperate for water and is at the brink of dehydration, he would drink his own urine. YA! He says, only drink when it's fresh, leave it any longer and it's a breeding ground for bacteria. Urine is, after all, 95% water (and wat, 5% of YUCK?!) Picture this - him pouring the urine into his mouth, spilling over to his face, chin, his clothes... *grimace*

Oh ya, he has kept urine in the skin of the snake he's eaten. It would be knotted at both ends, slung over his shoulders, just like a long inflateable balloon.

And after being hydrated, he soldiers on...

My Grandma...

...has a favourite past time. She doesn't do much in a day. Most of the time, she sits in front of the tv watching any Astro chinese channel. When she does, she'll pick her nose. She starts picking with her last finger of one hand, and then will change to the other. It's like how some of us tend to get restless just idling in front of the teevee and we may file our nails, check our emails, etc. while the 3rd repeat episode of CSI plays on tv. She picks her nose. 

This started in one of her earlier stays at our place. I think she saw the maid cleaning her nose during one of those afternoons in front of the tv and decided to give it a try herself. She's been unstoppable ever since and it's now a bad habit. We've all tried different methods to get her to stop - threatening  her with a visit to the doctor's, buying her a nasal spray, telling her that she'll damage her nose have all been to no avail. 

And watching her do it, is strangely addictive. It's hard to avert my eyes from her when she's doing it.... somewhat akin to watching a freak show. 

The other day, someone caught her putting what she dug out of her nose into her mouth. 

Another CrackBerry is Born

Research in Motion is a proud parent of  another crackberry in this world today. Spent the whole morning consolidating email addresses n phone numbers for contacts. Before this, I was carrying 3 Nokia phones of assorted sizes - 1 for my main voice call line, 1 for data and another phone for the family package line. Feels almost strange that I only need to put 1 device in my handbag now-but am sure I'll get used the pleasant change pretty quickly. 

Thanks for the bberry, honey!

Fire Snake Girl

Recently, I have had some time to think about what I could be doing with my life. While I have not found an answer for that as yet, I did come across some thought provokers while trying to figure out a suitable name for this blog. 

Also, some have asked me why "fire snake girl"? 

According to the Chinese calendar, I was born in the year of the fire snake. Fire is one of the 5 Chinese elements (metal, wood, water, fire, earth) that overlays the 12-year cycle of animals. And, needless to explain the 'girl' part in the name of blog. 

There are certain characteristics of the fire snake that I found on this site: www.usbridalguide.com/special/chinesehoroscopes/Snake.htm which I would like to comment on here: 

"Month - May; Western counterpart - Taurus"

Wow... am born in the month of May, which incidentally makes me a Taurean. 

"Fire Snakes can be a bit loud, speaking their minds and smothering you with their opinions. This does add a twist to his dynamic and vibrant character, as he is quite the extrovert."

I beg to differ. Am not loud, and definitely do not smother people with my opinions. Am also more of a wallflower at a party which hardly makes me an extrovert.

"Fire Snakes can change even the most obstinate mind with their powers of persuasion, convincing you their opinions or ideas are better than yours."

If this was true, then why do I have so much trouble convincing my husband of my ideas sometimes? 

"The Snake is very sophisticated and cultured in his choices for home décor. They like muted colors and prefer to have one very expensive chair rather than three reasonable priced ones."

Ya, definitely quality over quantity. See, honey? 

"Snakes become bored easily and therefore change jobs quite frequently."

Hurm..... well definitely need to be inspired. 

"Since they are such relaxed individuals, they can often seem to be slacking off at work when in reality they are at the height of their creativity."

haha.... that's right - when I am yawning at work, am actually thinking of the next big thing! Don't judge when you can't read what's going on in my head. 

"A Snake’s worst nightmare is jumping head first into a financial deal or a shopping spree."

Definitely explains how long I lusted after a DSLR and the lens that I wanted. 

And we finally get to the 'Snakes make excellent ..... ' list: 

Scientists: urm.... me in a white coat? 

Potters: What are potters? 

Analysts: Tried this for a while. Didn't work out as I thought.

Jewellers: Ya, I would like to explore this - especially in the design area. 

Spiritual Leaders: No. Unless manic-depressive is the new religion. 

Sociologists: How can? I thought snakes were self centred and opinionated? 

Dieticians: Maybe after I lose the weight that I need to lose, then I could start preaching diets. 

Astrologers: If all else fails, look to the stars for answers and inspiration. 

Magicians: Are you kidding me? 

Investigators: No comment. 

Painters: I can't even tell the difference between oil or acrylic. 

So there you go - a little bit of insight into this fire snake girl.

That One Special Day of the Year

Was given instructions this morning to wash my hair and wear a new (or was it nice) dress for the day.... because it's my birthday. And that I should also bath (and wash my hair) before I had my lunch... and lunch was going to be a special serving of birthday mee suah. 

So having looked through my wardrobe and not having gone out shopping for a while now, I don't have any new dresses nor do I have anything nice (or not so nice) to just sit around the house in. This is what I ended up putting together: 

• a red smocked boob tube top; 
• a pair of (sky?) light blue nike shorts I borrowed from my sister; and
• a black floral top to cover up the otherwise exposed bra straps (couldn't find any other suitable cardi)

Not the most fashionable outfit (which is also the reason why there are no photos) - heck, am just hanging out at home, eventhough I did get the thumbs up from the more elderly person in my house. 

Pressies

Felt very loved this year... got the following pressies amongst other things: 

My very own Polar running watch that comes with a foot pod and a heart rate monitor. This is a great welcome-back-to-running gift. Thanks S and M (no, not as in my sexual fetish... as in Gossip Girl la)! Can't wait to test this out. 

A Crumpler camera bag... although the one pictured isn't mine... but it's suppose to be this model - the 6 million dollar home...  

Oh ya, photo of my birthday mee suah:

Can you see - pork, 2 hard boiled eggs, kidney, liver and mushroom. 

Logan

The newest addition to the family, Logan. He is a fumbling brown furball of a golden retriever. He loves playing with water, and lying down on wet surfaces. At the moment, he lives in the laundry area at the back of the house that leads out into the backyard. Just this evening, when he was let out to the back area, he immediately flopped himself onto the wet area of the floor. 

His mannerisms and the stuff he does are too cute for words, as with all puppies. He's about 7 weeks old now and already the same size as the other furball in the house, Bubbles. Bubbles, a 9 year old maltese, acts like his guardian when he's allowed to roam around in the house. She follows him around with curiosity.. and he seems to know it too. 

The other day when he was allowed in the house, Logan would run around the sofa, the coffee table... and Bubbles would chase after him. Until he got tired and ran back to his 'space' in the laundry. 

Here are some photos of the little fella... 

 << Here's one of him stretched out on the wet area 

<< Logan rolled over onto the drain

<< Logan getting up after rolling onto the drain and Bubbles watching his every move in the background

<< With his first soft toy - Conrad Hotel teddy bear

(can't get the hang of formatting on the blogger...grrrr)