How do you know you had double happiness without being in a matrimonial occasion?

When you have 2x2 bottles of nail polish, complete with nail stickers, two pots of eye shadows, 2 hand creams, 2 bottles of shower gels, 2 tissue masks, 2 pocket tissue holders, 2 boxes of chocolates, 2 organiser diaries, 2 table calendars and 2 books for Christmas. What is it with the number 2 and me this Christmas? Well, beats me why I’ve got just twice of everything I received over Christmas this year, but I like to think that I had double portion of blessings and twice the supply for my needs. There’s something I don’t need though, putting on 2 additional kgs! A bit hard when I’ve been eating twice the meals everyday, i.e. 2x brekky, 2x lunch, 2x dinner, with 2x snacks in between. Coupled with twice over the amount of rain over the season makes exercising outdoors doubly hard. Need that lazy bone to move on down to the gym before all is too late.

Although it’s been so rainy for the past two weeks, but it was one of the best December I’ve enjoyed. With the Stan Chart run, job change, 2 weddings, birthday celebration, ethnic costume shopping, keeping in touch with my long lost secondary school teacher, pre-Christmas service dinner and the HSBC treetop walk on Christmas eve, it was quite a busy but enjoyable month for me. Of course, there are Christmas dinners and lunches nearing Christmas and the busiest evening for me has to be the Bollywood Christmas, being the only and thus, most sabotaged girl at the table. What ever possessed me to change seats to another table? Becos’ my friend was there? I know, must be the Holy Ghost, cos He has a divine purpose for me there. To be the most “outstanding” girl for the evening? OK, good try, but… nahhh….!

Well, many moons ago, some wise man said that one shall not dwell in past regrets and hurts, but shall move on as life continues. Alright, I forgive all who’s been involved, in one way or another, in my night long sabotage (sniff, sniff, sob sob… God, help me heal!). Jokes aside, it has been a very memorable evening for me. Then, one of the other day that has “feels like eternity” was the HSBC treetop walk. It was a walk that began at 9.30am and ended at about 2.30pm. Oh yeah…. Have not walked non-stop for 4 and ½ hour before…. at least not that I can recall. Meihui’s legs almost couldn’t go on any further while I was getting hungrier each step I take. All the effort’s worth it though, when we reached the bridge for the treetop walk. It’s not often that people get the top of a tree, more so, the tree of a rain forest.

However, the height that we were at made me and Meihui think twice about walking on it, but we haven’t got much of a choice as there were signage everywhere that says “no turning back”. Why did those words remind me so much of a Christian song? So with wobbly legs, we walked on the bridge, holding on to the handles for our dear lives. For Junming? This is nothing to him, man! Why? Probably because he’s army-trained? Anyway, he used to climb mountains and was into extreme sports, so the height and the swinging bridge is chicken feet to him. Hmmm… what can I do if I fear nothing? A potential terrorist, if without God? But with God, probably I’ll be in mid-wifery? Hears my spirit man sniggering: Haha… hee… ho….. nice try… bleah!

Fortunately, it only started to rain and drizzle when it was almost the end of our hike. Christmas eve ended with some knee and ankle ache, but good fun nonetheless.

Early in the morning 5.30am, I got up on Christmas day and wonder why am I up so early this day. It must be my biological clock at work. In any case, I didn’t quite mind it cos’ like an excited child, I started to unwrap my presents. Yelp! On Christmas day, not on boxing day as it has been my practice since I can’t remember. It was a morning filled with joy and excitement as I unwrap each present I received. For many of the gifts, I really appreciate the giver who put so much though into selecting the right gift for me. Some even took the effort in wrapping and even details like doing up their own cards. I really take my hat off some people really do have an eye for beauty and exuberate creative juices in the things they do.

All that unwrapping must have woke Dad up as he got off bed earlier than usual to prepare for his morning exercises. As I woke up way too early and couldn’t go back to bed anymore, and wouldn’t go back to bed in case I overslept for my friend’s wedding solemnization in the late morning, I decided to tidy up a very dusty part of my room. I long to do some spring cleaning in that area as I know it’s been left neglected for an extremely long time. Before long, I was bringing on the vacuum cleaner which the noise woke my sister up. Sorry sis! Not my intention to wake up the whole house early Christmas morning. But, since I am so “free”, I might as well do some spring cleaning and before my shower for the day.

One principle must be applied spring cleaning: in order to clean up the room, you’ve got to be cruel! Yes, things that we really do not need should be fit for the bin and not just keep them for some sentimental values. Items like the Belgian’s university prospectus from the last millennium (when I was still sourcing for the right university to study), some hand puppet which I got from the aircraft during my flying days, some face toner which I’ve left untouched for ages, an unfinished cross-stitch when she was still a maiden, and heaps of dust is also uncovered during the cleaning up. Can’t believe I lived with them for so long.

After I was done with the spring cleaning, I quickly took a shower as I spent longer time than I thought I would at cleaning up and was running a little late for my friend’s slomenization. Fortunately, the ceremony also started late, so I didn’t miss any bit of it. Jamie (the bride) looked a little stressed because the JP emphasized that the ceremony has to start on time as he had to run off to another venue, but there’re friends of the couple that had still not arrived. Oops… guess I was one of the guilty ones who made her delay the ceremony. She said the JP was kinda stern to her and that probably thrown her of a happy mood. When it was over, I told her that the event went well and the JP had made the whole atmosphere quite light-hearted. Eventually, she got over the episode and was enjoying herself during the reception. She’s got a cute grandmother too, whom Jamie actually quitted her job to take care of for a few months. So noble! Where to find a wife like that? Don’t you agree, Mrs Tan? :)

Finally, Singapore's "winter" season has arrived. It's rained and rained and rained non-stop since Sunday and it doesn't show sign of stopping. It's been a long time since I've last seen so much rain in my life. In fact, it rained so much that on Tuesday, the rain fall was the highest in record for the past 75 years. Thomson road on Tuesday itself was also flooded and the flood level was actually up to the shoulders. Although I wasn't there to experience it, but the images on the evening news made me wonder for a moment if I was really in Singapore. Don't think I recall experiencing a flood in Singapore when growing up. The only time I had that experience was when I was still working in Sentosa. Our staff cafeteria was so so flooded with muddy water that we almost couldn't have lunch. In the end, we packed the lunch and we returned to the office with feet so wet, we could rear a gold fish in there.

Although it’s been a grim, grey and wet Tuesday, and, as a matter of fact, the entire week, there was not a day that I felt hungry. All thanks to the great Christmas feasting, which happened for me since the Bollywood Christmas on Saturday, 16 December. Then on Tuesday, I brought my parents to Wan Hao at the Marriot for dinner and on Wednesday, I went for our department’s once a month and compulsory dinner gathering. This coming Friday, we’ll have a Sales & Marketing Christmas gathering at one of the function rooms booked for the event. Goodness…. so much food, I can literally eat with my eyes closed.

All that feasting actually had some sort of a reverse effect on me. I kinda lost my appetite as a result of it. As a matter of fact, I lost my appetite the day after our Bollywood Christmas night. I didn’t feel like taking breakfast and even lunch on Sunday. Even my shepherd noticed that I took the longest time to eat my bowl of slice fish soup noodle. I literally chewed for about 40 minutes and still couldn’t finish my lunch. After that, I basically slept through till Monday without dinner, which was just fine for me. My mother even commented this morning that I seemed to have lost weight. Whoa… I didn’t know that just a few days of losing appetite could have such an instantaneous effect on my appearance. Should I rejoice over it? Think I make use of this time to train up and get toned. In any case, I want to look good and feel good, not just shrivel up like some dried vegetables.

Well, Bollywood Christmas was really fun. With games, prizes, food and dancing throughout the night, all of us enjoyed ourselves that night, visitors and regulars alike. However, I couldn’t really say that the programme outline flowed with the theme. Even though, we were dressed as “chindians” (that’s Chinese attempting to dress up like Indians. Invented, but not recognized in the English vocabulary) and the beginning performance was some Indian dance that sort of began the event, the highlight for the night was actually Latin dance. Hence, it’s in fact more Latino than Bollywood, but nobody really cares cos’ what’s important was, everybody enjoyed themselves and I think that objective was met. The location at The Pines (formerly known as the Pinetree Club) was a good choice and the activities lined up was quite suitable for people our demographics. Hope some of the visitors can also join us for the Christmas service on Saturday, 23 December.

During Christmas, I always get this magical feeling in the air, as if something magical could happen to me too. I really thank God for the past year or so. It was quite a year of breakthroughs for me as I did a few things which I never thought I’d dared. I’ve also accomplished some goals which I’ve set out to do as well as goals that were left unfinished for the past few years. There are still many more breakthroughs which are yet to come and I’m certainly looking forward to it coming to past. So excited!

Meanwhile, gotta finish wrapping the presents before Saturday comes, which is not much time left! *Yikes!*

*Sings* "It's been, one week since I start my work..."

After a month of anticipation and apprehension, I finally began my phase in an international hotel chain. Of course, it's not the first time I'm in an international hotel chain. The Oriental Singapore was a good one actually, but it was a short stint. Then, it was a small luxury hotel on our one and only island resort, which will soon have a casino built on the island. Next move was the woods up the hill (yes, enjoy wood while it's good). Finally, I'm back to an international hotel chain. I'm not all that relieve to be back to such a chain cos' I know that there're certain standard operating procedures (SOP) that must be followed along with the franchise, but I'm just glad to see some system in place. At long last! Somehow, when local owners are too involved, THEY are the system, the law and the rule.... And it change according to the moods of the owners. Gotta see where the wind blows!

Anyway, I believe that was part of the learning curve that the Lord has put me through. Thank you, Jesus! My immediate boss has been nice to me, so far. Well, it's only been but one week since I started. So, maybe her true colours haven't shine through yet. She's a very pretty ADOC, I would say. Apparently, she's my 師姐 (shi1 jie3, meaning senior (female)) from SQ, but have never seen her during my days there. My boss' boss already expecting me to establish my contacts and could almost envision that she'd expect me to close some deals next week. Need to pray for God's blessings and the Holy Spirits guiding to manage the 2 ladies' expectation. Oh yes, and mercy too!

Last Sunday has been an eye-opener for me. It was my first time to Little India! And my friends said that of all days, I gotta choose a Sunday to go. Haha! But I think it was cool as I really get a chance to experience the "fullness" of their culture. Crowded, of course, but kinda fun. I suppose it's not so bad when I've got friends around and they are also game to explore such places. After we celebrated Meihui's birthday at the Japanese restaurant, Waruku, Esther and I shopped around HMV to wait for Junming to finish his duties. It was a 2-hour wait, as we finished lunch at 1pm, but Junming will only be available from 3pm. But it wasn't that difficult to pass time too as there're many albums to listen to at HMV. Found a CD which I think was perfect for the gift exchange in the office. I was just cracking my head about what to get for the Asst. Dir of Marcom as she the person I picked when we draw lots for the gift exchange. Got "The Gift" by Corrine May, which I thought the songs were great, coupled with her voice. I sure hope she likes it.

Finally, Junming finished his duties. We headed off to Little India in his Chevy and you know it's Little India when you see people walking not on the walkway but occupying one lane on the road, not to mention people driving dangerously close at a speed that far exceeded the limit set for the lane. We behaved like tourists that afternoon, amazed at how the stalls were set, at the arrangements of the items and of course, not forgetting the air we breath, which contributed to part of the experience.

We came by this shop house which has the friendliest shop attendant I haven't seen in days. I can't remember since when I received such impeccable service. Not only are they good with their words, they were quite swift to pick up, at least, my likes and preferences and made recommendations to me. They were so friendly that I felt I should buy from them. Although I know for a fact that I probably still look like a big carrot to them, despite the fact that they gave me a "big fat discount", their friendliness was just too hard to resist.

The rest of the arvo was spent sight-seeing, photo-taking and going for "beauty treatment" (Esther had a go for the "hanna" on her hand) and accessory shopping. Oh yes, chinky-chunky accessories are important part of the Indian dressing. It's the fun part of the ethnic dressing, minus the hair oil of course!

Went for Mustafa Centre for the first time in my life. Was so amazed at how the merchandise can be so jam-packed in a departmental store. OK, call me country-pumpkin if you like, but it's an undeniable fact that it is indeed my first time in Little India. Dinner was settled at one of this, I would say, very clean, open concept restaurant in the vicinity. It is very clean, much more than a coffee shop. Again, the friendliness was a draw for us. Went for a "dosai" (pronounced as doh-say) for the very first time, I think. Drank the Lassi with the meal, which was a better experience than when I first tried it in Dubai.

When we stepped out of the restaurant after dinner, we were surrounded with people from all around. Well, what d'ya expect when you're in Little India on a Sunday evening? Esther wanted to try some Indian dessert, which we had warned her that it's very sweet. Nonetheless, we bought a few to try. Our green tea and Ribena tastes as good as plain water after the sweets. After dessert, we decided to call it a day and head for home. The bus stop which I thought my bus was supposed to be at was further than I thought. I had to walk to I can't remember where, to catch my beloved 56 home. My heels broke along the way. Just great... Nonetheless, I really enjoyed myself that evening. Sunday well-spent!

OK, I admit. I've been lazy have been rather busy too, with handovers and training for the Standard Chartered Run. I certainly did not want to just blog once a month. Nonetheless, I'm glad to be back here again. Now that the Stan Chart Run is over, I feel more human now. I can relax on the training, treadmills and any up slope and down slope terrains. BUT!!! My 24hr fat-burning programme shall continue....

Anyway, it was the first time I participated in any "world class" race. For those who know me, I may look like an athelete (Oops... I see some out there having violent objection), or so some says, I am no one close to embracing sports. I can't aim, can't shoot and can't run without panting like a puppy. And yelp! So why on earth have I gotten myself into, signing for the Stan Chart Race? It's actually a challenge I pitch myself against. If the fat lady next door runs a 42km marathon, why can't I do it too? It'll all in the mind, I suppose.

Oh no.... I didn't participate in the full marathon. I think I will really need the ambulance after one quarter of the race. Nope, not even half of it, but AN AWESOME 10KM!!! *ta-da!* :D I was taught at some point of my life, never bite off more than you can chew (though at some point, you probably should, provided it has been God-consulted). Anyway, I have only ran the most, a 12km distance on the treadmill, which was only once, so a 10km run was at least manageable for me.

While waiting for race to start, I looked at the other half marathon, men's 10km and women's 10km runners who were preparing for their long run ahead and they all looked like they could run faster than me. I just told God to sustain me for the distance as I have no intention to contend for position. Nope, nada, not at all. At 6.30am, the half marathoners sped off for their race and at about 6.40am - 6.45am, the first few marathoners had made their u-turn back from Marina South and were back to the Esplanade Bridge for their de-tour to East Coast. Holy molly! The distance they had to cover! They started off at 6.00am and now, in less than an hour, they are already back. Their U-turn point is even further than the 10km runners. That's like 10 km in less than an hour. So amazing! Should call it the amazing race, or amazin' grace... haha!

When the DJ announced the first female entering the bridge back from Marina South and wanted us to give her the loudest cheer, I had a strange feeling that made me almost want to cry. Nope, I'm not a feminist by heart, but maybe it's just that females are often deem as the weaker of the 2 genders and now, the first female after 16 males came back from Marina South, the moment was kinda touching. We cheered as she entered and ran passed us. She was expressionless, maybe concentrating, but she's still amazing.

At about 6.50am, I crossed over to the Women's 10km holding area to get ready for my run, which will start at 7.30am. It was actually better cos the marathoners were closer to us. I saw this guy who was so cool cos when he ran back to the bridge and making his detour, he stopped, pulled out a digital camera, snapped a picture of us cheering before he continued his run. Cool, eh? One lady beside me, after quite a long while, started chatting with me. She asked if those were the full marathoners and I replied yes. Then she said that her husband had also participated in the full marathon, but she still hasn't seen him yet. I told her that I've also friends who participated in the full marathon and I've not seen hide nor hair of them. I also saw one lady running with such a smile on her face. 4 possibilities might have happened: endorphines are working because of the exertion from all that running, elated because we cheered her on, had always ran with a smile on her face or all what's been mentioned. In any case, she looked like a seasoned runner, so not that hard to put a smile on her face as she run. Would be pretty tough for me to move even a muscle on my face after all that exhaustion.

Then, as we moved up a little further to the starting point, I saw my first familar face from among the marathoners. KC Cheang! I shouted his name and gave him a cheer before he continued his race. I started looking out for more familar faces cos' I also know that my ex-GM was running, but I didn't see him, even after I left for home after the event. Just before we speed off, I saw another familar face. An ex-churchmate from the first church I attended. I would never have imagine him running a full marathon too, apart from my ex-GM, that is. Well, size and stature can be deceiving indeed.... I didn't yell out to him as I wasn't sure if he still recognise me and also, we weren't that familar. I also saw some half marathoners, who started at 6.330am, making their way back to Esplanade Bridge for their detour to Nicoll Highway.

*You guys need to take a break from all that reading? Anyway, the saga continues...*

The Women's 10km finally began at 7.30am. I jogged, panted, jogged, panted more and as the music and cheering faded behind us, it was only the pace of the runners that I could hear. Shortly after the race began, we saw some of the half marathoners making their way back to Esplanade Bridge for their detourSome runners started to stop while others continued. I asked God to keep me running and told myself not to give me any reason to stop. As we entered Marina Bay, more people stopped. I admist that it was tough. I was already panting quite heavily, but I still thank God that He sustained me. Along the way, I saw Michael, my CG brother, making his turn from Marina South. The U-turn point feels like eternity to reach, but when I reached it, I knew I was half way through.

As we jogged through Shenton Way, I suddenly had a worry that I might have taken a wrong route and joined some other runners on the other race because around me were the half marathoners. I started to look out for the runners bib and to my relief, I finally found women wearing the same bib colour as me. I also noticed along the way that some people pinned their reasons for running, which include: I run so I can eat more cookies, If I can do it, so can you, Last :), It runs in the Family... Among which I saw one lady, dragging along with a tyre tied round her waist with drink cans tied to the tyre, making quite a bit of noise. As I ran closer, I realised the statement she was making: to ask drivers to slow down their speed. I cheered her on and continued my run, but I wonder what made her want to make that statement. Perhaps someone she knew had been involved in an accident? Whatever it is, I give credit for her determination and courage for making the statement. I also saw one lady who had full make-up running the race.

When I neared the finishing line, the cheering and music was becoming audible again and I was really glad that it was going to be over soon. I started to pick up my speed and when I saw the finishing line, I just gave all I had left and made a dash at the finishing point. Feels really great to make it for the race. "And we see a winner! At position.... ", I don't know yet. But that's not important. What's important is, I completed it! Yay! My first 10km race in my life. I even got a medal for completing the race.

While looking for my "runspirator", Qianfang, I met Junming along the way. He was limping along the way. He took part in the half marathon and his knee just gave in after 10km and had to walk for the rest of the race. He was kinda disappointed that he couldn't run the entire race. Nonetheless, he's still a "winner"! Cos' he crossed the finishing line.

I'd never thought it would be so fun. I even met an old classmate from primary school. It was her first time running in the Stan Chart Race too. It was like an old friend's reunion at the Stan Chart Race. She said she'll take part next year too. So cool! Looks like I'll have to train for next year's race again soon. Shall I be more ambitious and go for the half marathon? Anyway, shall see how my training goes.....