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Monday, November 23, 2009

Ipoh

Was in Ipoh for the weekend with Family and Mum In Law.

We drove down in the rain from KL on Saturday Morning and only reached Ipoh slightly after lunch. The usual 2hours drive took 30 minutes more due to accidents and traffic along the way.

I was grateful to had reached safely and posted something stupid in my tweet. It was offensively offensive as i got the typo wrong. So, to all my muslim brethens, i apologise. I won't attempt it anymore.

Primary reason for the Ipoh trip was for Weng Aun's wedding. He was a friend i know during my Explorace 3 days and he and Cee Yee went on to win second place in the race.

Weng Aun's wedding reception was held in a small town called Chemor. There were only two row of shophouses. Very similiar to how the other small town in Perak were set up.

It reminds me of Bidor, only smaller. But definately bigger than Chenderiang, where everyone knows your name (or who you slept with).

Congrats to both of you on the auspicious day!

My photography skills are not getting any better and i totally do not want to be in the way of the other two photogs on D700 taking pics at the wedding and one HD camera man capturing the moments. So, i decided to just sit down quietly and yes, the above were the ONLY photo i took. It was using a G10 and it took me sometime to get used to what the camera could do.

I came to a conclusion of either you give me a real PnS camera, or a DSLR. Anything in between, my mind can't comprehend or switch over as fast.

Secondary reason for being in Ipoh was to visit my mum in law's brothers. One of them will be moving to Singapore (his kids are there working) and there is no better excuse not to lump Mum in Law in for this trip. It also meant that myself and wifey could go for the wedding and not worried about the Kids.

Moreover, the granduncles and grandaunt has not seen Nadia and Ryan has grown up so fast, i don't think Ryan was the same baby they saw more than 2.5 years ago or Nadia looked the same since a year back!

Ryan - 6Months then, 3 Years now

Nadia - 1 Day then, 18months now

Obviously these two sweetie stole the heart of their grand-relatives. Both with boundless energy and one that can't seems to keep his mouth shut while the other as curious but were so shy that she stucked to wifey everytime.

When older Monkey teaches, the younger Monkey follows

I also spent like 45 minutes making Ryan jumped down a bed on the pretext to take his pics. Good way to practice my camera skills and for me to play with the setting. He was a very willing subject and there were not an instance where he did not want to do it.

Nadia? She tried and she was wiser to know that she can't possible do what the brother did and she went out to sleep.

I had the simply best weekend with the family. It was much better without the distraction of TV and i guess being out of town where the air are technically fresher and the gloomy overcast raining skies sort of allowed the kids to be outdoor. With minimal traffic and no worries of cars driving recklessly right outside the home, it seems only to be perfect for the kids to run about without any worries.

And we did just that.

A joy, isn't it?

One of the many things we did when we were in Ipoh were obviously food. I am a foodie myself and i will go all out to get good cheap food. Ipoh is one such place if you know where to find it.

There are items that are really good and there are some, just like Penang, overrated.

Nevertheless, they were all finished and licked clean.

Breakfast at Ipoh enough for 6 Adults and 2 Toddler. RM30 with Change for two teh si peng

Pamelo BEST and cheap. Straight from the planters at half the price

Funny Mountain Tau Foo Far - far toooooo sweet, even for me

Nasi Ganja aka Nasi Ayam Merah Yong Suan

Hakka mee at Ipoh East

There were other stuff that was eaten too and they were simply too many to actually put up here.

Most memorable one would definately be the search for the Nasi Ganja.

It is actually situated in new town and despite whatever you all read about it through other people's blog and such, Nasi Ganja is not in Tanjung Rambutan Bus Station. I repeat, it is in NEW TOWN near the POLICE STATION and NOT Tanjung Rambutan.

We went allllll the way to Tanjung Rambutan only to know there were NO bus station or Nasi Ganja.

Definately memorable. It was also my first time in Tg. Rambutan. :)

Says a lot of my mental state of mind, eh?

We left KL after we tarpow-ed Nasi Ganja for dinner and the Nasi was washed down with a tupperware full of peeled Pamelo.

Family+Food = Great times!

Days Are Numbered.

I know i will hate this week. I was on leave Friday, 13th for my birthday and on Friday alone, i have 97 emails flowing in with 30% of them slandering me and my team's practice in Malaysia.

I really wonder HOW someone NOT in the office could JUDGE you and decide WHAT you DID or DID NOT DO.

Like a friend said - DAMN IF YOU DO and DAMN IF YOU DON'T DO.

When you did what you have to do and only give your best, there are people out there to continue to discredit and slander you.

I am updating my CV, this will be the 4th time i am doing this in my short 10 years of working life.

Technically, i am up in the market again, if any of you are interested.

Powerman Duathlon 2009 : Report

Saturday 2126Hours:

In toilet. Contemplating. Decided to blog.

Cut off : 5hours.

First 11km run - 1:10 finish.
Second 64km Bike - 2:45 finish.
Third 10km run - 1:15 finish.

Total minus transition time : 5:10

That is 10 minutes past cut off.

I will try to be optimistic.

TO BE CONTINUED after race tomorrow.

Drove down at 3.30 with wifey and reached Lumut at 6:00. Was a fast drive via the trunk road with almost no traffic.

Groggy and sleepy i checked in and awaited for the race to start. Familiar faces abound and this was one of the reasons that keep me going back for races.

I know today will be a battle. Not trained and no mileage. Also i was jittery about my blood iron and hope it will hold up well.

My first 11 was completed in 78mins. I ran all the way slowly and this is my longest run since Desaru.

Enters T1 and spent only about 2 minutes before making my way out. The first 32km on bike was pretty good at 1:15. Struggled a bit as the thighs threatens to start cramping. My second 32 was almost a disaster. I saw my average dropto 21kmh. And it toom me almost 1:30 to complete.

My last 10km on the run was only a walk. The sun was burning down and my sweat dries up leaving salt residue which felt like some cheap body scrubs as i rub them.

I wanted to give up. I felt my dignity and ego was totally bruised. But i also realised that ishould not be too hard on myself. I came with no target except to finish and despite seeing people skipping the second loop and head towards finishing line, i soldier on.

Reality check- no training and no mileage, i should be happy i came to the last 5 km.

It was painful both outside and inside. But this is one race i need to finish to prove to wifey that i really want to do IM10 despite and against all odd.

I walked the final 500m with wifey.

5:41 and totally missed the cut off at 5:25.

Thank you all for supporting and cheering and waiting. Today's race was the toughest i've done because of my own doing.

I am on my way back, watch me.

Long Long Overdue Posting

I must apologise for not updating this blog as often as i should. Couple of things happened along those "sabbatical" period (since 13th October) and i was just too busy with work and family to update.

To keep things simple, i will just choose a few things i think worth mentioning and updating to keep this entry as brief but concise as possible.

Lets start with my health.

Glad to say that things has been looking better and rosier by the day. I was on (self) medication and in denial. My iron level, as the doctor said, was 7mg/l. That is 3 points less than average human and a good 10 points less for endurance athelete. I technically know how it is like for a woman going through their menses feel. Looking pale, lethargic, tired and heart palpilation is just a few of the side effect.

For Aneamic Patients

I could feel my iron level improving within the next 3 weeks and i no longer felt tired as fast or palpilate as if i was on Zone 4 HRM (95% and above mHR)

The cause of the medical condition?

I do not know, and i still owe myself and my family a medical to check if all is ok. Typical of me, when nothing is wrong, i do not bother. That has to change.

The Day My Blood Refused To Flow

Now, i just need to pray and hope the condition do not return. That would meant proper diet and ensure proper i do not take my own health for granted (i.e. Work until want to die)

Next - My quest to get back to training. I've not been on any training for at least two months until about three weeks ago. It was only three weeks back that i dare to pick myself up and push the bike from the storeroom to the road. Daunting. Very.

Thanks to Ishsal, i managed my first ever 64km in two months. Nevermind if it takes as long as an average 90km ride, but i felt it was an accomplishment nevertheless.

Second Ride. Improved by 7 minutes

I am delighted that i could be back training. I started walking with wifey, and OMG, i struggled to catch up with her. My fitness was that bad and she has improved a lot.

With minimal training and maximal rest, i am just hoping to finish this weekend Powerman within cut off. It will be a task and even struggle. The 11km Run - 64km Bike and 10km Run never looked more daunting. What used to be a stroll in the park is now a run in hell. I will try to finish the race, no matter what. And i will try not to be drama about it.

It is time to celebrate life. Again.

Training Route on MEX - Where i race a GTS or a Ferrari every Saturday

Ironman is not far away. Infact, it is a short three months of solid training left. Not much time. At this time last year and year before last, i was clocking in respectable running mileage and cycling mileage. This year, it was a laid back approach, and i know i will pay back for it. Well, the way i see it, my iron level are supposed to peak back by February, and if i just train right and train smart, i might just hit my peak right when it matter most.

Watch me GO.

2 Times Ironman Finisher. Nevermind the timing. I race against myself

The same period of hiatus too see some rather turmoil time. It was also the same period that i really feel there are people out there really trying to hurt you. Bad people with bad intention.

1. The richer they are, the more they think they own the world. You are nothing but collateral.
2. The more influential you are, the more insecure you become. You tend to think people are trying to unseat you. The people are afraid that one day, you will take their place and position.
3. Then, there are those that would lie to kill. They appear to be your friend but they have all the evil intention. Some could be racist and bigots in muhibbah clothing. Some would think you are oh-so-impressed with their title. So what if you make people believe you graduated from a high class place but the truth said you were discharged? So what if you have Ir., Prof., and Dr. to your name when all that meant is that people don't understand what you are trying to say?

I say stay away from the people above. They are poison. They run you down. They threaten you and your family. They are good for nothing. The lowest of life. They Apologise but never mean it. They patronises you but do not dare to say that to your face.

They are just losers.

Don't be them.

Ever.

One more thing that happened was that i gave up a mailing list i managed for seven year nine months. And what was worse, you were made to look like some racist with intention to defame certain race or people.

Perhaps i did. But aren't all of us laughing out loud when we speak the truth about this country?

Grow Up la. I know YOU are reading this. Go take a chill pill man, perhaps, check into some hospital for mental check up. I have every right in this country as you do and i will fight and die for Malaysia. Will YOU? sucking up to politicians don't count ya.

There. I said it.

On the same day i gave up the mailing list, i took my wisdom tooth out.

One more out, less wisdom, more subtle, less fighter cock

I guess it comes with age. I realised i did not fight back as much as i would. Or perhaps, YOU are just not worth my time.

I wish you well. I hope you sleep well at night.

And this bring us to this week, or rather, last week. Myself and wifey flew to Singapore for a close friend's wedding. It was beautifully simple. We are happy for you both Nars&Nar!.

Forever starts here

The short trip to Singapore was refreshing - it made me and wifey feel so happy we are Malaysians and nothing less. Singapore has everything we have, but Singapore do not place my families. They country is almost perfect, but not as perfect as my Tanahair. Yes, the transportation system was top notch. You don't need to own a car. The service industry is simply awesome - they are polite to everyone, unlike Malaysia, which they are only to Mat Sallehs.

But somehow, i do not value those compared to what i have in Malaysia. No way Jose.

I apologise to my Singaporean friends and friends working/residing in Singapore. I meant no malice when i state my preference over Malaysia. Singapore, will remain as a country i will visit as a tourist and i can continue to ridicule Uncle Lee without worries. :)

Wait, i do that too in Malaysia...but i better tone it down la, since i was already threaten with ISA and "i promise you will crawl in the darkest corner where even Anwar Ibrahim will cry".

The thing is, i am Lim Ee-Van. And there can only be one (well at least there is ONLY one Facebook profile that points to me compared to some people i know with at least five, with the other four to be "hate profile").

Ok. Until then. I promise to update more. I love you all.

Our Slogan-ised PM

I am really lost for words.

So, what's next?

I feel Dr. Alban deserves to be made an honorary Datuk for his previous effort for One Love.

This whole 1This 1That is 1Freaking 1Lame 1Joke.

Happy Anniversary Darling!

Yesterday was 5th Year i was married. I took leave so i could celebrate it with wifey. What more, my mum was around and it usually meant she would be happy to help take care of the kids.

My mum or Ah Ma, as i would call her (and my mum in law will be "mum", so when i say Ma, you know i am talking about my mother and mum meant my MIL) were pretty surprised when i walk downstairs in shorts.

"Nope ma'am, not working! On leave. Today is my 5th year married to Aileen", i said.

She instantly told us to go do whatever we wanted.

Ma knows best.

So, we send Ryan and my cousin to school. It is such joy to see Ryan saying bye bye and giving you the flying kiss. This boy is a charmer. He took his shoes off at school, bring it in and placed it at the place he was supposed to leave them. Put his bag at a corner and proceed to join the class.

We send Ryan to a pre-school. Something to keep him occupied from 0830 to 1230 every Tuesday to Friday. It is also for him to socialise with the kids and learn to live in a community.

I've seen kids anti-social enough to know that kids nowadays are brought up differently from even as recent as my generation.

Back then, when i was growing up, we were allowed to go and play outside and mingle. But that was when the society were safer. No kidnapping. No crazy drivers speeding down the residential area. I can't take changes now that i am a father and what more, i have a crazy ah beng neighbour that speed up and down the road.

Leaving Ryan at the play school, myself and wifey proceed to have our Anni Breakfast.

We went to Dim Sum place at Damansara Utama. Morning weekday crowd there were more workers than patrons. Was irritated that they keep asking me what tea i wanted. But decided that we just wanted the day to go on stress-free, i put that behind me.

It was a rare occasion where the shrimp dumplings and the shrimp rolls remainedon the table and into the tummy without need to run after Ryan, or having Nadia screaming to eat it.

After breakfast, we went home to play with Nadia and i had MOVIE in my mind. Heckler gave me some movie pass, but what was limited to his company's screening. Did not want to watch gory stuff but Heckler offered to give some other pass from other company. I told him that movie is tentative. I would not want to take what i won't use. Afterall, i owe him loads for the previous passes and movie goodies! Thank you bro!

We headed to 1Utama (hey, did Najib go to 1Utama that often that he call it 1Malaysia and 1World now???) and renewed my roadtax. My Soccer mum car is now 4 years old. The post office in 1Utama was empty except us and another old man. But i hope after this posting, it would not have 101 people waiting to do transaction there!

At 1Utama, i went to the Nike shop to try to exchange for the Sportsband. I was questioned by the store worker and was refused any exchange because i did not buy it there, apparently. They called up the contact in Nike and i managed to sort it out later with Nike. Thank you Nike Wong. Guess my days of getting seeding stuff from Nike are numbered (or already expired!)

Wifey then bought some stuff for her friend's birthday and we continued to walk about 1Utama.

By then, it was already 1100 and we decided to have early lunch. Off we go to Taman Bukit Mas. But before that, we took a complete detour and ended up at Haus Depot. That hardware store in Pelangi Damansara. We ended up buying a ladder for Wifey's shop and gotten some supply for the shops too. Then it was off to the makan place.

Menu : CRAB.

You all have no idea how hard it is to eat crabs and allow your hands to be all dirty and slimy with those gravy and not worried about the kids running about. BLISS.

Oh those buttery crab on those soft toasted mantao! not forgetting the Mantis Prawns kung pou style.

We left back home and see Ryan sleeping with his backside up ala frog style. Nadia was being her usual self running about and sweating from head to toe. Ma was her usual calm self despite three children at home with her.

Wifey had a suprise for me and the next destination was to Solaris. It is a place i have never landed my feet on.

We left for Solaris but dropped by Selangor Club to exchange our membership card from temporary member to ordinary member. My God. The process to get to be a member of this 125 years old club was pretty lengthy and with tradition. We were temp member for almost 8 months before being shortlisted and have to go through two interviews to be finally member. very reason why we joined the club was because it was affordable and also it was almost like being a member of two clubs (KL and Kiara) for the price of one. What more, the location of the KL HQ is where most races are held and i get to park so right next to Dataran Merdeka!

We head on to Solaris. As we were early, we went into Cold Storage at Solaris. The place is like some angmoh place. A local would look pretty out of place there. At a minimum, you have to be a SPG if you are local. We looked like immigrant in our own country.

So, we head on from there to this place called Amante.

HOLY MACARONI. Manicure?

yes darling, what kaler you wan?

I was excited and anxious. Look. I am ticklish. I have never had anyone except Ma cutting my toe nails. Wait, i've never used a clipper to cut my toenail. I've always used the RM1 foldable scissor. My Ma has always used that, even now to cut Ryan and Nadia's nails.

I opted for the normal Pedicure. I don't think i need any manicure. I was thanking my lucky star that my toes do not look horrible. Wifey opted for Pedi and Mani and nail extension on her toe that the nail fell off after Seimens run.

I was, without having to say, very uncomfortable as someone is cleaning and scrubbing my feet, with them so close to their face. I do not know how you girls does it. But i was afraid i would offend the woman doing it. However, chickening out might even offend her and her vocation more. So, i relaxed and enjoyed the experience.

My legs were scrubbed, my nails were trimmed, the dry skin filed off and the nail buffed.

No complains here, only how come it ended that fast (about 45minutes). Wifey's session was longer as she did nail extension for the toe. I was very impressed how it was done. I was under the impression it would be those stick on faux nail like seen in "to wong foo, thanks for everything".

Patrick - Rest In Peace

The fake nail was made from a mix of epoxy and powder. It dries up and looked like nail! The pedicurist filed and buffed the nail and colored and like magic...

Went home happy and it was a touch and go to Dinner!

We decided for meat for Dinner and previous experience in San Fran were more memorable than say, Victoria Station, Ship or even Jake's.

BBQ Rib

Ribeye and Honey

We went for one last errand of the day.

Groceries shopping.

And that capped the day, which we both called our Ye5ar Anniversary.

I've decided to bring wifey to get a ring. Perhaps consider to change our wedding band with a new set. We intend to keep the first five year band and give to Ryan and his future bride when he get married. And subsequent second set to Nadia. Not confirmed yet, but i do want to get Wifey something worhty to remember the 5th Year.

Thank you Ma, for making the day possible, and no less, to Wifey, for the wonderful date we had yesterday. Love you all for that.

Of Health, Family and Overly Defensive.

Hi all. I've been leaving this blog in limbo since i've found the joy of updating my status via FB on mobile. No excuses for that apart from that i've not been training as much, and thus, has not been able to write or update about my training regime, towards the coming races such as Powerman 09 and IM 10.

It seems that my health are not exactly at it's peak. But it is not that i am not healthy. I am just well, healthy but with issues. I've gotten loads of encouragement from others asking about me.

To be very frank, i am in denial. While some might see this as a "worse case scenario" with their (medical) diagnosis (Yes Doc Hisyam, i know), i am simply in denial.

"I am 33, and i am young. What could go wrong?"

A Lot Apparently.

Anyway, i am low on iron. Something really simple but it causes much havoc in my system. Read about it here : Iron Deficiency

I have all the symptom and an extra headache which seems to come from behind my right eye. There seems to be something trying to PUSH my eye ball out. Not funny. There seems to be a knot on my right temple that could move from the front to the top portion of my right ear. Pressing it give instant pleasure and gratification (no, not the type you think it is).

I've asked Doc to get me an appointment with the a physician and determine if i need a colon scope and/or upper GI scope. I asked him to thrown in an MRI or CAT for the head too, just in case.

On Family - My sis, Ee-Von, just got married and now enjoying time off with her husband in Bali. It must had been stressful wedding for them. There were a few things that made me think about what is happening or has happened. I know this will be like washing dirty linen in public, but i tried very hard to not speak of it openly.

You see, there were a rift between my family (myself, my sis, my parents) with my mum's family (easier said, my Dad's in law la!).

Believe this, my granma disowned my mum. Embarassing isn't it?

Reasons for this? Oh well, apparently there were a lot of reasons given by my granma. But we aren't sure if she was the one that started it but my aunts (my mum's sisters) and my uncles (my mum's brothers) for reason only known to them.

This has gotten my mum really riled up and stressed up to the extend she needed sleeping pills to sleep at night. But she has resorted to religion, listening to Puja to calm her mind and soul. It apparently worked for her.

Despite all that, my mum has never given up and has not "disown" her own mum. Week in and week out, she goes to my granma's place to beg for her forgiveness (and to check how she was - because it seems, all her other childrens are not even there everytime she and my dad visit!).

The extended family that stays at the other 2 houses knows of my mum's situation and they too, take and do whatever they could to help eliviate her worries. In short, if it wasn't for them, my mum would had been mental.

Again, WHY did my granma, which i grown up to know as very loving, did this?

Apparently, MONEY is one of the reason. I have a very rich aunt. So rich that she could buy off my uncle's debt and forever make him indebted to her. She is so rich she could sell off a Merc at below market value to an aunt's husband, and that too, make them "close" because this uncle is now "same level, so to speak" as this rich aunt.

My mum is not the first child disowned by my granma. My eldest uncle and his family were all disowned. My late second uncle family, also disowned.

All for reasons only known to my granma (and her cronies).

F up, isn't it?

And the best thing is, my mum's family preaches and laugh at others for not valuing their family. Growing up, they often pride themselves as one strong unit. I never deny that as i am very close to my mum's family. But the take home message were loud and clear when my mum's cousin loudly mentioned during the wedding dinner that "They only know how to judge people, but they aren't any better at all" - refering to the next table where my mum's family were sitting.

Going back a week in timeline. My mum managed to convince her family to show up for the Sunday do and the Monday tea ceremony. I've not seen my mum so happy, as she seems to think that the family has accepted her back again.

But reality quickly sank in when the food she catered for her family were unconsumed.

They did not show up except my granma, the rich aunt and an uncle with his wife (this uncle is cool, but he too, is reliant on my rich aunt for kick back).

The family has about 50 people. None of them showed up except the four above.

Food down the drain. Money down the drain. The only one happy are the caterer.

On the other hand, my dad's family, which are all 120% vegetarian, showed up (except the youngest brother, which by the way, are so queen controlled, that i think he can't change his underwear without the wife's permission). They came, knowing that food will be limited. They came, and make do with whatever they could eat.

The next day, on the wedding day itself. We all know the chinese pride themselves with their tea ceremony. You know what? My mum's family not only came late (and delayed to process), but only my granma and the rich aunt showed up!

It is like putting salt to my mum's wound. But i remained calm.

Then came the dinner, and the six tables allocated to the bride's family went haywire because my mum's family decided that they do not want to sit with some of the extended (and disowned) families. Myself, Wifey and my in laws were all misplaced elsewhere! Saving grace were, again, my dad's aunt (my late granpa's sister), which not only represented my dad's family (vegetarian dinner conducted last month, it was ceremoniously and well attended by them from dad's side), they showed the rest of the mum's family how it should be done.

I was very sad. Angry. Coupled with my pale appearance and pounding headache, it made matter worse. The aunts and uncles showed up for the wedding dinner with my granma and rich aunt. There were so much hostility as if they were forced to come.

Anyway, the dinner went well later and i decided to be courteous. Mum too, decided to try to close rank - but failed. Too much resistance from the others! I can't believe that!

And this morning, just this morning, the daughter of one of my uncle (which also play a part in disowning my mum), greeted me at the office lift lobby. I did not know she was working in the same building as i am. I am happy that she did that. She proved to me that there is still hope, at least for my generation in the family.

There. Linen washed. But i believe this will stay dirty for a long time to come.

Lastly, on being overly defensive.

I am under a lot of stress and pressure at work. Which also explained the scarce update in this blog.

I will write on this the least as i am aware that my writing are being monitored.

Lets just say that i have my responsibilities running the program and there is a reason why it only takes me 2 years to be where i am now. I am not saying that i am "that good", but it has to be something else why am i here running the program to start with?

I clocked in the equal amount of time everyday like it is an Ironman race for me. I push myself through without fear or favour and lets just say at this point of time, i am not a favourite with management outside of Malaysia or Asia.

I can't believe a group of people with more than 15 years of working experience individually gets riled up by someone that is 33 years old with less than 10 years of working experience and has to be overly defensive with every single thing i brought up.

Either what i said hits the nail right at the center or they think what i said are just BS.

If it is BS, then remove me and replace me with someone that could do the work better (and can suck up to all of you as well).

I can always ply my trade somewhere else and now i start to regret (eventhough i told myself i shouldn't be) when the client (two different department) tried to pinch me over 5 months ago.

I got to go get a life, or at least get back what i've lost over the past 2 years.

Congrats Ebengy and Ee-Von

My lil sister that is younger by 4 years got married yesterday, 21st September.

It is really a different experience for the family as this is the second marriage that happened and from a totally different perspective where my parents are "sending" off their daughter.

I was made MC designate for the wedding reception and was a bit jittery to begin with. Actually, i shouldn't be, since i can't stop talking.

The day started on Sunday, which coincidently was my parents' 34th Wedding anniversary.

There were a small eating session, which my mum over-catered for families, only to see them not showing up. It was really sad to see the wastages. Not helping with the holiday season where a lot of people either had made plans much earlier and has RSVP-ed out of courtesy or the typical Malaysia Tak-Apa attitude.

But we chose not to see the down side of it and just enjoy the company of those that made it.

Everything was geared towards the big day on 21st.

As usual, the chinese wedding would not be completed without the "torturing" session. My mum sort of helped his future son-in-law by giving the convoy the house key! Cheeky!

Heng Tai(brother) to Groom : If they make us eat those bird eye chillis again, you're on your own, ok?

But it was all fun and good end of the morning session. The compulsory tea ceremony went as expected with me taking place after my parents to recieve the tea.

It was new for me and Wifey. I guess there are priviledge being the eldest.

I can't imagine the day she get married and how i will be feeling

The bride and groom then next went back to the groom's house where there is another waiting party and tea ceremony to attend to.

For me, this session was particularly significant because the traditional top that was worn by my sister belongs to wifey, and it was worn by two other friends before as well. It is not easy to find something this traditional and not the cliche Cheongsam.

I hope this Kua will be worn by my youngest sis, then by either Ryan's wife or Nadia when they get married. I know it is really too far of some thinking, but at the rate the kids are growing up, it makes you wonder if i will be 50 tomorrow and they getting hitched (at 18???) Never say never, i guess.

The rest of the day was spent resting at home and me going through the reception flow and writing the transcript while sitting on the toilet bowl and later, lying down trying to appease the head-thumping-ache and racing heart.

It is my sister's wedding. I must do it. I will. I must.

I left early to the venue and left Wifey and the kids to come later with my MIL and SIL. Part of the plan is to lessen the exposure time for Ryan before he turns uncontrollable again. It is embarrassing sometimes, and you can imagine that i am already quite thick skin - just how more embarrassing it could be when Ryan starts to be tyRyant!

There were a little hiccup with the seating arrangement but nothing the families and fantastic helpers (friends mostly) could not solve. The show went on and i was MC designate.

Practice make perfect, but i was jittery. The main aim, i told myself, was not to embarass myself or the newlywed. So i kept to the minimal.

It worked fine until somewhere between the first course and second Ryan turned tyRyant.

No choice. Wifey decided to pack them up and goes back home. Sacrifices she has to make. Love you darling.

The rest of the evening went much smoother as the hungry stomachs were fed.

Then came the toast. I am speaking in English when the crowd are 85% chinese educated.

This is like selling medicine in English to a crowd of Swahili speaking natives.

Somehow, the food must had been good that the crowd did not really noticed what i've even said.

The toast went on well with the customary YAM SENG!

Brig. Jen. Goh (groom's dad) and Ben, the groom went on to give their speeches and all wells, ends well!

Congrats again to the both of you, my sister, Ee-Von and my new addition to the family, Ben. We only hope and wish that your marriage will be blessed and would be filled with all things hot(like the chillies), all things bitter (like the freshly made bittergourd drinks), all things flavorful (that yellow liquid, i am not even sure what was that!) and all things sweet (like the peanut butter).

My sister is not a hard person to please, i've spent a big part of my life growing up with her, arguing and had our spats of "no talking period". But essentially, we are all a family, and family stick by you, and stand up for you in whatever you do.

Welcome to the family and i wish both of you nothing but the best in offsprings,health and wealth!!!

Not Been Too Well

I was down with food poisoning on Monday, despite only eating items available at home. The only variable was the nasi lemak that wifey bought after her run on Sunday.

But that would been too long of a period for any bacteria to gestate before it became full blown food poisoning, no?

I was frequenting the toilet bowl every other hour on Monday, less on Tuesday, even lesser on Wednesday and only twice yesterday.

Today, i found my appetite to eat again.

Along those days of this week, i had to battle gastric as i can't take in much solids, let alone energy beverages such as Milo.

And two days ago, i had this nauseating feeling with my head pounding and heart racing with cold sweat breaking. Going up the stairs was a chore, i had to lie down for fear of blacking out.

Waking up from sleep was fine until i stood up and start feeling dizzy again.

Low blood pressure?

Low Sugar?

Today, or rather, 10 minutes ago, after much persuasion (and not very happy one at that) by mum and wifey, i decided to go to the panel clinic to check.

The doctor, which i saw like just a week ago, was surpised to see me all pale.

He compared his palms with mine. I was shocked myself.

Pressure 120/60. Normal.
Heartrate 76bpm. This is at least 16bpm higher than my resting heartrate, and at least 26bpm compared to what i wakes up with.

He had me laid down. Took my blood sample.

I know how my blood looked like in volume and i was pretty shocked to see them so....watery. It is usually thicker. This one, watery, but red. But not dark red.

He say he will call when the lab get back to him.

He told me to go home, rest. If i am driving, consider to get my wife to pick me up.

I walk.

I walked back to office, and now I am typing this, I can feel my heartbeat on my head. It feels like i did a good interval run, minus warm sweat, but cold sweat.

A colleague asked me how come i don't look as tan, and if i've not been training.

I told her about the food poisoning and the visit to the doctor and she says no wonder why i looked so pale, and tired.

What is happening?

I am not sure. I am waiting for the doc to call me once the blood results comes back.

The Moon. The Moon.

Nikon D90 + 70-300G.
ISO100, 300mm, F9 at 1/640.

I love the moon.

And then i pimp it up a bit more, and add a corny line.

I think i've managed to capture it, the way i want to see it, finally.

LIMF - LeTuang Impossible Mission Force : Mission 4th Floor

This entry got nothing to do with anyone dead or alive, famous or otherwise. Any resemblences are highly regretted.

We figured out, as part of our plan to take over the country, going in to the 4th Floor dressed as Taliban might not be a very good choice.

Some of the members that has accepted the challenge to "do the country a big favour" has decided to dress up as the Premier's wife.

This should allow at least one of them to get passed the security (and also Toll Keeper KJ).

But the question remain - WHO?

Your pick, please.

1. Puan Sri Dr. Azlia

2. Puan Sri Dr. XXXXXX
Removed as he will be involved in a real covert operation. His status is now unknown. Elevated to higher position in the team.

3. Puan Sri Dr. Shazliza

4. Puan Sri Dr. Eevana

5. Puan Sri Dr. Kharisa

6. Puan Sri Dr. Rafiqah

It will be a dangerous mission and we could possible strap/pack ourselves with enough C4 to "get into the shape" and mimic Puan Sri Dr.

Whoever that managed to do the above and success, will be made a matyr.

Vote now.

Negaraku.

Joke on LeTuang Taliban aside.

I love my country, and i know you all, do too (minus the politicians, of course)

And we don't need bigots parading body-less animals or idiots that strikes fear into people.

Batu 18 - Perez - Tekala - Batu 18

Back to business. The previous post was really a way to laugh silly with some great handiwork from Le Jason. His photoshop skill is damn kaw cinya good (i can't find anymore superlative anymore).

Must credit him for that la. I know as i am typing this, he is up to something else, putting someone's face into someone else's body. It would be hilarious.

OK. It has been a month since i felt like shit. With overworked body and stressed out mind and soul. Now with gastric/GERD/Not sure (as i have no guts to go check), life has been pretty challenging at work and at training.

I've not been myself Some say i've been too hard even. Perhaps so. Maybe i did. I know why i reacted that way - it was because i had too much drive and too much passion. When pushed to the edge, they are often looked as a thin fine line between over reacting and meeting personal expectation.

Today, i was as happy as a 5 years old getting a new bicycle. No, i did not get a new bike. But i had my Colnago Dream fixed. The previous owner modified the hub to take in 10sp when it could only take 9, which explained why the cassete dislodged from the hub. After the sports massage at Equal, i felt much lighter in my steps.

As Heckler would say, 2 times fail, 3rd time for sure Charm!

He was right.

I rode the route as per title with Ironman Adeline today. Only the two of us. I have fear that i will bonk again as i reach the T-Junction of Perez - Tekala. I have fear that i will fail again.

It was very real. I am not dramatising it a bit. OK, maybe by writing it here now, it is. But you get my drift.

We started off at Batu 18 by 8am. I could feel the gastric coming. Unlike me, i bought two pau from the kopitiam and ate it hoping it will keep the gastric at bay. it did. We spin lightly towards the junction. 10km of very gentle climb towards the T-Junction. Took us about 30minutes.

I felt fine. Stopped for a while to drink up and proceed to climb Perez (actually it is known as Genting Peras, but Perez sounded more...impressive).

Heartrate would had been a constant 160bpm with a steady cadence of 50 to 60rpm. I was on granny - 39-25. Adeline still has 2 gears to be used. 39-23 she was on. Slowly, she pulled away and pushing cautiously, i tried to keep up.

I felt my Perez legs returning. I used to climb this 10km uphill within 30minutes. The last two times took me 90 - i might as well walk.

Eating Ade's dust

And following her shadow

I was relieved when i finally see the signboard which denotes we reached the top of the climb. I felt great, but i felt light headed too. Decided to lie down on the road. Something that i've been doing for the past 2 rides. I felt like blacking out. The blue sky turned monochrome.

Drama la

and have to roll over to keep a lookout for vehicle coming

I was glad the feeling was over as in two minutes. We made out way down Perez and on towards Tekala.

Not expecting that any stalls would be opened during this fasting month, the usual joint suprised us by being in business. I've never eaten mid ride, and today, was another exception. Nasi Lemak and Coke. Potent. Every burp has a tinge of chili in them.

Orang Asli boys accompanying us after nasi lemak

The return ride sees me and Ade together for all 5 minutes. Then she went dissappearing through the horizon. She was that fast.

Last i saw her

The return journey was done alone. Ade was fast. I tried catching, but it was futile. I only saw her 500m to the carpark. That too, she had to slow down for someone learning how to drive.

It was a good ride for me. Good enough to bring back some sunshine and confidence.

Distance : 10+10+10+15+15+10 = 70km
Total time: 0800-1130 = 3.5hours.
*TCSS time : 0.5hours
Net Calorie burned : Zero. The Pau, Nasi Lemak and Coke would had allowed me enough energy to run a marathon.

*Talk Cock Sing Song