Run your own race. Climb your own Everest.

Many people were shocked when I told them I'm running the Standchart Marathon. The FULL marathon. 42.195km.

Can't blame them. Even I, myself didn't know why I wanted to do it. The furthest I've ever ran in my whole entire life was probably 4km? In a gym on a treadmill with the most ideal "weather condition".

And then came the 2nd Frequently Asked Qns - Why not try the 10km first?

Seriously, I don't know why.

The thought of completing the 10km or half marathon wasn't as exciting as the actual marathon itself. I've been taught to dream big dreams. And so, it became my goal. My focus in life when I've already lost directions.

Before long, it was the collection of our race packs! *excited*

Brother, being a 2nd time marathon-er (and my personal trainer for this marathon), said that we should load up on carbo the night before. Since our run is at 5.30am, it wouldn't be wise to have a heavy breakfast. The mere thought of it is quite scary. LOAD up CARBO.

Imagine an equivalent of like 10 potatoes or 5 bowls of rice or 1 loaf of bread. And then GO TO SLEEP.

What if.... it actually doesn't burn and become fats overnight??

But for the sake of my marathon... I ate a large plate of fusilli bolognaise.
Even Mom was impressed. She said she never see me eat so much before. LOL.

Next morning, 3 of us downed the Berocca drink and ate a bar before heading down to Padang.


Running the marathon taught me many lessons in life.

In fact, life is just like running a marathon. It's never about the destination, but the journey that matters the most. My journey towards training up for the run, my journey within the run itself, is something more memorable than the split second when I cross the finish line.

In life, we can never succeed alone. If not for my brother, I probably would have a much harder time completing the run.

There were times when we were just running around in circles, no shade nor scenary, and the air thick with exhaust fumes. And I started to get really frustrated. But never did I once doubt myself. For I know (as did other marathon-ers) that as long as we keep moving forwards, we'd eventually reach the finish line. No matter how tough the road that lies ahead, as long as we believe in ourselves, we will succeed.

We meet different people along the way. Some of them, you'd probably see once in your life. Some, appeared a few times. But they're all there for a reason. It was so funny to see those tourist in the Duck Tour Boat waving and shouting encouragements to us.

No matter young or old, male or female, race or religion, first timers or regulars, somehow I think people run marathons just to understand life better. Everyone should at least run a marathon once in their life.

For me, it kinda re-affirm my belief in my business. All the teachings being practised and reflecting back to life again. It's a circle! I'm so proud of everyone who participated that day!! Together, we achieved something. See you next year!

It's not about how fast you run. But how you complete your race.

Thanks to Brother & WJ for running with me. I seriously think it's the pasta. =p

It's not about how fast you can run

But how long you can last.

It suddenly came to mind while I was having my morning training at ECP today.

Somehow, it reflects the nature of my business as well. Yup, it's a matter of time.

Standchart actually has a huge countdown timer overlooking everyone who walks past its bank.
[13 Days] it read, when we walked past it on Sunday. Stressed.
What the heck am I doing here on a perfectly fine Sunday? I wondered to myself. Ahh.. The feng shui master told us it was a auspicious day to start work. Boo.

The view from the new office is spectacular! It overlooks the vast Singapore river & Marina Bay. If I'm bored, I can even take a peek at the guests over at Fullerton. Haha!

We even have a "Rendevous Alley" (as Mr Lion called it) where our cupboards are. Speaking of the tiny cupboards, Ah Wee just pointed out that the boxful of stuffs I brought to the new office seemed redundant. Argh! And the other box I had at home should have been the one I brought over. Argh!!!

++++

I went to 7th Heaven the other day.
Nope I didn't like faint during my run or something. I visited Dr Sein and her much talked about creations - Adults only ICE CREAMS!

The location is sibei ulu. Seriously. It's as if they purposely got this spot to source out the true blue foodie who would travel the 7 oceans, brave the devastating storms, to seek enlightenment upon a mountain. Ok, it's literally on a hill though.

So after going through all the tests that Dr Sein executed upon mere mortals like us, our final test, before we gained enlightenement, was the sinfully rich cream desserts infused with alchohol. Taa-daa...

Sampler platter of 3 easily costs more than the plate of chicken rice (plus 2 sides & drinks) we had earlier.
Being a choc-lover, Black forest was easily my fav. It was rich with tiny bits of choc peeking out and a generous dose of rum. Lychee martini came 2nd. The name says it all. I thought the mango & vodka fusion was a weird combi. D thought otherwise.
The platter was savoured in comforting silence. Luckily we came at an odd time. Cos I heared there'd be a queue during peak hours.

Alas, as the last spoonful of Black Forest drizzled down my tongue, the Saint herself appeared before us - Dr Sein. She came across as a well-articulated and polite young lady. But if not read properly, she may seem a little sacarstic. D called her a B-word. =X

I must say I'm impressed. But not like FWOAH impressed. Perhaps I had too high expectations. For now, my Ice Cream Chefs work well for my palettes. On my wallet too. =)

10 Raeburn Park #01-24
Marketing Institute of Singapore (behind the Railway station)

Not for the faint-hearted.

Have you noticed...

With COE priced cheaper than your chicken rice and xiao long baos, and oil at $49 a barrel, it suddenly seems as if buying a car ain't that tight on your skinny jeans pockets.

But for all those drivers who are spending more time in their car than at home, they actually miss out on the fun of travelling together with other commuters.

Just the other day, I saw an advertisement of The Economist on the train. The ad went:

Qns: "Can the world fit another 2 million people?

Ans: ______________________________

__________________________________

I'm not sure if it meant for people to fill in the blanks. But some smart aleck wrote:

"No. Cos there are too many Bangalahs."

No offence. But I couldn't help but feel the corners of my lips twitch against gravity. Squeezing on a crowded train during morning rush hour isn't all that pleasant ya know! The last thing I would want to see is some boring ad about investment.

And the other day, I saw that SMRT has implemented the "tracking-stations-dots" that'll blink on the coming stop to indicate the next station. I thought it was pretty cool especially when you're one of those sardines packed in the middle of the cabin and cannot hear/see where the train is stopping. Or for foreigners who cannot understand that Tampines is not pronounced as "Tam-pines". Oh yeah, it will also show which side of the doors will be opening.

But ours still can't be compared to Tokyo. The Tokyo-ians uses a plasma screen which will indicate the directions and estimated travelling time. To top it off, they have really nice tunes when the doors are closing. Not like our "Doors closing. Beep beep beep beep......"

Apart from quirky ads, you may chance upon interesting species onboard. Perhaps, "crabby cabbies" aren't the only "aliens who hold regular council meetings with cauldrons" (as quoted from Phin, writer of Today column)

Recently, there's a surprisingly increasing lot of hungry people who eat onboard...

Or getting all snuggly-muggly onboard...

Or bringing his best friend onboard...

The ultimate - This uncle unable to resist the sudden urge of nicotine dosage when onboard...

So next time, keep your chins up when on board. For you may never know the interesting finds that lie hidden in each cabins. And don't suddenly feel drowsy when you see an elderly or pregnant woman. Keep those chins up!

You can do your part to save the Earth by travelling less in cars, and more by public transport.

Good or Bad?

It's a Saturday and I'm at home. Alone. (T^T)

Well, I had officially grown out of my te kar couple of days ago. The effect from... running too much (without cool down. I suppose). *sigh* I had to wear flats & slippers this whole week to work.

Lesson learnt: If it rained immediately after a run, and you had to jump into a car.... do your stretching at the coffee shop!

Oh wells, hope to get back on the tracks next week! I only barely managed swim & gym the last 2days.

Other than a speedy recovery for myself, a much speedier recovery for Big Bird (HAHA!) Now that she has Onion (aka 80cm dog) and Ginger to look after, I bet she has her hands full. Oh no! Hope Onion and Ginger won't produce a Garlic! Cos Mr Poh says Onion is a male....

With moving office coming up in mid Nov, this last quarter really marks alot of events. Of cos, there's still our goals that we're running. Amidst global financial crisis and widespread of chaos and uncertainties, it's really pointless to panic over things we don't have control over. Rather, let's stay focused on the things we can control like our family, relationships, and health.

As lao ban always says, "Good or bad...."
Chorus, "HARD TO SAY!"

Getting Beef-ed up

How often do you see youngsters now, wash up after their parents. And I mean they do it not because their lives were at stake.

How about giving up your 4-figure salary banking career (and chic clothes & air-conditioned office) to sweat it out with your dad as a hawker?

Well, Tina did. And so we went over to Far East Square to try the infamous Hock Lam Beef Kway Teow. And from the special request of Dr Leslie who runs the famous food blog, they had a special shabu shabu beef set only for that day. (Look! I even ripped the photo from his blog!) I guess it's kind of a birthday celebration for them?

Anyway, we ended up having beef kway teow at $45. Wow. The proceeds will go to charity so, it's all for a good cause!

Verdict: The silky smooth kway teow was fragrant with the crushed peanuts. Despite the rich colour, it was bland. The beef stock was tok kong. Power soup! Shabu beef is tender. Yup, that's all I liked about it. Going back for 2nd rounds? I guess I'll consider if I'm in the vacinity.

Selamat Hari Raya & Happy Children's Day to all children!

(Yay! We got a holiday for being nice children!)

Jelly legs & trio-melons

Time check: 9.40am

Weather outlook: Sunny

Destination: To ECP ski park

Total time taken: 1.5hr

Total Distance: 10km (?)

Verdict: SHAG!

++++

Mummsie wanted to go Charcoal for early bday lunch. Service is horrible. Dunno should laugh or cry at the clueless student servers. Sigh.

Charcoal is a fine-dining restaurant tucked away at MOF beside FUNAN. It's managed by SHATEC students. Hmm... hmm... (fumbling with the right words) ...

Jia you ba. ^^;;;;

Anyway, the set is quite wu-hua considering it comes with soup, entree, desert & coffee/tea for just $15.90++. And an entree is already around that price. But! But! It's a standard menu. So to change the entree, you have to top up 50% of its ala-carte price. Sadly, nobody was interested in the pan-seared salmon.

We're guessing trio-melon soup consists of watermelon, honydew & .....??

Dad: "... like got cucumber leh..."

O.o"

I realised my soba tasted abit like ee-mian. =D

The Bro asked if there wasn't an "American" infront of carrot cake, would people think it's chai tou kueh?? =DD

The tiramisu is the best item. Generous with coffee liquor. But the presentation abit off. The ugly chocolate mass of cocoa powder on top resembles a milo dinosaur. Yummy nonetheless!

Despite the lack of service, poor menu knowledge from the servers, and mediocre food, we enjoyed ourselves. Afterall, it's not about the food but the company that matters most. =)

Sweet treat No heat!

Ingredients
Biscuit Base:

• 2 packs of 150g Oreo cookies
• 50g melted butter
• Round baking pan (8 inch x 8 inch x 2.5 inch)

Cream Cheese Mix:

• 500g cream cheese
• 1 cup castor/normal sugar
• 250ml whipping cream
• 1/4 cup lemon juice (1 med-size lemon)
• 3 tsp gelatin powder
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 1 tsp vanilla essence

I know you're eager but before you start... Take out your butter & cream cheese to let it soften first!

Preparations

1. Remove cream from Oreo cookies. Crush cookies to fine crumbs.
2. Mix crumbs with melted butter thoroughly.
3. Cover base of pan with aluminium foil. Spread biscuit mixture onto tray evenly and firmly. (I used the buttom of a glass to hammer it in. =p)
4. Put into freezer for 30min.

Cream cheese!!

1. Pour gelatin powder into warm water and let it "bloom" first. Then stir to dissolve. (I think it's easier to dissolve like this rather than stir immediately??) Add in lemon juice and stir mixture. (I added lemon zest i.e. grated skin of lemon. But don't so greedy until grate the white part. You have bitter cheesecake not my prob!) Cool to room temperature.
2. Beat melted cream cheese with sugar and vanilla essence until creamy.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the whipping cream until smooth. (Ok. For noobs, "smooth" means to whip till the cream actually turn from watery to puffy -- like those on cakes. It's ready if it sticks to your whisk/beater when you lift it out of your bowl.)
4. Whip the 2 mixes together. Add lemon juice mix and stir thoroughly. To add crunchy texture to the cake, you can also throw in chopped Oreo cookies as you stir the mixture gently. (I'm not sure if you should WHIP or FOLD when you mix -- cos if i'm not wrong, if you WHIP, it'll beat the air outta your whipped cream. Meaning you just wasted your energy to whip it. I use the FOLD method -- i.e use your spatula to literally 'fold' the mix as if folding oragami.)
5. Pour the mixture over your base and refrigerate for 5hrs. (Personally, I recommend you leave it overnight in the FREEZER. I didn't put in freezer and it was still rather soft after 5hrs.)
6. Sprinkle cocoa powder (optional) on cake and.... ITADAKIMASU =p~~~