Life is either a daring adventure or nothing

For me on the cloudy Saturday morning yesterday, I was just a mere 0.81s slower than Usain Bolt....... BUT ....... the difference is that I clocked the timing of 10.5s over 40 meters in my IPPT and Usain Bolt ran 100 meters!

Can you imagine that!?!? For many of us, the timing we take to run our IPPT or NAFTA shuttle run, we are still at least one second slower than Usain Bolt! Means that while we are still huffing and puffing trying to catch our breath, Mr Lightning Bolt has already finished his race and already into his celebration laps already! Shocking statistics isn't it?

Anyway, that was just the appetizer. The main course is updating everyone about my yearly IPPT which I took yesterday. My results are as follow:

Station #1: Sit-Up - 38 (Argh! Short of one to get 5 points!)

Station #2: Shuttle Run - 10.5s (Disappointing. I clocked 9.9s a year ago)

Station #3: Chin-Up - Excused because of my wrist injury

Station #4: Standing Broad Jump - 216cm (Phew! My weakest station. Just happy to clear that!)

Station #5: 2.4km Run - 12min 27s (I'm glad I survived through 6 boring laps round the tracks!)

Honestly, I was quite upset with my results, especially for the sit-up and shuttle run stations. I could have done much better on those scores. All it took was a split second of lost concentration and everything went downhill from there.

When I started out at the Sit-Up station, I was 1-for-1 (1 sit-up every second) for the first twenty seconds. And typically for me when doing sit-ups, I would take huge breathe and slowly exhale through the 60 seconds without taking a second breathe. This helps me to keep the momentum going and hitting 40 sit-ups would be a piece of cake. However this time round things took a different turn. Suddenly there was a shout from behind from one of the PT instructors, "Ah Ah Ah... Cup your ears ah!!" . I lost focus for that split second an exhaled my breathe of air and started frantically inhaling a new breathe. That broke my momentum and I almost had abdomen cramps! I struggled for the remaining 40 seconds, only managing 18 more sit-ups. It felt digusting knowing that I missed the top mark in this station just by one sit-up!

Ironically, I left the Sit-up station unable to sit up properly because of the abdomen cramp. Time constraint, so I went ahead to the shuttle run station. Bending up and down to touch the sensor, combined with the twisting and turning was really tough with the abdomen strain, so I came in from the shuttle run clocking a pathetic 10.5s.

At that point, I felt really yucky and thinking that I had another 2.4km race ahead, I really had no mood for it. I feel like walking out. But the thought of going for RT (Remedial Training) puts me off and I decided to give it my best shot for the last station.

At the flag off of the 2.4 run, I was thinking to myself that all I needed to do was to clock 2.00 minutes flat per round and I will be safe for a pass at 12:00 minutes. (the passing mark for my age group is 12:40)

Looking and feeling good after the 1st lap. (1 minute 53 seconds)

It's getting bored in the 2nd lap but still ok. (3 minutes 57 seconds)

My legs are feeling the cramps in 3rd lap. (6 minutes 05 seconds)

I really really feel like stopping and walk for the rest of the run after 4 laps. (8 minutes 15 seconds)

Everyone seems to be overtaking be in this 5th lap. I am grimacing from stitches. (10 minutes 20 seconds)

Gosh! I was getting slower by the laps and am flirting with failure and possible RT if I still continue to run at this turtle pace! NO! I didn't come this far to fail and go for RT... This cannot be! Mustering up all the remaining energy I could find within my legs, I opened up my stride wider and pushed through the last 400 meters.

I closed my eyes at the last 10 meters as I crossed the electronic barrier end point. Upon hearing the beep signal, I opened my eyes and looked at the score board.... 12 minutes 27 seconds..... I PASSED!!!

I left the camp a happy man. I may not have clocked the best possible performance, but I am glad that I bounced back from the initial shocker, cramps and yucky feeling to pass this IPPT. IPPT... Till we meet again next year! Kudos!

Lesson learnt: Indeed, a lot of things is in the mind. 99% of our defeats in life come because we caved-in in our minds first. We lost concentration, lost the will to fightand gave up easily and sometimes even before the battle begins! Life is never always smooth sailing. What counts is when we remain focused and will ourselves to rise up and conquer the next hurdle ahead!

Source:
(1) Usain Bolt photo from http://www.huffingtonpost.com
(2) IPPT station photos from http://www.mindef.gov.sg

Disclaimer: I have no anger nor grievances against the PT instructor whom shouted at me at the sit-up station. He was just doing what he needs to do. =) Read more on this article...

Sharing with everyone this special post written by a dear friend of mine.

Disclaimer: Please read with discretion! =) Stay tuned to my blog for the true blue Singapore version of the story.

So sit tight and enjoy this story.....

So yes, this is the story of a "couple" of my friends. And how the met. And how friendship blossomed into a tree bearing much fruit. Before I go on, I must admit, I have to preconceived idea that Singaporean girls generally are more aggressive compared to Malaysian girls. And I still do think so.

On one of the days during the trip, I asked my new found friend called C, how her relationship with my other new found friend called E happened. She proceeded to produce a a little story slightly south of the truth. When I asked E, a differing story came up. And when I asked the rest of my newly found friends, even more disparities were produced. So I guess I shall hope off the bandwagon and merge my little puzzle here.

I managed to find some cute and archived pictures from this blogger, very creative I must say. Anyways, I'll be using some of her material as part of this story. So all credit goes to her for pictures. =)

Anyways, the story goes like this...

For a long, long, long, while, our friend C has been waiting for a burning ember to spark up her life. But like the saying goes... it's hard to hit a moving target.

Read more on this article...

Just came back from TCS Staff Advance in Lanjut, one of the beautiful beach resort on the East coast of Malaysia. It was really a good time out from the hectic pace of life back in Singapore. There was sufficient rest time, play time, good food, wonderful fellowship..... basically I came back really well rested, recharged and ready to go! Woohoo!

Check out some lovely photographs (courtesy of my good neighbor in office - Joy Ong)...

Watch out for more photos coming up soon pending my colleagues sharing their photos with me. =) Read more on this article...

Article and pictures from: The Straits Times, 31 August 2008

Honestly, when I first read this article, it was nothing new to me because I have experienced this during my days in NUS since I started out as a Freshmen and all through the subsequent 6 years as a Senior. However, since my Freshmen years 8 years ago, I have really seen an "advancement" in how more and more explicit these orientation games or forfeits have become. If this concern or alarm was not raised, we might as well brace ourselves for the days ahead where even secondary school orientations are playing such lewd games!

Check out some of these "games" being played and let this serve as a warning so that you will learn to prepare yourselves and guard yourselves from such lewd acts.

Lewd Game #1: Passing Sweets from Mouth to Mouth


This is an all out 'sabo' game. Usually the toothpick that is given to the freshmen is only half the length of the normal toothpick or even shorter! Using that, you are required to pass polo sweets from one toothpick to another! Secondly, while in the midst of focusing on passing the sweets, some seniors would 'accidentally' bump the two freshmen (typically a guy and girl) so that they would 'accidentally' kiss onto one another!

Lewd Game #2: Human Polo Dance


Typically a forfeit game. The girl would be the 'pole' and then the guy supposedly the dancer. No meaning to this game. In fact I find this very disturbing and degrading for the girl. It seems to be portraying her as the object of sexual desire!

One way I got around this was to dance around the pole instead of doing pole dancing the sexual connotation way. It makes the crowd laugh because it's funny but yet not degrading.

Lewd Game #3: Passing Egg Relay


Somehow all these orientation games doesn't seem to like using hands and feet the usual way. It always has to involve face, chest, lips, buttocks...etc. This game probably ends up more dirty than lewd because most of the time the raw egg or water bag would break in between the faces.

Lewd Game #4: Licking Whipped Cream / Colgate


This would probably be the most sexually explicit orientation games evolved. Typically makes it look like sexual foreplay. This game sometimes is done with the girl being blindfolded and trying to feel her way to find the cream and lick it off. Gosh! Whoever came up with this game is sick man!

Lewd Game #5: Push-Ups


Ok, this game speaks for itself. I don't need to explain it any further.

You know what is upsetting about such lewd games?

1. Most of the games would portray women in a degrading way.

2. It's quite humiliating because most of these games are forfeits. Which means that when two person are performing this forfeit, the entire camp or group are watching and cheering them on!

Honestly, what has become of Orientation? Isn't it supposed to be one where you make a lot of friends, build rapport and teamwork and get adjusted to campus life? Since when has sexual connotative games been a way to achieve these objectives? I strongly believe we can still have fun and building relationships the 'clean' way!

To the girls especially: Do not feel compelled to join in such games. Make a stand and maintain your moral standards. You do have a choice to say NO to such games. It's ok to have fun, but not at the expense of compromising your values and principals. Read more on this article...

[Disclaimer: This post has been rated PG by the author. In any case if you are stumbled, responsibility will not be borne by the author]

Well... I bet I have caught your eyes with this attention-grabbing title right?

These past few days, I have observed some disturbing matters which really caught my attention and shocked me totally! Check out this news article from NewPaper on 25th August...


Gosh! Teenagers today, regardless of their academics standards, are engaging in sexual activities at a really young age.. and not to mention even without protection measures! And this article even highlights that most of our teenagers do not know anything much about sex and sexuality i.e. can get pregnant after having sex, STDs...etc. Then why in the world do they still get involved not knowing the potential dangers that lie ahead?

Check out this next article which is even more disturbing....


Having sex with the boyfriend just because out of boredom?!?! My goodness!

What infuriates me most was this... this teenage couple only tried using condoms as an experiment and it was purely out for fun! And having nothing better else to do, each time they came together, all they did was just having sex! *Faintz*

Another shocking article...


Having no idea how a woman can get pregnant? Having no idea that one can contact STDs from unprotected sex? This teenage girl ended up having unprotected sex 4 times a week with a man more than twice her age!

And check this out... despite having discovered this man's real identity, this girl still refused to leave the guy, but still want to stick with him just because he is caring. Honestly think about it, do you think this girl will have a future or even get married with this guy?

Pause.

It's really shocking to hear that young people today grow up with rather loose moral standards. Of course we can push all the blame on the Internet and new media that has been bombarding our youths' minds today with all sorts of sexually stimulating materials. Just a stroll on the MRT cabin, or picking up an islandwide popular free newspaper, you will catch a full view advertisement as this....

What do you think goes through the teenagers' mind when they see such advertisements? And not to mention all the magazines displayed in stores which shows scantily dressed women on the front cover. It's really difficult to walk around without seeing ANY advertisement that is promoting its product without using any tinge of sexuality to draw the crowds' attention. Honestly, I am rather disgusted at how perverse and low the methods have become. Internet, blogs, social networking websites.... these platforms have become tools which speed up the process or made easy a teenager's access to these sexual materials.

Having said that, we can't just throw all the blame on new media. On the other end, Education has got to play an important role as well. Honestly, the law and ministry system will always play second fiddle to the degree that new media is penetrating to our teenagers. But what should be of key importance is really considering pushing sexual education to the teens at a younger age and allowing them to have avenues where they can be free to share some of their struggles without being condemned by the adults or laughed at by friends.

This is the challenging scenario right now: Without proper and healthy way of sex education, the teenagers grow up clueless about sex and sexuality. And with the bombardment of provocative pictures and sexually connotative materials from the new media, youths seems to hit puberty at an earlier age and they are keen to find out more and experiment in this area. However, without the proper curriculum in place to teach them about the dangers and consequences of unsafe sex or premarital sex, AND with adults still seeing SEX as a taboo topic to talk about with young people, the only place they learn about sexuality will be from the new media and the friends around whom have tried the 'forbidden fruit' before!

Some of my personal comments....

To the boys: There is no denying that we are hot blooded and testosterone-driven at this young age and want to explore our sexuality. However, do not be distorted by what you see in the TV programmes and Internet. Do not be rash to jump into sexual activities in your relationships. You can have a healthy, fulfilling relationship with your girlfriend without engaging in sexual activities. Use the brain on your head to think rationally, not the brain below your waist which is always irrational. The only difference between human beings and animals is that human beings know how to control our sexual urges and desires. Don't be an animal!

To the girls: Learn to guard and protect yourself, especially your emotions. Don't be sweet talked by guys into giving away your body to prove your love. You don't need to have sex to proof your love to your boyfriend. If your boyfriend does demands sex to prove your love, than I think such a boyfriend is not worthy to have, you can jolly well abandon this relationship. Learn to draw boundaries in your relationship with your boyfriend and not allow him to touch you in places that are forbidden. At the end of the day, you would want a boyfriend whom cares and love you for the way you are and who you are, not for what you can do with him (sex). 要学着自爱!!! Read more on this article...

Enough is enough. Been there and done that, it's time to take a break and try something new next time round. Those were my exact words after having ran two marathons in 2005 and 2006. And guess what? This year I am back again and have signed up for the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2008!!

"Siao ah?!?! Are you addicted to running marathon or what? Haven't you had enough of it? Aren't you afraid of getting injured again like how you did the previous times?"

Yes, these questions which many have asked me have been in my mind when I signed up for this gruelling 42km run. Honestly, I was really hoping I could go for a year-end overseas vacation to give myself a well-deserved break. And putting myself through 42km of pain and toil was the last thing on my mind.

So why did I sign up for the marathon anyway?!?!?!

"I WANT I CAN!" That's the motivation for me running the marathon this year. And I am running this marathon for the youths that I mentor, as a display of living out what I have always believe in - Nothing is impossible. Do not allow negativity or excuses saying that 'I can't' come in the way when we face challenges in life. If we set our hearts to do what is right and be determined to follow through, whatever we want, we can achieve it!

Join me along as I embark on this enduring journey once again. May you be inspired and catch that same persevering spirit as well! Gambatte! Woosh! Read more on this article...

[Disclaimer: This post has been rated PG by the author. In any case if you are stumbled, responsibility will not be borne by the author]

... (Continued from previous post)... Do you think I still struggle with watching Internet Pornography since that day? Well honestly, I still struggled for a good whole two years before I entirely broke free from the chains of Internet Pornography. However during those two years, it wasn't easy and there were many relapses along the way.

Sometimes I stayed free for almost an entire month, only to fall back again because of a moment of folly and dabbling 5 minutes longer on the Internet which extended to an additional hour of pornographic website surfing.

But during those two years, there were some important steps which I learnt and took that kept me on track and not give up in this battle.

1. I kept myself strictly accountable to my parents and also a trustworthy group of friends. Now, you must be thinking that I am crazy by being so harsh on myself. But truth is this, that was how badly I wanted to get out of this addiction. Till a point I wasn't afraid of 'losing face' by confessing to people around me whom I felt could help me. Looking back, this step was really important because constantly there were people whom would spot check on me and even when I had relapse, they would encourage and help me rather than condemn me.

2. I shifted my computer into the living room. Trust me.. even when I felt tempted to watch pornography, there was no way I could do it with my parents watching primetime Channel 8 drama series behind me!

3. I threw away almost $100 worth of FHM magazines. Gosh, these were like my 'precious' collection bought with my savings. But yet I also knew that these were like little temptations which would drive me towards watching pornography. So I decided to take the extreme measure of tearing them apart and throwing them down the rubbish chute!

4. I also decided to rejoin my group friends whom played soccer daily after school and on Saturdays as well. I made effort to visit my grandparents on Sundays with my parents as well. All these real life activities helped me to keep my mind away from doing my own "research" projects on the Internet. Exercising also helps to relieve myself from the sudden rush of urge and desire to go on the Internet.

5. I NEVER gave up trying! Basically I came to a point of understanding that pornography has a serious impact on me and my future. I really want to have a healthy mindset of sex and sexuality rather than be distorted by what is shown in all those perverse websites which shows human beings behaving like animals! I don't want to be like an animal! ARGH!!!

Many of you as you read my testimony of overcoming Internet pornography may feel that certain steps that I took were really extreme and that you may not be able to do it. Trust me.. you can, but you can't do it on your own. Learn to put down your pride and humble yourself to ask for help from close, good people around you. They can be your parents, your teachers, church leaders or pastors. Raise your hands and seek for help.

3 Basic Tips to share and encourage all of us:

Desire - Having understand the consequence of pornography. You need to desire that you want to break free from it. It all boils down to how badly you want to get out of it.

Decision - You have to come to a point of making a firm stand that no matter how hard it will be, you decide you want to change. Do not procrastinate on your decision. Do not look back at the decision you made.

Determination - It will not be easy along the way. There will be times where you may relapse and fall back. Or tempting obstacles that will entice you to go back the old ways. Be very determined. Determine from the very beginning that you do not want to slide back the old ways again!

PS: Till date, I have been "Porn-Free" for the past 5 years. If I can do it, so can you! Read more on this article...

15 years old, Bubble Tea was largely unheard of in Singapore. A typical teenager's favorite drink would still have to be Coca-Cola, F&N Fanta Grape or Ice Cream Soda. However, today when you walk along the streets almost anywhere, you would be able to see most teenage school students holding a cup of Bubble Tea in their hands! And not to mention that the price of a cup of bubble tea is even cheaper than any canned or bottled soda drink!

What actually happened? Who actually sparked forth a chain reaction that redefined the youth culture of Singapore (or even globally)? What actually happened that resulted in a transformation of culture - From Coke to Bubble Tea?!?!

Well honestly, I don't really know. I never really did trace back the history of bubble tea (Hmm.. maybe if you are keen, you can do a Wikipedia search on it and share info with me? Hehe... ). I only know it originated from Taiwan. But I am certain that it has got to begun with one man's crazy idea to bring Bubble Tea from Taiwan into Singapore. He probably would not have imagine that the simple little step of bringing a drink over would soon result in a teenage revolution that took the world by storm!

Can you see what I am trying to highlight here?..... Redefining Culture all started with One Man!!!

Is there a culture around which you would hope to change and make it better?

Alright, I know it is still rather far-fetched if we talk about us being that 'One Man' to redefining a world culture. But how about beginning on a simpler and smaller front of your world at Home? Or even at School or your workplace?

You may be facing alot of challenges in your workplace, home and school. You just don't like things the way it is and wish that the culture of the place can be improve. Maybe it is the way people speak to one another that could be more affirming and encouraging. Maybe it is hoping for a culture where everyone in the family readily stands out to help and support one another instead of giving excuses.

Whatever the problem is, stop focusing on the problems and start stepping out to redefine the culture ourselves! Yes.. Redefining Culture begins with ourselves! We got to be like a sore thumb sticking out doing things that no one does. That how people will notice us and that's how people will catch and follow what we are doing. That's how culture is sparked and redefined!

Many people might have scoffed and scruffled at the idea of Bubble Tea when it first burst forth onto the scene back 10 years ago in Singapore. Many would just term it as "High Class Tea". But soon, more people tried and more people liked it, and soon? the rest is history.

Brave yourself for a new world ahead! Be a Trend Setter and Culture Transformer!

PS: I occasionally like to drink Bubble Tea too. Ice milk tea with jelly (not pearl!) if you would like to give me a treat.

Note: This post is specially dedicated to my spiritual daughter Joadine. Thank you for introducing Daddy to bubble tea! Haha... Read more on this article...

During my JC days, I joined the Track & Field team purely out to experience something new. Having a good sense of my incredible hulk physique then, I knew that I could never make it to the Track events, so I rather be smart and opted for the Field events instead. I tried my hands at shot put, discus and javelin, but I still love discus the best. It's just so cool to see the discus slice through the air and soaring the distance.

Honestly, I wasn't a natural talent at discus throwing. During the first two weeks tumbled through the air like a rubber chicken. It was only two weeks later that I first saw my discus glide out of the cage landing at 10 metres. My coach came over to congratulate, "Well done! Now it's time to change to the guy's discus. You've always been using the girl's one for training!"

Training was really tough. I left each training with sore arms and back, and with blisters on my finger tips from gripping the discus. I really felt like giving up then, somehow all these pain wasn't really worth it. Maybe I should just go back to playing recreational soccer which I am comfortable with.

But something in my mind told me that I shouldn't quit. I'm not a quitter! Gritting my teeth, I stayed on and persevered through every training session. I also figured that I wasn't going to improve on my distance if I only trained twice a week. So I decided to do my own extra training daily after school for 2 hours. By then, I was so used to the blisters on my finger that they got harden. I was so used to pain and aches that I grew numb to them as well. But I never once complained nor had any thoughts about giving up again. Toying myself with complains only made me lose focus and tired mentally easily.

After 6 months of such intensive training, the grand payoff came when I took part in the school's annual sports meet and subsequently the National Schools' Track & Field competition. I came in 3rd for the school's sports meet and nearly made it to the second round in the Nationals. Both event my discus recorded a personal best of about 39 meters! Hey.. not bad for someone who only took up the sport less than a year!

Are you going through a particularly tough season in your life right now where you just feel like giving up? Are there emotional pains that you have suffered which cuts so deep that I just don't want to give and serve anymore?

My encouragement for you is to take this as a training season for your soul, as part of character development. Don't flirt with complains nor entertain the discouraging thought. Take on every challenge as an opportunity for growth and strengthening. Read more on this article...

[Disclaimer: This post has been rated PG by the author. In any case if you are stumbled, responsibility will not be borne by the author]

... (Continued from previous post)... Since that day of confession, a cold war broke out between me and my parents. We never talked and I could sense the tinge of disgust and disappointment at home with my parents. And this hopeless situation lingered on for almost a month, until one day when my parents asked me this question... "Are you very sure about kicking this sickening addiction?"

"YES! YES! I really need help! I am so sick and tired of falling in and out of this issue! I need help! Please do anything to help me!"

With tears welling in my eyes, my parents were truly convinced that I was really serious about getting rid of my lustful dirty little habit.

"Ok, we believe you. From now on, you must follow the rules that we set out for you.

Number 1: Move your computer into the living room.

Number 2: You can only use the computer when we are at home.

Number 3: You must allow us to conduct spotchecks on you when you are alone at home.

If you are serious about kicking the habit, do you agree to these rules?"

Honestly, for a good whole 10 seconds, I was dumbfounded by these rules that my parents set out for me. They seem so torturous and rigid! But I realized that if I was really serious about it, then it would call for me to take on these drastic measures which my parents set out for me.

"Ok. I agree to follow these rules.... sniff sniff..."

The subsequent weeks and months after I made this pact with my parents, life went on a roller coaster journey... but definitely for a good purpose. There were times when I was alone and home, and suddenly the phone would ring and my mum would be shouting from the other end of the phone line...

"What are you doing at home? Are you looking at those dirty websites???"

Since that defining confession moment to my parents, life has never been the same again.

Do you think I still struggle with watching internet pornography since that day?

Stay tuned for my final concluding episode ....... Read more on this article...

Many of you will know that I am a Manchester United fan when it comes to the English Premier League. Then why in the world am I writing about John Terry instead of dazzling Cristiano Ronaldo, legendary Ryan Giggs or giant goal-stopping Edwin Van Der Sar??

With all due respect to Manchester United, I would have to salute John Terry as an inspirational hero that I really look up to. For those of you whom have watched the European Champions League Finals and followed closely with the EPL the past few seasons, you would definitely agree with me that John Terry is without a shadow of a doubt, a man, captain and leader committed to his team through and through.

For once I really agree with what the ex-Chelsea manager always say, "The better team lost tonight." It was a cruel way to lose the finals having dominated the game. It was even more cruel that when the captain choose to take the responsibility of taking the final spotkick, which would have sealed the game, and yet he slipped and missed. The better team and man really didn't deserve this ending.

Look at the way this guy throws his body on the line game after game. Time and again despite being down with twisted ankles, dislocated shoulders and mutiple injuries, he refuses to give up and recovers in double quick time to lead and inspire his team again. Now that's what I call a true hero!

Many attention has been given onto the millions of dollars splashed on the transfer markets for new and young uprising superstars. But to me, no amount of money nor limelight can rob away the attention on this man....

John Terry - A man of Steel, A man of great heart, A True Inspirational Hero Read more on this article...

Definition of Bottom Line (from http://www.dictionary.com/):
1. The final result or statement.
2. The main or essential point.
3. The decisive point.

Everyone of us function with a bottom line in life. Whether is it towards people or matters of life. It has got something to do with how we are wired up in our minds towards a particular subject incident.

For example:

1. Even though all my friends smoke, play truant and copy during examinations, the bottom line is that I will never be like them.

2. The truth is that life really sucks. But the bottom line is that I will never eat worms nor give up!

3. Despite all the rumours flying around now saying that Peter is a gossip monger, the bottom line is that I still trust him.


In the first hit wave of crisis, do we immediately shatter and start doubting everything around us? Do we give up, turn doubtful easily whenever things don't go the way we expected it to? Do we not have that sense of resiliency to persevere through or work through to resolve the matter?

Down to the fundamental... What's Your Bottom Line? Read more on this article...