Ain't No Mountain High

SWET stands for Singapore's Women Everest Team.

I had the opportunity to get to know the gals recently because my company is the title sponsor.There's Jane, Esther, Joanne, Lihui, Peh Gee and Yi Hui. They are all in their 20s or 30s and are attempting the summit (Mt. Everest) in march. If they succeed, they will earn themselves a Guiness Book of Records entry.

These gals are truly inspiring and motivate me alot. Their passion, excitement and dedication for the sport is remarkable. It's alot of hardwork to reach where they are right now. The amount of training and exercising is beyond me. For a start, they climb stairs daily and whenever they can instead of taking the lift or escalator. Sounds easy ... but it's not. And weekend means serious training. Hmm .. i wonder if they ever get some rest. But then, it's Mount Everest and not Bukit Timah Hill though. Ha:)

Thinking back, i ought to thank them for motivating me, and helping me to achieve my first personal breakthrough this year. I really don't know how i managed to do it but i did complete my 40km of cycling. The amazing thing is that i have not cycled since i was a little girl and i was telling my friend that i may have already forgotton how to cycle. But then, there's just so much truth in the statement. Once you know how to cycle, you'll never forget it. It's a skill. And trust me, this is so true.

As i was cycling and enjoying the cool breeze of the east and scenery of the coast, i thought of the gals. At that point, i was thinking to myself .. well, if they can climb the everest and train hard for it, what is this mere 40km. I guess that kept me going and it wasn't that tough after all.

And let me see ... maybe they will do me some good too. I hate trekking because i can't handle the sun. And i hate steps which is a real hindrance to climbing. But maybe after knowing them, mountain-climbing could be my next new found interest. Never say never. But till now, it's nowhere near my radar. Ha ha!

Media Conference @ A Unique Venue - Campus Corner.



It's interesting to read about their past expeditions. Not easy. I'll never be able to do it.



That's me .. the first well-wisher to sign on the board.



My new colleague, Rina and me with Mr All Wrapped Up aka Mr Mountain Climber. Check out his attire.



We'll behind the SWET Team. All the best!

Media Ministry Gathering

The media ministry gathered on sat afternoon for a great time over lunch and board games at the MiND's CAFE.

Look who's having fun.

Phonecall

I was working in the office yesterday afternoon when i received a call from a friend. She called to inform me that someone dear to the both of us was going for an eye operation in 45 mins time. Apparently, the condition seems to have worsen after the first operation barely just one month ago. At the back of my mind, i knew the seriousness of the situation and that the worst scenario is blindness.

As i was talking on the phone, my eyes were focused on the time on my computer screen. Time didn't stand still. Minutes have passed. There is nothing much we could do except to pray and hope for the very best. Somehow, i hate this questioning & bagarning thing with God. Questions of why .. why .. and why.

With just 45 minutes to go before the operation, all we could do is to encourage him through bible verses. Yes, i know my friend needed just that. If the text message doesn't get to him, it'll reach his wife for sure.

Isiah 41:13

"For i am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; i will help you."

At about 8.30pm, a message came in to say that things went well and operation ended earlier than expected. Thanks for the prayers. Phew! What a Relieve!

It's Over?

Just last week, i was planning for a short holiday with afew friends. We were all so excited that we were going somewhere. Accommodations were free and air tickets were really cheap. It would have been a good break for everyone after a year of hard work.

After everything has been settled, an sms came from one friend that her company is in a terrible state and filling for bankruptcy. One - Two days later, yes .. her company made it to the headlines.

Next came the news on the insurance sector. They were one of my major sponsors.

Sigh ... such is the vulnerability of life. You can't presume that everything is well at all times. Like what my friend wrote ... well, it's over ... haiz. I wish i know the perfect thing to say to her that will encourage her. But seriously, anyone who is in her position will feel lousy too. But well, what can i say but look at the bright side of things. It's not the end of the world and yes, life goes on despite the good and bad.

A colleague always tells us this ... enjoy everyday coz. u never know if tommorrow comes. While it may sound abit negative, but there's so much truth in it.

The Southern Ridges

I've been wanting to check out the Southern Ridges for awhile. Didn't get the chance till last week. It's a whole 9-km walk if you cover the distance point to point but well, for a start, i covered half the distance. From Mount Faber Park, through Telok Blangah Hill Park and ended at Hort Park.

Starting from Harbourfront, you walk a distance of 800m (approx 15mins walk) up to Mount Faber and they call it the Marang Trail. This trail extends from Marang Road, just behind the Harbourfront MRT Station to the cable car station at the Jewel Box on Mount Faber.

When you reach the top, you are rewarded with panoramic views of the southern part of Singapore, the Southern islands and of course, Sentosa.



One for the memory.



They call it the Faber Trail when you are at Mount Faber.

"Pirated" version of the Elfie Tower at Mt Faber



Nice View



We spotted a monkey up on the tree.



Where are we? Checking out the location!



The 3 Musketiers @ The Henderson Bridge



This curvilinear structure is located 36m above Henderson Road and bridges Mount Faber Park and Telok Blangah Hill Park at a horizontal distance of 274m and vertical elevation of 20m (about 6-storey residential building). The design intent is to give the surface of the bridge a natural form and make use of natural material. I love the design of the bridge. Beautiful!

Penny, Ying Ching & Me Posing For A Shot. We had fun!



More views



Somehow, i like this shot of my own shadow. It's cool! At least to me. Ha ha!



Hilltop Walk runs through the 34-hectare Telok Blangah Hill Park. The trail connects on one end with the Henderson Waves and the other with the Forest Walk leading to Alexandra Arch. I can't believe we actually climbed up the Telok Balangah Hill as well. While the rest of us were more interested in taking a rest, Penny was busy taking photos as the park offers a stunning 360-degree view of Singapore. Ha ha!



Our first REST-point. Weather was cool and the breeze was there. Perfect Saturday Morning.



Moving on, you will come to the bridge across Alexandra Road and the elevated walkway to Telok Blangah Hill Park. The connection comprises a 1.6 km meandering elevated walkway leading from Telok Blangah Hill Park to an 80-metre long bridge across Alexandra Road. The design for the elevated walkway and bridge is inspired by nature, and attempts to stitch the man-made structure into the natural landscapes.

The bridge has a curved deck and a tilted arch, which looks like an opened leaf across Alexandra Road. Ramps and staircases on each side bring the visitors up to the overhead pedestrian bridge from both sides of the road. On the Hyderabad Road side, the bridge is connected to the Horticulture Park via a Floral Walk

The Paparazzi Shots by Penny







Next Stop: HortPark

Located at the base of the bridge at Alexandra Arch, the Floral Walk offers a delightful stroll along a path lined with flowering plants. This is Southeast Asia’s first one-stop centre for gardening-related recreational, educational, research and retail activities in a park setting. Some park highlights include attractive themed gardens as well as outdoor display plots showcasing designs and ideas for home gardening. The 23-hectare HortPark connects to Kent Ridge Park via the Canopy Walk.



Now we are starting to feel tired. It's quit therapuetuc to just sit around and do nothing at times.



And look what we found? These are cute. Feel like i am in Alice In The Wonderland.









Our last group photo of the day before going for a nice lunch.



It has been fun. And of course, great company too. Till then, adios! We'll arrange for one evening walk one of these days.



Note: Photos by Penny Poon
(Sigh .. couldn't take my own pictures as my camera was send for repair. Thanks my friend)

Great Food. Great Fun. Great Company

Had an enjoyable time on Good Friday at Jean's place. I love her cosy apartment. If i had one of my own, i wouldn't mind staying home most of the time and just invite friends over to chill out. I love her 'private movie room' too. Such a brillant idea to watch movies by using the projector.

We were suppose to have BBQ but unfortunatedly, the barbeque pit was already booked. Thus, we catered some food but it was quite nice too. Thanks to Ronald for the durian feast which we had by the poolside. Will be perfect if there was some wine at that time.



One for the memories. Those who turned up for the party. Glad that Christine came to join us too. After downloading the photo last night, i realised that the photo seems to show Simon pulling Edwin's ear. Ha ha!



Penny realised it after i emailed the photos out. She did some photo editing to remove the hands. Now it looks perfect. If not, it looks as if Edwin is being bullied.



I love the Elmo toy that Jean has. Perfect toy to make u feel happy after a day's work & to release stress too. When squeezed, Elmo would chortle and begin to shake and laugh hysterically. Seeing Elmo falls down and wiggles on the ground, and then gets back up by himself is just so funny. I'll consider getting one for myself.

A Perfect Weekend Get-away

I had a fantastic weekend and hope that many of my weekends is just like that.

Saturday was a very fruitful day. Under Hope Vision Ministry, we conducted a video workshop which i thought was very good and well attended. All thanks to the hardwork by the team (Steven, Meng Chong, Ronald, KW & myself).



After the session ended in the evening, Penny, KW & me went to Bintan to join Benny, Peggy & her two friends there. We took the last ferry and the sea was really choppy. We were kind of in a rush and Penny left her camera in the cab. Realised it just when we were about to check in. Thankfully, we managed to trace the taxi-driver and found the camera back. When i reached Bintan ferry terminal, i was surprised to meet Eric, Simon & Fiona there. They were there for golf and were waiting for the last ferry to take them home.

It was 8.30pm by the time we reached Banyu Biru Villa and our dear host, Peggy brought us around the 'house'. I am impressed. The 3 bed-room villa is big & comfortable and the best thing is that it is fully equipped. Since the villa belongs to PSA, all the essentials were there. Microwave, refrigerator, dvd, utensils and all.



After supper and some TV programs, those who were still wide awake had a mid-night session of card games. It was really fun and somewhere along the session, everyone went silent. All in deep thoughts about strategy.



Sunday was enjoyable. The guys went to the gym while Christine, Penny and myself went for a dip in the pool and sauna. Sarah didn't want to swim and went for a walk by the beach instead. Like what Peggy said .... Tai Tai life. Ha ha ... for the morning only i suppose. Lunch was such a feast. We had yummy curry chicken prepared by Benny's mom and abalone instant noodle plus other stuff.



After lunch, some of them chose to chill out in the villa watching movies while Penny, Christine and myself went for a nice 2 hour walk around Nirwana Gardens. It was really fun. We love the hammock best. But by the time we got back to the villa, we were just on time to join the rest for another movie.



It was great fun plus great company too. Wish the rest could join us. Who are the rest? Well .. if u are reading this, u know who i am referring to. Ha ha!

Yan Can Cook, So Can KK

I had a great time on saturday catching up with two different groups of friends. Celebrated Dave's birthday @ Waraku and it was nice meeting up with the whole bunch of friends. Seems like ages since i saw them, except for Cecilia whom i met up with Val over dinner on thursday. It was suppose to be a surprise party for him until Lisan told him that he had to park @ Marina Sqaure and not Millennia Walk. But my apologies, had to leave before the cake-cutting coz. had to rush off to the bank. Miss my little charlotte who unfortunatedly was abit grouchy that day coz. she just woke up.

And at nite, went over to KK's place for dinner. He had prepared a sumptuous meal for some of us and it was nice getting to know Jean and Edmond better over dinner and wine. I love his cereal prawn which is simply fabulous .. restaurant standard. Thanks for dinner.

A Fruitful Day

Am on leave today (off in-lieu)and ran many errands. It must have been one of the most fruitful day for me and feels abit like CNY visitation.

Went to visit Baby Damien & had lunch with Sharon followed by Cecilia's place to pick up some winter wear and see some of her europe pic. Thereafter, went out dinner with my family and went to meet Jan & Cheryl at their place before going over to Jo's place to pick up stuff.

Quite an accomplishment today as i went to 4 different homes and spend time with friends. Even during the festive season, i never had to do so many visitation.

Baby Damien

Yesterday was visitation day for me. During lunch, went to visit BIG Boss at SGH with some colleagues. He had knee operation. And at nite, went to Raffles Hospital to visit Sharon who just gave birth to Baby Damien. He's 3.29kg.



He's the first kid amongst my group of A-level friends. Who does Damien looks like .. mommy or daddy? Well ... difficult to tell, he's got his own baby look.




But the good thing is that he will have a friend soon. Just got to know yesterday that eve is 15 weeks pregnant. Congrats!



With Baby Damien and the coming of eve's baby next year, things will be pretty fun amongst our group. I'm sure they will be very pampered by us :)

Friends from Down Under

Received some photo updates from a friend in Perth. The kids are sooo cute and adorable. Wish i was there to play with them. Now i understand why Carrie told me that when she was in Melbourne to visit Karen & Steve, she preferred to stay at their place and spend time playing with the kids.



Timmy will start kindy next year while Sam will go to school only in afew years time.



And yes, it certainly reminds me to save up and travel Down Under to visit some dear friends in Perth, Sydney & Melbourne.

Things you don't learn from textbooks

Some of us learnt some new words over lunch today. We had a good laugh over it and i told Nic and gang that i would post this up.


(1) Ikimasho = Mickey Mouse Show ?




How we derived it?
Cecilia was telling Gal "Ikimasho". But it turned out that afew of us heard 'Mickey Mouse Show'. And naturally, we were all curious and broke out into laughter when we realised that she actually meant íkimasho which means 'let's go' in japanese. Hmm .... where did the mickey mouse comes from?


(2) I love you = I 老虎 you


Ha ha ... Nic remembered this from a chinese movie, Wong Fei Hung which he watched. Imagine him telling his son that? Sounds so weird. As if the daddy is an animal eatter.

(3) Harry Porter = Helicopter


Jed started wearing spectacles recently and some of us commented that he looks a little like Harry Porter who incidentally is on the cover of 8 Days magazine. He can't really pronounced 'Harry Porter' well and i heard that it came out as 'Helicopter'.

Ha ha ... and his godpa told us ... hmm .. what do you think of 'Helicopter and the Order of the Phoenix'. Alamak .. sounds like pirated version man.

Just for laughs!