London Prepares: The Greatest Show on Earth

Anticipation in the city is building; pink way-finding signs flood the London Underground, posters & advertisements picturing fameuex athlethes and sports-like themes all over, news on the media day-in-day-out on the preparations - the whole concentric effort towards the greatest show on earth is generating a new kind of energy despite the tired economic situation. 

The media has been sensationalizing the negatives of the Olympics (because that's what the UK does best - moan) i.e. cracks in the M4 highway leading to Heathrow, long queues at the UK borders, the GS4 security firm fiasco etc. However this does not dampen national excitement as everyone puts the finishing touches on years of planning and effort.

Even during the company Town Hall talks, the leadership stressed on the big  'O'  and how much everyone is putting in i.e. building of new roads, installing 100 baggage screening machines, building an 'Olympic terminal', mobilising volunteers & reservists , all before the 'Olympic Embargo' period kicks in where works must come to a stop to receive the Olympics. Can't help feeling excited despite myself not directly participating in the Olympics. There was even an Usain Bolt wax figure greeting passenger arrivals in Terminal 5 yesterday.

At the Y, huge colourful posters and placards were put up which had terribly interesting content on the YMCA and its contribution to sports and the Olympics. I had no idea that basketball and volleyball were invented in the Y by enterprising and sports-minded American Christian men and women. And that at one point of time (1920s), the Inter-Allied sports organised by the YMCA was so successful that the IOC committee felt that it was in direct competition with the Olympic games. Olympians are still being  nurtured and still training in YMCAs all over the world.

As for myself, I shall be witnessing it first hand - have got tickets to watch Taekwondo (although I know nothing of the sport). Can't miss this once in a lifetime opportunity as it marches right up to my door step.

And as London prepares, so will I - "Citius, Altius, Fortius"

2012 so far.....

2012 was supposed to be a watershed year for London with the The Olympics, the Diamond Jubilee, the Dragon year etc. The weather in the UK has been badness...I.e.we've already crossed the mid-summer solstice and I'm still wearing my winter jacket. My seedlings have been especially slow ....tomatoes, begonia sempeflorens, night scent, sweet pea and coriander still struggling to green.Only the gloxinia is going strong without a glitch and soon to flower any time now. On a personal note, it was sunnier times ; we had close friends weddings, K coming to Malaysia and meeting the parents and another milestone marked in the sand for life. I still want to learn jazz piano, bake more cakes, run and clock gym times.....Still so many things to look forward to and another half- year more to go.....

Airport Games - Singapore 1st, Heathrow 2nd, KLIA last

Been back via Singapore Airlines (sitting in an A380 for the first time) and landed in Changi Airport. Seriously impressed with the world-class ambience of Changi - great expanse of space, gleaming floors, well-thought out deco and green plants. The Singaporeans have pulled out all the stops and it shows. Nothing in the airport looks old - including the toilets which looks even fancier than the one at home.

Heathrow  wouldn't be able to match in terms of budget if it were to upgrade, re-fit out and keep up with maintenance costs -the money sure is in Asia now. Although passenger experience is a priority, it still looks jaded and worn somehow.

Then landed in KLIA - which looks like a pasar now compared to Changi. It used to be shiny and new, now cluttered with haphazard kiosks and gaudy advertising on the pillars. Toilets in a less than perfect state ie. water on the floor everywhere, fudged up glass glazing, waiting rooms smelling funny and unclear way-finding. Nevertheless the architecture is still impressive and futuristic- just need to get rid of the trash in it now.

So Passenger Experience from this passenger score - Changi -2, Heathrow - 0.5 and KLIA-0

Virgin London Marathon 2012 - At the 21.32mile marker

The Elite Wheelchair Category - Mens leading the way

Elite Women Runners - Look at how they go....Mary Keitany on the right (She was alone in the lead last year- this year with others at the lead as well). Can't believe they've already run 34km and still speeding away

Elite Men Runners - The Evolution of Man - Kipsang from Kenya - this year's winner. He was so fast even I couldn't do a continuous shutter snap without him running out of the picture.

Sub-4 marathoners - By this time, the London Marathon would have started for 2 hours and 39 mins now. These runners would have a high chance of hitting the mark under 4 hours with 8 km more to go.

Wilson Kipsang in action - Another shot

Elite Men Runners -Tsegaye Kebede of Ethiopia, Martin Lel of Kenya and Samuel Tsegay of Eritrea. Emannuel Mutai last year's winner is just outside the frame.

Oldest Marathon Runner in the World (101 years old) - Mr Fauja Singh at the 35km marker...I hope you finish Mr Singh! (my personal inspiration to run)

Documentation

The English love their words. I was sitting in an introduction to project execution requirement for quality management and just realised that every bit of the process is dotted with documentation.

There's a tracker/database of some form with x amount of detail which needed input. At the same time, there's a document to document this input. I appreciate that leaving a legacy behind is important for the future but I believe there can be an overkill and a danger of counter-productivity setting in. In the world of project managemenet, there's a level of extrovertism and constant interaction and influencing which requires a fair amount of effort and time. Then I wonder how there can be an equal amount of exertion and time for quiet introspection and conscientious concentration to put thought to paper.

My manager is required to have strategic thought and provide direction - she is someone who will get down to the level of detail and have regular contacts with the team to influence this direction. Which leaves her very little time to document every step of the way. However unlike back home, you don't see most managers with personal PA's or data entry clerks to manage the input of that amount of data. Malaysia I believe we have at least 2 admin to every 5 people in the team or I could be wrong.

Nevertheless, I appreciate that documentation is so very important. As a personal example, I find myself marvelling at how much forethought had been put in my collating my personal references which enabled me to document my personal skill inventory for my CV. This was a direct result from advice from teachers and seniors who've had enough experience to do so. When I left those jobs, it was fairly easy to forget to do this but fortunately I was left with something to start from. I guess with this, we have a lot to learn from the English

The Greatest Love of All

This is the first and only Whitney song for me.

Written by Michael Masser who also wrote the first of Whitney's greatest hits in the 80's; 'Saving All My Love', 'Didn't We Almost Have it All','All At Once'. Didn't realise that the song was originally recorded by others (Jane Olivor and George Benson). Nevertheless it was this song which was at its greatest during my early teens (11) when Whitney's star was riding high in the sky and it was a sung with strong conviction and its message so important for young girls like myself. It was 1990s when we sang it for the SM CBN choir competition - we didn't win the awards but it became one of the staples for the New Year's Eve session we used too have.

RIP for WH. Thank you for the music.

Born to Run

Needed an inspiration to run again so I picked up this book which had been recommended by a few running friends.

Chris is a humorous and up-beat storyteller which made the book an enjoyable read. However as far as it went, the fiction was fact. Which makes his point about humans being natural born runners believable with the amazing true-life characters who seem like super-human running machines.

Inspired (although I don't think I'll be running a Marathon de Sables soon), I do think that our body can do much more than we think it can. Quote from the book,"We don't stop running because we get old. We get old because we stop running" I've had too many people tell me that too much sports is bad for you especially when you get older (one of which is my aunt who's an ex national runner) but I think we underestimate ourselves.

I've also seen how older people (even in their 70s) are still running marathons and beating younger people. The oldest marathoner is Fauja Singh, who finished the Toronto Waterfront Marathon on 16 October 2011 , becoming the first centenarian ever to complete a run of that distance. His race time was 8:11:5.9. The oldest female marathoner is Gladys Burrill, 92 years who completed the 2010 Honolulu Marathon in 9:53. I remember running the Watford 10 miler and being passed by 2 septegenarians in silky red
shorts. I'm convinced we deteriorate over time partly because we allow it to.

Anyway the book is a great read - not sure if it was all true but it will definitely inspire your running.

The Dragon Year

A few days more to the new year - a hop, skip and jump from the bunny's tail and onto the head of the dragon.

A few life events expected this year for friends and family - a new little dragon baby girl for J and Y at the end of this month.
Beginnings for cousin D, friends V and A - congratulations for tying the knot. Well it should be a very 'Ong' year being the dragon - which is my sis' animal zodiac. Being a dragon girl, I can say she's definitely making big changes this year.
As for me, the Horse, I've decided to keep running with another marathon, this time in the autumn in Frankfurt. I've had 3 spring marathons and would like to try out one at the latter part of the year. Training after work would be ideal with longer summer days. Signed up for a few halfs as well as milestone markers. With the Olympics happening in London, 2012 will also be a big sporting year.

The Chinese New Year atmosphere is of course very staid in London - they've put up the lanterns in Chinatown. My colleagues are all English so no one's aware of it but I couldn't resist the mention. The punting and betting houses in London have all put up ads and banners welcoming the New Year which is pretty funny (suggesting the patrons of these are Chinese).

K is not into celebrating CNY but fortunately I have some friends who do. There'll be another round of eating and get-togethers even while recovering from Christmas.

Toilet Troubles

Now I know why a plumber make so much money.

Note; Narration of a non-plumbing person follow.

The toilet bowl collapsed a little last week so K had to break down the partition covering the cistern to investigate. It was not a pretty sight (nor smell). Firstly, we discovered that the partition needn't have been broken because it was just a matter of adjusting the bolts holding the wc up (this is a suspended toilet with a foot-high bracket, bolted to the floor)



However suspicious stains on the bottom tiles suggested that the pan-connector connected to the main sewage pipe was leaking so K decided to replace it with a new one from B&Q .

Well that was the easy part.

Not necessarily knowing what was the easiest or right way to dismantle and assemble a toilet, the operation became a 4 hour job messing about with the toilet, inhaling noxious gases, wading around toxic water. Has anyone heard of leptospirosis?

Wasn't really sure how the pan connectors were initially set up because we dismantled it in a hurry - Lesson No.1 - if you're an amateur take photos before dismantling.

Job of an amateur:

- Guaranteed to make a pong you'll never forget

How it should look like:

- Rotation+pressure is key

The worst was trying to connect the L-shaped connector to the cistern and the bowl, while holding the bowl - one end rotates one way, but the other rotates another.

So feeling fairly confident with the set-up, K flushed the toilet and this happened:
(see video - not own video but similar situation)



Anyway we managed to have a functional toilet now and a little more appreciation for the plumber's rates.

Auld Lang Syne

6 more hours for the old year to end (GMT time) and the new one to start.

To start the end of the new year, had some good friends come over. Its been some time since I've caught up with everyone and had a proper gathering. It's always worth while to meet up, eat a lot and I hope everyone had a good time yesterday. Had an impromptu cooking lesson on sambal from Masterchef N and also on buttermilk churning from J (we still had a good cake out of it though). Thanks to everyone for having a good laugh over food with friends and enjoying yourself.

Guess I'll have to cough up some resolutions for the new year .....which I think would be WIP (work in progress) of the old year's resolutions. Health and weight as usual making an appearance, some other concerning career and self development, another one for family and relationships and not forgetting one for money as well.

All in all, 2011 was a good year for me. Have to be thankful for all the graces God has given that we all have our health. Also a good partner and family to support me .

Fitness-wise, I clocked 6088mins of cardio exercise (which is about 2 hours a week)...a slowing down compared to my previous years even with marathon training included. Speaking of which, pleased to say that I've completed my marathon in Paris after a 4 year hiatus - one resolution successfully resolved.

In terms of work and career, haven't really achieved much due to laziness or complacency - or maybe it's slipped off my priority list. Will have to review....

Nevertheless, financial circumstances have improved - had an adjusted increment and started only to subscribe to a pension fund in June this year. However as inflation have also crept up, (2nd half expenses 50% higher than 1st half), not sure if this increment will make much difference to my expendable income.

Well looking forward to 2012 which should be an exciting year with the London Olympics!

Le Christmas at Le London

Le Christmas Tree (sort of)!


Le Christmas Music

Nice pot luck last Saturday with friends and food, Bonnie and I tried Christmas carolling with everyone but some were not very into the singing. Fun to try though.

Christmas this year is a little warm - temperatures about 2-9 C unlike last years blizzard. Not sure how long this will last - this morning on radio heard threats of Atlantic wind from across the sea. Was good and sent a couple of Christmas cards this year (didn't bother last year) because had a few people to thank. Otherwise the only presents I'd bother to buy were for the children. Not everyone was buying either - UK news has been doom and gloom as usual this Christmas - shops in the high streets weren't too filled up either.
Le Christmas Cards!


Will employ my guitar services for Christmas carolling again this year with the Sai shelter on Sunday - since last year's carolling at the old folk home was such a hit.

Till then Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

The Do-Re-Mi Children's Chorus

When we were growing up, Dad would play this LP at Christmas and we really loved it. We'd play it over and over again in the car, on the black radio casette player. As a child then, I've always wondered what these other children looked like. They were all children but with such amazing voices and till today I've never heard any other children's group as good as this one.

I had a whale of the time googling for this unknown children's album until I put in a few of the song titles I knew which would be obscure in children's albums today e.g. Mamacita Donde Esta Santa Claus etc.




The Do-Re-Mi children's chorus is a mystery as nothing comes up on Google about them except that they've won several grammy's in the 60's for children songs. How can that turn up zilch esp for such a grand product of American culture??


The albums seems to be out of circulation now and it seems to be selling for 37GBP (??!!) in the UK (CD shipment from the states). Unbelievable.

If anyone has any news of this group I would really like to know.

ps. A gentleman called Boyjohn from Arkship, USA on Youtube has kindly posted me some Do Re Mi children's music . Check out his channel - he's got lots of classics as well from the 60s and 70s.

Jazz on a Winter's Night

Got this fantastic little book from Foyle's . Wanted something Jazz-related and also wanted a book on Christmas tunes. So instead of spending more on both , bought this one which was well worth its £10.95.

Since getting this piano, have been playing the same old boring tunes so thought this would be a good way to get back into the groove for the season. Difficulty from Grade 5 and above - not too simple and not too hard as well (though if you're not used to syncopations and chromatics, its quite tricky for mediocre sight-reading skills like mine) so the accompanying CD is a real help (and a bargain as well considering the price) The quality of the arrangement is top class - apparently Nikki Iles is an educationist, academic, as well as a performer.

Budapest

Last trip before the year ends. Thanks to Rina for organizing this - her invite was a booster to launch my lazy ass out of the country. Budapest was one of my 'unexplored items checklist' and knowing myself, I'd never make it a trip on my own. So here I am sitting in Terminal 1 waiting for my flight out with my salami baguette and bottle of water which costs me 4 Euro - still cheap by other airport standards. Hungary was like that - cheap and cheerful. The apartment was unbelievabl at 11 pounds a night - plasma tv, bathroom, kitchenette anda all.

The highlight of the trip was the baths - had a relaxing soak in Szechenyi baths not far from the city centre . Yesterday night, I had a grand reunion with my former Hungarian housemates, Szilvia and Zoltan who brought us out on an express tour of Budapest and even tried to pay for our meal. The Hungarians in general are very polite and willing to help you if you ask and Szilvia and Zoltan are the epitome of this. Thank you Szilvie and Zolie for your kind hospitality!

With map in hand, we had our own random walking tour even though the skies were gray - walking along the banks of the Danube (Duna) river, Budapest's past glory and grandeur is still evident - the great Royal Palace overlooking the banks, the majestic Parliament Building opposite, the boulevard avenue leading to Herosz (Hero's square). This is a quiet city with wide pavements and roads - wondered if it was because of the weekend and everyone was home or it just me too used to London's manic rush. Most of the shops especially the side streets were closed.

Anyway my salami is almost finished now and I've got 1 h 45 mins before my flight departs. Time to finish my book......

Epilogue:
I lost my darn book! On the transit bus before boarding the flight

My Third Space

Awhile ago Lena invited me to The Third Space for a triathlon match. I'd wondered why a gym would be called 'The Third Space' (?) but apparently it's a term not related to outer space but one that's so popular its been coined by some business and coffeeshops.

The First Place - our home

The 2nd Place - our work

The 3rd Place - places we go to find our sense of self

I guess the idea is to categorize the 3 places that we spend most of our time in - and I guess if that's it, then my 3rd space would be the gym.

London Jazz Festival 2011

Thank God I live in London - where Jazz music is still loved and great musicians still come to play.

Went to see McCoy Tyner, jazz piano man of the legendary John Coltrane Quartet. A 73-year old elderly gentleman who walked real slow to the piano, sat down real slow and spoke really soft. But when he started playing, wow, it was rip-roaring trippin and the Barbican hall was under a spell. The other masters driving us on this ride were Gerald Cannon bass; Eric Kamau Gravatt's replacement (?) drums, Chris Potter saxophone and Jose James vocals.

Starting to appreciate jazz which if imagine myself playing would be like a runner holding hands with other runners in a circle and trying to run forward. Feels like you have to keep going forward and try hard not to trip and if you do, everyone else trips or pick you up while you're down.

Also enjoyed the 7 man Oliver Nelson band opener, Blues and The Abstract Truth ( James Pearson piano; Sam Burgess bass; Byron Wallen trumpet; Nathaniel Facey, Alex Garnett, Jean Toussaint saxophone; Shane Forbes drums)

The Harvest

This was some while ago when the tomatoes ripened on the vines and other edible miscellany popped out from the window-sill garden.

Autumn Runs 2011

Last couple of runs this year:

Blenheim Palace Run - 2nd of October 2011



Lovely 21km course which got a bit hilly mid-course and towards the end. Joined Noris, Alden and Rina for this one. I was a bit rubbish as I haven't run in ages (2:27:59) This was 17 mins more than my last half marathon a year ago. The weather was strangely warm for October which helped to prevent any muscular cramping and injury. Had a walk-around the ancestral home of Winston Churchill post-run which was nice.


Royal Parks Half Marathon 2011 on the 9th October 2011

This is my 2nd attempt at the Royal Parks. The Royal Parks is known for its great organization and atmosphere and as I'd enjoyed myself so much last year, I signed-up again this year. The organizers have implemented a ballot for the first time due to the overwhelming response previous years. Fantastic t-shirt again (bright lime-green charcoal shirt) which was a plus. The bag-drop was slow again as last years but Khoi and I weren't fussed and started later than the 10am gun time. Was faster this week (compared to Blenheim) at 2:20:26 but still slower than last year's (2:09:47). Last of the runs this year.

Farewell Topnotch

Had a surprise the other day when Karlos(spin instructor) asked me which gym I'd be going to next to which my response was 'eh?' Apparently the gym was closing down in 3 weeks due to Network Rail terminating the lease which I had no idea of because the letter was sent to my old address. Was a bit clueless as to where I'd be going next as I've been with Topnotch for 3 years now - being the first gym I've joined in London because of the Shard project which was just down the road.

Have to admit it's not perfect but the price was reasonable for its facilities (48pm)- classes, spin room, DJ-disco exercise room, weights, sauna, swimming pool. Lately I've significantly reduced my gym frequency routine in a week (2x max) due to work being far away and home not a walking distance either. However I've grown accustomed to the people i.e. gym members and instructors who know me by name and face.

For the track record in 3 years, they've cancelled a couple of classes without notice and didn't open at 6.30 am once(because Adam, one of the staff overslept). Looking back at it, these occurences out of a 365 x 3 day record didn't seem so bad. The manager doesn't respond to emails though.

The spin, bodypump and bodycombat class instructors are good and I've never found their classes boring due to the fact that they are fitness practitioners who genuinely like what they do and transmit that energy in the class. I've gone through 2 of them being pregnant and instructing throughout their pregnancy.

So it was pretty nostalgic to do the classes one last time with the same people and instructors which you've done for the last 3 years. A feeling not unlike leaving school and saying goodbye to your friends and teachers for the last time.

More 'English' Education

Have been recommended to watch 'Have I Got News for You' and 'Never Mind the Buzzcocks'
as they are very 'funny'.
Not sure if I'll find it very funny (with my poor understanding of English humor and all) but I'd be sure to watch these in my quest for 'English' education.