OCBC Cycle Singapore 2010 – It ended when it just began…

Looking back, two weeks on...

It was my first OCBC cycling event and it was supposed to be a mini Tour de Timor reunion ride. We had initially wanted to register in the team category. Since we did not have enough people to form multiple teams, we ended up signing up as individuals instead. However, as things would have turned out, only two of us were there at the starting line…

Surrounded by roadies smartly clad in team jerseys and cool-looking bikes, my friend and I, on our mountain bikes, looked like odd balls among them. In the midst of anticipation and excitement in the cool morning air, the event was flagged off by the minister in a series of waves.

At the sound of the horn, roadies sped past me by the numbers on both sides. As we rode into the darkness, I felt someone coming really close to me on my left. I tried to stay focus on the road but the very next moment, I found myself in the air…

All is silent other than the “thud” I heard. I felt faint in my head and pain in my shoulder. I saw bright lights from where a sea of cyclists came charging towards me and then suddenly diverged, amid shouts of “Danger! Move!”

The surroundings slowly crystallized. I felt the tarmac and found myself on my side, my hand across my chest on my shoulder. My helmet had knocked into my safety glasses which slid off my face awkwardly. Lying beside me was my KHS, handle bar twisted 180°.

Bit by bit, I gathered myself and stood up, and tried to pick up my bike. An excruciating pain forced me to drop my bike and held on to my shoulder instead. I felt a big hump at where the pain emanated, and the throbbing was slowly radiating through my body.

I knew from that moment, I’m out…

Blessings 2009

Remembered when I was still in school, it used to feel like a lifetime for Grandma to tear off all the pages on the calendar. Now that she is no longer with us, the new year comes knocking even before I know it.

Someone once told me, when you are 6 years old, 1 year is equivalent to 1/6 of your lifetime, and that’s a whole lot of things to experience, thus it feels so long for a year to pass. However, for someone at 60, a year will just be another year…

I think I have a very blessed life. I have everything one could ask for, a loving family, friends who care, good education, stable job, freedom to pursue my interests, support of my family in whatever I do, although I know they will always be silently worried whenever I’m out competing in a race, climbing a mountain or some other crazy stuffs…

So, I would and I will always count my blessings.


Blessings 2009

The year has definitely been challenging,
Lessons from life, to make me a better being.
So here’s to count my little blessings,
Before 2009 fades into the memories.

First, are friends miles across the sea,
B.I.G.M.A.C from MBU, IISc.
A bunch of lovely people, who made me feel like family,
Over crosswords, chai, and Big Bang Theory.

Then, there is Gerri and Miss Ribena friend,
Ever so concerned, like the big sisters I never had.
Not forgetting the graceful swans from Leng Kee,
Who will bring Yellow River to life come Feb 20.

Places I’d visited in the span of the year,
China, India, Sabah, Timor and Western Australia.
Architectural, cultural, environmental and historical sites,
Humbled and awed by the wonderful experiences and sights.

Last but not least, are the difficult times,
Never alone, loved ones always by me side.
Friends, colleagues and even strangers too,
My shining stars, without them what would I do?

So what’s in store for me in 2010?
Live to the fullest and leave no regrets.

Happiness is...

Happiness is...

1. when you no longer have to try not to get wet while having a shower.

2. when you do not have to lie consciously on one side of the body while sleeping .

3. when you are able to select from all the items available on the menu while dining out.