2013: Resolutions Reviewed

This is becoming somewhat of an annual tradition now. Bear with me as I attempt to cross-off those I managed to achieve over the last year. GREEN for those met, RED for those I didn't manage to.

1. Affiliate with a professional organization - IEM
I intentionally deferred my IEM registration to a later date. There wasn't a point affiliating myself with the organisation when I don't have the time to travel and join in the monthly activities. Yet I did manage to affiliate myself with Aker's very own professional networking group - the Solutioneers Kuala Lumpur! More on this one sometime soon.

2. Complete a half-marathon - Brooks Half Marathon
Done. In fact, I managed a 2nd half-marathon at the BSN Putrajaya night run, along with a 16km run at the Mizuno Wave Run.

3. Pick up a musical instrument - Guitalele
Failed. In quite epic fashion as well. I'm probably better off picking up the more popular guitar first..

4. Pick up an extra language - Spanish
Failed. Did manage to learn quite a number of basic words and phrases, and the general grammatical rules.

5. Get a new phone
Done - got myself a HTC One X early on last year. Happy with the investment, especially given it still works perfectly fine despite me dropping it from a flying carousel in Tambun (with no cover/protection whatsoever mind you.. bare is just how I ride. Heh)

6. Complete 5 poems/articles
Done. 2 poems. 5 articles (4 of which got published on company's website).

7. Complete reading a classic - Hamlet
Done. Perhaps the most satisfying reads I've had in ages. Such brilliant writing; with such memorable lines that I've even on occasions quipped them before unsuspecting friends, as well as made references in the few blog posts I managed last year. Oh.. and I've practically memorized the entire famed soliloquy.

There. That should set it up for my new set of resolutions for 2014, which at this point still lies in contemplation lol. One thing's certain though. More blog posts in 2014 (FAR more than the meager 9 I managed in 2013!).. although you can expect them to be shorter, with less 'flowery language.' In the words of sweet Queen Gertrude, "more matter, less art."

Brooks Half Marathon 2013

March the 3rd, 2013. On this very date I completed my first ever half-marathon. The initial target during the lead-up to the event was simply to finish it. As the event drew closer I realised I needed a goal to work towards; and with that I set myself a 2-and-a-half-hour target.

I made a few runs around the KLCC park during the 2 weeks before the event, and I noticed I was able to maintain my 10-km pace over longer distances so I was fairly confident of reaching my goal come the day of the run. Perhaps it was a little crazy on my part, but less than 24 hours before the run I was in fact hiking the slopes of Broga Hill for the very first time with colleagues.. lol. I did make it a point to not place too much pressure on my knees during the hike though, especially on the way down. After getting myself some good sleep I was off to the starting line at Bukit Jalil in the wee hours of Sunday morning.

The crowd outside the stadium was incredible. I couldn't help but feel glad that so many Malaysians have picked up running, let alone attempt a half marathon. A single shot was fired at 5.30am, and we were off and running along the trail. I tried to build up to my usual steady pace early on but I must say it was difficult with the huge number of people running along me. After about 2 kilometres into the run I finally began to see clear tracks and felt like I was running with more freedom. This was it. My first half marathon. I told myself at this point to simply keep the pace and not push myself too hard. I wasn't ready to go all out and risk any sort of injury - nope, not with a pretty big week coming up in terms of work and 'other stuff.'

As I ran past people sliding between and around them, I couldn't help but notice the sheer variety in the crowd. At the 4-km mark I passed by a lady running barefoot. I was amazed at how she took stride after stride on the punishing tarmac without any fuss. In an age where so many people are caught with the hype of overpriced shoes with so-called "extraordinary" features, it was really nice to see someone sticking to the 'bare' essentials. After all, it was with these bare feet that human beings once ran the terrains of the earth.

I also passed by a few runners wearing 'lowyat.net' jerseys. The website lowyat.net of course has been known over the years for its forums on the latest tech gadgets, computer peripherals etc. In short, it was (and still is) a computer nerd's paradise. So you can see the irony in a group of runners representing this online forum, perhaps bent on extinguishing the stereotyping of these forumers as people who stay before the computers 24-7 with little to no social life. Of course, there are many other things you may find these days on lowyat.net. I'd even go as far to say that it has evolved into a 'way of life.'

Right around the 15-km mark I was laboring across an uphill slope, one of many long ones along the race course. I suddenly had this urge to just slow down and take it easy from there on. I took a quick look at my watch and noticed I was well within my target pace. The slopes really were quite arduous, to say the least. I felt my heart beating much faster, at times contemplating if I should just stop and take a breather. Just then I looked up, and noticed the skies turning blue. It was a wonderful sight, but also a reminder that the sun would be up pretty soon. Bent on avoiding the warmer conditions during my run, I motored along at a steady pace and soon enough I was passing runners again on a downhill slope.

Round about the 18-km mark I was yet again faced with an uphill slope. At this point I was lacking in stamina and inspiration. A couple of runners passed me by before a few more followed suit. I had slowed my run. Perhaps it was that knowledge that I was definitely going to finish within my target time; perhaps it was the thought of embarking on a new project at the workplace the very next day. I simply wasn't ready to push myself any further and simply jogged the final kilometres of the course. I did speed up close to the finish line as I was urged on by the cheering onlookers, and of course I wanted to look good for the cameras. Heh.

With that, I completed my race with a time of approximately 2 hours. The official results released later in the day clocked me at a cool 2:03:26. That's a pace of 5 minutes and 52 seconds per kilometre. :) Really so glad that I completed it - and what's more I'm not crippled in any way heading into an important week. After what I found to be an incredible experience, I see myself joining a few more half marathons down the road; and who knows perhaps even a full marathon at some point. :D

Finisher Tee

The cute mini-trophy given to all finishers. :)

Resolutions 2013

Without much ado, here's this year's list that I'm gonna try to keep to. What I've listed at the back simply indicates my idea of how I plan to achieve each resolution, and it needs to be noted that I'm not constraining myself to these methods alone.

1. Affiliate with a professional organization - IEM

2. Complete a half-marathon - Brooks Half Marathon

3. Pick up a musical instrument - Guitalele

4. Pick up an extra language - Spanish

5. Get a new phone

6. Complete 5 poems/articles

7. Complete reading a classic - Hamlet

I've noted that keeping to these resolutions will in fact make me a bit of a recluse this year in comparison to the last. It's going to be an interesting balancing act, but nonetheless I'll do my best to maintain the existence of my social life. Perhaps I indulged myself in the luxuries of life a few times too many last year.

Here's to health, stealth and whatever wealth that may come of it. :)

2012: Resolutions Reviewed

So last year I did actually end up making a list of resolutions. So for formality sake, bear with me as I attempt to cross-off those I managed to achieve over the last year. GREEN for those met, RED for those I didn't manage to.

- Jog at the park/go to the gym twice every week

I certainly jogged a LOT more than the previous years, although I wasn't able to maintain the 'twice-a-week' routine past March. By the month of October there were already about 5 weeks when I made NO jogs or trips to the gym. Anyhow, I feel I've gotten myself into the rhythm and habit of jogging periodically and I'm just gonna try to maintain the same attitude this year.

- Get back in touch with 5 friends I haven't met for more than 2 years

At first this one seemed a little difficult, but come the year's end many of those studying/working abroad returned home so I easily beat the '5-person' mark. Credits of course goes to Ying Bing and Ren Chung.

- Complete 5 poems

Managed 3 new ones, plus one inspired adaptation of Taylor Mali's "What Teachers Make." I'm gonna make my own leeway here and say I managed this one - on the count I got a couple of articles published in my company magazine. :)

- Finally watch Lord of the Rings trilogy

I ran this one close, but I DID IT! Just before I watched The Hobbit at the theaters I ran through the extended version of the trilogy (thanks in no small part to Ho Sui-Jon) within 5 days. Bliss!

- Complete the Haruhi Suzumiya light novel series

I managed to finish 8 of the novels. Frankly by the end of March I figured this would be the most easily attainable, but I somehow never managed to start on the 9th book (DIssociation of Haruhi Suzumiya).

- Join Institute of Engineers Malaysia (IEM)

Decided against it somewhere in the middle of the year, since I realised I didn't need to join it to attend the courses. However after completing 2 of the 3 mandatory courses required prior to a PE application I began to seriously consider it.. and after much thought I think I should just join this year. Anyhow, I guess this counts as a 'fail.'

- Attend 3 job interviews (Not implying I'm leaving my current job, but I think it is essential that I keep my options open and have a good gauge of my own value in the market for engineers)

Went for 2. Half-hearted attempts as usual. In retrospect this resolution wasn't something I thought through proper. I'll leave it there.

- Play ping-pong (believe me.. tougher than it sounds)

Tough it was, but come the middle of the year we managed to find a place next to Viva Home Mall where we could play, and voila - the resolution was achieved! Credits to the awesome Amy Lim.

Ok.. so I managed half of them fully, and had some considerable progress on the others. So it's all good, right? Ah heck. I'm pleased with myself, and that's all that counts! *denial mode*

Perhaps I don't need to resort to such lame excuses come next year. Right! Onto the 2013 list then!

A Nice Break And A New Year Dawns

Before I begin, let me delve into something I feel will set the tone for the rest of the year.. especially considering I shall never bring the topic up again.

Exactly twelve years into the new millennium. Back then, when we were transitioning into 2000 A.D doomsday predictions were aplenty, and the dawn of 2012 has been peppered in similar fashion with talks about the world's end. This time though.. the recent advent of serious natural disasters along with the effects of global climate change has added substance to these predictions. The question of whether I do believe in any of the predictions, is truly irrelevant. Here's why. There is no way to validate these claims until the predicted doomsday actually dawns upon us, and the reason (or reasons, as a certain movie suggests) manifests itself. If it does end up being true, and destiny deems that it be so - we are all powerless to change anything. So.. there really is no reason for us to change how we carry on with our lives this year.

Hence, I plan to get through this year like it is just another year - even though for me personally there'll be silver overtones to go with it. Last year I didn't come up with a list, so no formal review of resolutions this time around. What I did realize - and should apologize for - is the worryingly low number of posts in the blog in comparison to previous years. For the first time, I went entire months without a single post. Perhaps it is a sign of me committing a little too much at work, as much as it is of me neglecting my passion for writing.

In retrospect, there were a number of things I managed to accomplish over 2011, ranging from zero-medical leaves at work to dishing out favors to the people around me. Of course there was also that small achievement of scaling Mount Kinabalu, one I've managed to document adequately on this blog. What is most important though - is how I have managed to set things up to plan for achievements this year. I believe I've managed to reach a certain comfort zone at work, which gives me a license to pursue other interests, be it work or non-work related.

So... here goes a rendition of things I will attempt this year, given work doesn't take a sudden U-turn to hell..

- Jog at the park/go to the gym twice every week

- Get back in touch with 5 friends I haven't met for more than 2 years

- Complete 5 poems

- Finally watch Lord of the Rings trilogy

- Complete the Haruhi Suzumiya light novel series

- Join Institute of Engineers Malaysia (IEM)

- Attend 3 job interviews (Not implying I'm leaving my current job, but I think it is essential that I keep my options open and have a good gauge of my own value in the market for engineers)

- Play ping-pong (believe me.. tougher than it sounds)

That's about all I could think about for now. As much as I can tell myself that this list is by no means complete, prior experience indicates the chances of me ever updating my resolution list within the year is close to zero. I guess there is a lot more panache' to the items on this years list. Heh.

Have a great year everyone, and here's to my writing growing in quantity and quality. :)

The Little Things

Sometimes we tend to take the little things for granted. The fact is that it is these little things that have and still keep instigating the greatest things in life. Take for instance the knots, holding up a hammock; Or the dots, peppering a novel.. Perhaps even the thoughts.. ah yes thoughts: the foundation of ideas; the core of every change that we humans have brought upon this world.

If only we could all live recognizing the true importance of these little things. Spare a few seconds to observe, and simply appreciate the details that make up our environment today - be it a design of mankind or nature.. And suddenly, life would seem so much more beautiful. In our pursuit of happiness, we'd come to realize what the journey represents. And perhaps.. we could even do away with some of those 'sophisticated' and overrated art galleries (Sorry I couldn't resist the temptation. :D). When we do make it a habit.. and dwell a little further on such a line of thought.. maybe we'll see how humility is not a trait that is too difficult to fathom anymore, regardless of time and age.

* * * * *

I guess I could make an addition now to my 'New Year' resolutions: To be more appreciative of the smaller things that pass me by. Hmmmm..

Resolutions Reviewed

A little late on this, but here it goes anyway..

Last year I made 7 resolutions around this time of the year. I guess it's time to reflect on them. Here's the old list, along with my take on how well I've stuck to each of them.

1. Financial independence by the year's end.. as much as I hate making a fuss about money, this seems to be at the top my head for reasons more substantial than myself.

I think I managed this to quite an extent, although I only really achieved it by the end of the year. Either way, I'm making strides on doing my bit for the family and I'm bent on continuing to do just that.

2. Lead a healthier lifestyle - healthier food, more active lifestyle

I started out well on this regard, with frequent jogs along Chicago's scenic Lakeshore Drive as well as trips to the gym for some extra cardio. Perhaps it's time I push myself again physically.

3. Blog more frequently.. in comparison to the past years

Amazingly, I didn't fulfill this nor fail. By count, my number of posts for the entire year of 2010 were exactly the same as the previous year.

4. Visit all of Chicago's attractions - yes 'all attractions' implies vagueness, but heck it's hard to put this in a better way.

Here's one I HAVE to consider done, for the time being at the very least. I figure I did see my fair share of Chicago, and I really loved the city.

5. Save up enough to buy someone special a full-paid trip to the US

I kinda gave up on this one pretty early. It would have been a nice gesture, but on second thoughts it really is much too early. Hopefully, a little more maturity shines through, in actions and thought.

6. Be able to converse confidently in Spanish - Yes I'm picking it up..

I feel I can converse the language in a basic manner, although there is so much more to learn and I also need to put my learnings to practice.. Seriously, any Spanish speakers out there?? Or better still, someone else who's bent on pickin' up the language!

7. Remember and wish good friends for their birthdays

I did pretty well on this accord (I think.. lol). Facebook's notifications certainly helped, but I think in hindsight they just devalue the fact that I even remember those birthdays. Hmmm..

I ain't gonna make another formal list as such. I think I could still work with the same set of resolutions for now (minus a couple that don't apply anymore). Perhaps I shall 'bitch' a little less about my job and look at the bright side of things. Either way.. here's to another wonderful year ahead.

A Brand New Year, 2010

Hey there.. Yes it is been quite long since my last update, and no i haven't been occupied with much lately.. except lazing of course.. :D Anyway, here's to the new year, and one of my resolutions will be - to blog more often. Howzzat?!

Resolutions.. I can't remember too many of those that I've made before, but I'm pretty darn sure I've been makin' em' for at least the past 10 years. Yet I tend to forget them by the dawn of February, so I figured I'd make this list one to remember - literally by putting it up on my blog's sidebar (so I could remember them but more importantly so you guys could laugh at me if I fail at them and I'd naturally work on doing better come the next year.. heck I'd probably even review it at the end of the year..). Then again, there's an air of uncertainty about my near future, so perhaps some of these resolutions could become irrelevant. Hmmm..

Anyway, here it goes.

1. Financial independence by the year's end.. as much as I hate making a fuss about money, this seems to be at the top my head for reasons more substantial than myself.

2. Lead a healthier lifestyle - healthier food, more active lifestyle

3. Blog more frequently.. in comparison to the past years

4. Visit all of Chicago's attractions - yes 'all attractions' implies vagueness, but heck it's hard to put this in a better way.

5. Save up enough to buy someone special a full-paid trip to the US

6. Be able to converse confidently in Spanish - Yes I'm picking it up..

7. Remember and wish good friends for their birthdays

Yep, seven's sweet; looks neat.

And now to live up to them..

Happy 2010 everybody.