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Do more than belong: participate.
Do more than care: help.
Do more than believe: practice.
Do more than be fair: be kind.
Do more than forgive: forget.
Do more than dream: work.
~ William Arthur Ward
August 20th, 2009
July 27th, 2009
A bright morning brought in great cheer as we gathered at the foot of the hill...the highest in Singapore.
It was clear weather! Yeahhh!!! :)))
Shu, Pauline, Jacelyn and I began our training on a determined note.
First flight of stairs after the steep slope
We met Patrick (an experienced climber @Tim's store) and his nepal kakis along the way. They led us to the 'hamburger' trail. "4 times up-and-down of this should get you well on Mount KK", so they said. ;)
The Summit in 20 min
Many people were there too!
What made Shu and Jace beam up so happily???
Little curios along the way!
A quick detour to the musuem
Mount Kota Kinabalu is 4000m high.
July 20th, 2009
The last part of the climb would be in the dark. 2 AM in order to meet sunrise at the summit.
Hence, I'm more concerned with the night climb when everything is blind. And how do I prepare for it in this urban jungle...it's tough?!
So, I decided to start with walking in the neighbourhood. The shoes need seasoning and I told myself to be open to discover the neighbourhood in a fresh way!
And yoohooo...I luved the walk!!! The weather was good, the body was warmed after PT..and so off I walked. ;)))
Part of the track
The road was not as deserted as it seemed. There were joggers, workers from work and families returning from groceries shopping at times.
I walked past the lane of Patsy's, my best friend's home and I thought of shouting HELLO! ;) And so, I did a detour and ended up at her door. Patsy was surprised , of course...for I've never done that before! But, the brief gathering was good! We stood by the gate and chatted....with her two little angels fluttering around. :) Heuter has grown so much...Gwen has the same cute hair as me!!! :)))
I walked on and found this...
One thing I din kno about my neighbourhood
I thought the MOBILE LIBRARY SERVICE is COOOOL!!!!! Bringing the world to you. Nice touch!!!
The walk was easy and so I decided to climb the stairs when I hit my block.
Seeing this deserted pot meant s'thing...
I've reached 7th storey
My favourite level...homey...!
View from corridor of the 15th level
More!
Stairs that kill!!!
July 18th, 2009
Never imagined a casual declaration to Ching in Sabah last Dec could come true so sooooon!
A chance exchange on FB brought about this dynamite combo!
A bunch of us; 5 in all are gonna conqure Mount Kota Kinabalu in 2 months' time!
The most incredible thing is....we're all first timers., newbies, no experience!!!!!
The most important thing of all is...we're all determined to see the sun-rise at summit!!!
:
TG for Wanping, she has been arranging all the lodging and climb tha past months.
TG for Shu Yueh and Pauline, they've been sharing all the wonderful tips for the preparation and climb.
:
FIRST TEAM TRAINING at MacRitchie Reservoir this morning; 8am.
It was crowded.
Teams of runners, groups of friends and crowd of families made the carpark area (gathering point) a carnival.
Some were all ready to sprint while others were busy stretching out their body parts. Some stood at corners waiting for the rest to arrive, some sat on the kerb chatting away. What a fanfare!
We started with no idea which trail to take on; there were plenty.
As we reached the starting point...we decided to do the tree-top trail...10 km to and fro.
The walk to the tree-top was easy for me. The environment was new; it was pretty fun watching the golfers pitch on the golf course, exciting to discover a big spider-web cluster near the waters (we even named each area a "prime-town, suburban and waterfront"!) Itz so funny!!!
The last lap UP the tree-top was challenging; a steep cement slope like the one at Bukit Timah Hill, then mulitple steps up-and-down slope (a killer to my knees!). TG for the gym training with Eugene @Cali...he has trained my stamina well!!! :)))
We walked and walked and walked. Up and down the slopes. Tried out the walking sticks. Seasoned the trekking shoes and enjoyed the natural beauty around us!
The way back was ok for me....till the last 2 km. My left knee began to ache. But I pressed on despite the never-ending bends on the board-walk. 2 km felt long. So I sang in my head. The song that kept ringing the whole way through was "Everything that...everything that...everything that has breath praise the Lord." ;) And it clapped true with the lively environment around me! We saw a big pool of mosquitoes swarming by the water (woooo!), 2 little monkeys sneaking up eggs in a bird nest, a big monitor lizard swimming round a corner (cooool!), a low-lying branch with a big warning sign 20m before it 'cos it's the size of a trunk!, a father carrying his toddler son right through the trail (How did we know? Coz we met them all the way!), and durian trees with inedible fruits?! How amazing!!!
Lunch after training was fabulous!!! We went to LONG HOUSE along Thomson Road where Wanping had her chicken rice as planned even before the training! ;p Shu Yueh, Pauline and Jacelyn had duck rice while I ate pork chop. We all shared side dishes in all. It was a lovely gather!
We're gonna meet next week for training and more shopping at 187! :)))
The best store so far....with good stock and great Tim! Tim owns the store and is ever so willing and patient to share everything on his climb experience!!!
Check it out here: http://www.boac-online.com/travel_tips/d
Life can be like dark chocolate...it's sweet yet bitter all at the same time.
The past weeks have been a ride; 3 deaths, one after another, around me and 1 promo.
My heart have been weighing heavily every time I got news of the death. It's always sudden. Cardiac Arrest. No chance for goodbye. And a big question 'Why'.
With these departures, I don't know what to make out of LIFE.
To press on to do good 'all the time'? ...which can be so tough around wolves...
Or to do whatever I want....any time I want?
I don't know...except that I recognise LIFE can be sniffed out at a blow and that freaks me out.
...Still figuring everything out...
:
Work has been very strange lately. Except for the mega project (which ended last month) and the basic duties at work, I have not been given any thing more. ...And that's not a good sign...as according to work-101, I'm either frozen or gonna be fired!!!!! It felt weird seeing everyone complain except me. It felt odd people around got shot! except me. I felt kinda redundant around....maybe I've been too used to working hard. Being free seemed strange. But it's goodl!! ....for I can spend more time with family and self! It didn't help that the global economic crisis made bonus out and increment cut this year. Yet in such a gloom, I got a raise. What a pleasant surprise!!! TG. :)
The past weeks have been a ride; 3 deaths, one after another, around me and 1 promo.
My heart have been weighing heavily every time I got news of the death. It's always sudden. Cardiac Arrest. No chance for goodbye. And a big question 'Why'.
With these departures, I don't know what to make out of LIFE.
To press on to do good 'all the time'? ...which can be so tough around wolves...
Or to do whatever I want....any time I want?
I don't know...except that I recognise LIFE can be sniffed out at a blow and that freaks me out.
...Still figuring everything out...
:
Work has been very strange lately. Except for the mega project (which ended last month) and the basic duties at work, I have not been given any thing more. ...And that's not a good sign...as according to work-101, I'm either frozen or gonna be fired!!!!! It felt weird seeing everyone complain except me. It felt odd people around got shot! except me. I felt kinda redundant around....maybe I've been too used to working hard. Being free seemed strange. But it's goodl!! ....for I can spend more time with family and self! It didn't help that the global economic crisis made bonus out and increment cut this year. Yet in such a gloom, I got a raise. What a pleasant surprise!!! TG. :)
June 29th, 2009
It has been a strange birthday...with way too much cheer, I felt kinda strange all over... ;)
I've been used to just celebrating it with close pals...esp cheers from patsy, cheh lee, huiping, puay luan and bee choo....the regulars!
But, this year is new...
- Dozens of sms kept coming in as I worked till late on my birthday. How did they know..??? Strange. But each warmed my heart. Thanks for all your cheers!!! :)
- Floods of cheers on FB surprised me too! Thanks so much, Pals!!! :)
- 
The most memorable bday cheer @HDB void deck!
We ate cake while having English tuition last wednesday! ;) Thanks, Tiffi and Mel! Am V TOUCHED!!!!! :)))
The cutest cake cheer ever!
Thanks, Eugene for the pleasant surprise from fitness goumet! Lovely! :)
-
The sweetest farewell cheer! Thanks, Cheyanne!!! (I luv ur card, babe...too precious to share! :)
-
The coolest cheer! Thanks, Jane...I needed a new notebook! JUST IN TIME!!! :)
-
Cheers from the Regulars! Thanks Ping, Luan and Bee choo...it's something I won't buy for myself 'cos The Metropolitan Museum of Arts is just too expensive for me! Sweet of you, Ladies!!! :)
-
A lovely cheer from my boss. Surprised and touched! :)
-
The best family cheer ever! Thanks, Bin! :)))
-
TY all for all your lovely cheers! TG for His reassuring cheer thru Hsiu Chin, too!!!
I am so loved, indeed.
Sweet. :)
June 20th, 2009
Life has been so hectic...a brief rest felt like heaven! Gymed this morn, hi-tea'ed in the afternoon and shopped till I dropped from sunset. What a luxury!!!
Thanks for the Bday makan cheer, jon! :)
:
A new hair cut changed many things! I cut my hair short...to *mushroom head! A big thing for I loved my waist-long hair so dearly!
Yet, the strange thing is...l've been so comfortable in my short hair that I forgot! yet others still remembered my loooong hair!!! How amusing to walk around and meet shocked faces many times!!! Some would be polite and hide their eye-balling. Most would be spontaneous and exclaim "You cut your hair!!!"
It has been 2 weeks since I'm margarat*ai aka muthu button...my new nicks.
Either ways I am happy. :)
:
Have been enjoying yummy brown rice sets from my trainer, gene for a long while. Am glad it's official now. Come check out Gene's new food catering biz!
Fitness Gourmet: http://fitnessgourmet.com.sg/
I luv the chicken set the most!
These new teriyaki wraps were cool too!
It came with these labels....how sweeeet!
My favourite treat was still the cake!!! Whole-meal grain with no refined sugar. Guilt-free and yummy!!! NiCE!!!!!!!
Yummy Banana Walnut Cake
Check it out @ Fitness Gourmet! :)
:
Do you know what this plant is?
It's called the "ribena" plant (yes, the blackcurrant drink in our childchood days!) And the new sweetie in my mum's garden. Its real name is Roselle. Find out more about Roselle here!
:
Guess where I went last weekend???
Exploration of the underwater world
Mermaid Coral
Exo Skeleton
Just off our island.
@Sentosa! Eye-opener...
May 26th, 2009
The verdict is out. We lost. We will not be presenting on stage in June.
I was saddened of course for I've seen how hard the team worked. I was disappointed of course for I thought we did good too!
But I respected the judges' decision.
There are reasons for everything. And I've come to understand why.
:
With the major project over, it's time to catch up!!!
Have been rushing rushing...now clearing clearing papers. Am glad to have cleared most!
A piece of good news brightened me up! Our entry to N.E.w Author Competition came in finals! Am happy for the teams!!!
A good chat with a few dear colleagues cleared the air!!! It's always good to chat. :)
Now, time to prepare for the dance camp in June and Racial Harmony event in July!
TG in everything! :)
May 3rd, 2009
The long weekend did good to refresh the soul and fill the heart.
Though I still had to prepare for the stage presentation on Monday, the physical detachment from the work environment was good.
I had time to chill and recharge.
:
Sometimes, so close CAN YET be so far. And THIS...is one good lesson I've learnt this past week.
A total flop at the 1st audition beginning of the week changed the week. I felt like a failure for everything and anything that could happen BAD happened!!! The screen presentation did not come on...the video failed to load, Everything critical failed! (Btw, we were to feature on the theme of technology. How apt!! "1st Lesson learnt: Do not rely entirely on technology. Technology can fail.")
So with a downtrodden heart, I picked up the pieces. It ain't easy to be called a 'walkover'....especially when I take pride in my work. it felt a downright shove into a gutter. Hard and painful! It ain't easy having tried so hard....and prayed so hard...and yet bear s.h.*.t. :(((
With a broken heart, I recognised (again) I was weak. I just ain't that clever. I need help.
And with that limp, I welcomed help. Reinforcements was brought in to make things better. But, did it? I couldn't exactly tell yet. 'Cos everyone was busy, including the reinforcement. I raise the red flag by mid week for time was running out! One reinforcement said "I'd love to help, but I can't stay like you. How may I help?" Another said "I'd love to help, but my schedule is full today. Send me an email."
I tried to understand their friendly gestures of help, but I found myself staring into chilled air. What they had asked was what I could not give! For if I knew HOW to do it in the first place, I would have done so and not failed so terribly!!!
And that was what HELP was all about, ain't it??? All I asked for was help, DESPERATE HELP! But I finally understood what total helplessness felt like.
It felt like DOOM.
I ended the day with a double limp. A bleeding from the core.
Who will help me now???!!!!! I really don't know...
I kneaded my hurting heart and tried staying focussed on moving on (tho' I felt like sh*t!!!).
A chance chat with a pal at a neighbourhood store on Wed night brought fresh ideas.
All it took was 20 minutes.
That's all.
:
Many wondered why I took on the next round of challenge with almost 100% chance of "FAILURE". Some frowned, some chided and some cheered.
I am thankful for all the help, advice and cheer. I am thankful for all the give-up lah and wait-and-see. In all ways, I am thankful! I don't know whichever helps more...all I know is the moment I got the decision at the foyer...from the team that all had decided to press on with full knowledge of the possible outcome, there was PEACE.
Peace in my heart, no matter if we were to enter into finals or not.
Things will be different from now.
Victory is claimed. Amen.
Though I still had to prepare for the stage presentation on Monday, the physical detachment from the work environment was good.
I had time to chill and recharge.
:
Sometimes, so close CAN YET be so far. And THIS...is one good lesson I've learnt this past week.
A total flop at the 1st audition beginning of the week changed the week. I felt like a failure for everything and anything that could happen BAD happened!!! The screen presentation did not come on...the video failed to load, Everything critical failed! (Btw, we were to feature on the theme of technology. How apt!! "1st Lesson learnt: Do not rely entirely on technology. Technology can fail.")
So with a downtrodden heart, I picked up the pieces. It ain't easy to be called a 'walkover'....especially when I take pride in my work. it felt a downright shove into a gutter. Hard and painful! It ain't easy having tried so hard....and prayed so hard...and yet bear s.h.*.t. :(((
With a broken heart, I recognised (again) I was weak. I just ain't that clever. I need help.
And with that limp, I welcomed help. Reinforcements was brought in to make things better. But, did it? I couldn't exactly tell yet. 'Cos everyone was busy, including the reinforcement. I raise the red flag by mid week for time was running out! One reinforcement said "I'd love to help, but I can't stay like you. How may I help?" Another said "I'd love to help, but my schedule is full today. Send me an email."
I tried to understand their friendly gestures of help, but I found myself staring into chilled air. What they had asked was what I could not give! For if I knew HOW to do it in the first place, I would have done so and not failed so terribly!!!
And that was what HELP was all about, ain't it??? All I asked for was help, DESPERATE HELP! But I finally understood what total helplessness felt like.
It felt like DOOM.
I ended the day with a double limp. A bleeding from the core.
Who will help me now???!!!!! I really don't know...
I kneaded my hurting heart and tried staying focussed on moving on (tho' I felt like sh*t!!!).
A chance chat with a pal at a neighbourhood store on Wed night brought fresh ideas.
All it took was 20 minutes.
That's all.
:
Many wondered why I took on the next round of challenge with almost 100% chance of "FAILURE". Some frowned, some chided and some cheered.
I am thankful for all the help, advice and cheer. I am thankful for all the give-up lah and wait-and-see. In all ways, I am thankful! I don't know whichever helps more...all I know is the moment I got the decision at the foyer...from the team that all had decided to press on with full knowledge of the possible outcome, there was PEACE.
Peace in my heart, no matter if we were to enter into finals or not.
Things will be different from now.
Victory is claimed. Amen.
April 14th, 2009
24 Mar 09
When someone tells you, someone has died...what would you say?
When your beloved sick asked you to plug out the breathing tube 'cos the pain was too much to bear, what would you do??
When you waved goodbye to your loved one to go to work in the morning,..to find her in the hopital at sunset...how would you feel?
:
A death today shook me up again. Another reminder of how precious life is.
Have been having such reminders too often recently to be ignored.
Today: Someone at work slept and did not wake up at home. He had just returned from a family trip in U.S. He was 18 years old.
Last week: a frend's sister passed away from cancer. This is the 2nd death in the family the past months. Old age. Illness.
A week before: a friend's mum sneezed at a library and was hospitalised with a stroke. She passed away in the hospital.
:
What is life?
A friend just connected and shared she had just been discharged from the hospital from an unknown stomach cramp.
(And to think she just had an operation from a known, medicated cause earlier the past months was mind-blowing.)
:
It sets me thinking...the true meaning of life....all over again.
What is life..............?
I ain't gonna fuss over unnecessary stuff no more. Life is too short for it.
I am gonna be more encouraging in every way. Be positive in my words.
And I dun wana die at work of exhaustion!!! Period.
I LOVE MY FAMILY. YES!!!!!
I love my friends! Especially...Cheh Lee, Patsy, Luan, Ping, Bee Choo, HC, Jan, Mav, Shai, Ai, Noli, Jeann and my cg...the list goes on! Thanks for all your love all these years!!!
I love life!!! This...I myself am surprised! For my end-amibition has long since youth to be nothing; not even a dust after my death. For nothing owes nothing. Hence, from nothing...to embracing eternal life in heaven when I knew Christ in adulthood is a new journey.
Though I still struggle many times in this life with all the pains and dissappointment and hurts and wonders and rejections...and joy and love and peace and strength,
The sotong me.
The funny me,
The irritating me..
The loving me.
The giving me.
The tiger me
The weak me.
The stubborn me.
The faithful me.
All of which says I.am.maggie. The genuine me.
God still loves me! And I love the fresh life I have now!!! Even more treasured now with all the happenings around!!!
TG. :)
p.s.: Had wanted to share about the book The Last Lecture By Randy Pausch...will share another time.