Half Marathon & Fat Level

I have just registered for the half marathon this week. Will use it as a motivation to exercise more.

The reality is in my latest health checkup, my fat level is still at obese level even though I am underweight. Ever since I have tested for fat level, everytime the nurse or the person conducting the test will tell me that my fat level is too high and I should do something about it.

My good friend did not believe me until once we did the test together. Though she weighs more, she has a much lower fat level than me. I am glad that she finally believes me. One less person to discourage me from losing fat. As often when I mention to people my need to lose fat, they will be astonished and said I am just being silly as I do not look fat so nothing to worry.

Hmmm.... hidden fats can be more dangerous than the fat that people can see. According to the doctor, the goal is to convert fat to muscle, not about losing weight. Thus resistance training for upper body etc and more exercise.

I am looking forward to a healthier me. Just bought my sports shoe today. Tomorrow will be waking up at 6am to run.

Have you tested for your fat level? Do not just believe in what the eyes can see. :)

Life is unpredictable

This 2 weeks, I met ex-colleagues who have relocated overseas. One to Hong Kong for a much better work opportunity and another to US with her husband. Both like it very much at their new found land and seem to live very well there too. Their faces beam with happiness and joy at the new directions of their lives. Feel very happy for them.

I always feel a tinge of sadness saying goodbyes and seeing people leaving. I remember reading somewhere we should also celebrate those staying behind. Just like mothers, they stay behind in the house while the children go to different places to work for better living. The children are always reassured that their mum will be there waiting for them at home upon their return.

I guess the below quote sum it all.

“They who go Feel not the pain of parting; it is they Who stay behind that suffer”
--(Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 1807-1882)

But maybe suffer is too strong a word. It takes quiet courage to stay behind too.

On a separate note, I call up another friend today to check up on her. She told me she may have a second relapse of cancer. I am praying that it is not true as the final result is not out yet. From what her doctor is telling her, there is a possibility. Life is really unpredictable. Just when you think you have surmount it and overcome it after suffering so much, nature seems to have another mind of its own.

Is a test of strength and will. I admire her for the strength and she seems to take it in her stride. She did not ask 'why me again'. Probably she has seen much more in life. And at this point in time, her concern is still on the Cambodia little gal that she has helped in one of the homes. Asking me whether I know anyone who is going to Cambodia that can help her check on the gal.

For a while now, i already know bad things do happen to good people. As much as we cannot control the ending, we can decide on our journey. No matter what happens, i guess we can dictate how we want to live it. To live it with a positive attitude and be a positive force to others or to wallow in self pity. Life is really unpredictable, and my hope for myself is to live it well and treasure each day of my life. Will have to constantly remind myself. Life is a gift!

Jane's Journey

My first outing ever since I am back from the Central Asia journey. Went to the movie primere, Jane's Journey that was held in National Museum this afternnon.

The movie is a documentary about the life of Dr Jane Goodall, the inspiring woman that devotes 5 decades of her life on chimpanzees and conservation. There was a question and answer session after the movie where she personally appeared. Since 1986, she has been travelling 300 days each year raising awareness about environmental sustainability and promoting her various projects. Is pretty amazing considering her age. She must have a lot of passion and conviction.

Just like to leave a code from her book - "If you really want something, and really work hard, and take advantage of opportunities, and never give up, you will find a way."

Fighting spirit

Went back home late today and was walking pass the block of flats where many uncles like to play chess etc to pass time. Just next to them was an elderly worker still working hard slotting flyers into the letter boxes, earning his keep.

Actually these are not uncommon sights. If you take the train at Tiong Bahru MRT, taking the escalator up you will see an elderly doing busking to earn his keep. Nearby there is another elderly selling tissues.

Meal times outside, it seems increasingly I have encountered disabled and elderly selling tissues.

All these people are working hard to earn their keep. Possibly it is their only way of survival, which means they likely have no choice. Their working hard probably only earn them enough to survive another day. Income inequality staring in your face can be quite painful. Life can be quite unfair. But really have to admire their fighting spirit. Hopefully life will offer them a fair chance.

Election

They say politics is a dirty game. I am not sure I can totally agree. Of course there are people who play it for their own benefits but there is also a group of people who are willing to sacrifice themselves for others.

Like to share some quotes from leaders that I admire.

You must be the change you want to see in the world. -- Mahatma Gandhi

The probability that we may fail in the struggle ought not to deter us from the support of a cause we believe to be just. -- Abraham Lincoln

Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power. -- Abraham Lincoln

National interest should be above partisan interests. That is why I admired Obama for putting in strong republicans members into his team even though his is a Democrat.

Railway Trip plus Organic Farm

The Tanjong Pager Railway Station is going to close for travel in the next few months. I heard it may be earmarked for conservation after that. We took the opportunity to take a train ride from there for the last time (first time too for many people).

Thus the day outing is Train Ride to Johor -- Zhenxin Organic Farm -- KSL City Mall Shopping -- Singapore.

The train ride was at 7.15am. Ticketing only opened half hour before as it was a unreserved train unlike the 8am train. Reached around 6.20am but the queue was already quite long. Looks like many people have the same idea to take the trains from the station before it closed. Finally got the ticket after 45 mins in queue. SGD 3 for adults and SGD 2 for children. Seats were oversold, so a number of us had to stand throughout the journey.

The train was supposed to reach at 8.11 am at Johore Sentral but ended we reached at 9.40am.

Went to lunch at Three O restaurant that ex-TCS actor Xie Shao Guang helped out. Friend is quite a big Xie Shao Guang's fan. Seeing him made her day! :)

Then we went to Zhenxin Organic Farm, about a 1.5 hour ride to Kluang. A 100 acres organic farm with dragon fruit, vegetables, mushrooms etc. It also have a small mini-zoo with fishes, rabbits, ducks and chickens. The rabbits are sick though. Hope they will get medical help for the rabbits soon.

Todai @ Marina Bay Sands

Went to Todai at MBS for a farewell lunch. It is a newly opened restaurant that served only buffet.

Called them a few times to check as we had a budget to keep and their weekend price was too expensive. They confirmed that they treat friday as a weekday lunch contrary to what we had read in other reviews. Thus it was $42 instead of $58 per person. And plus there was still a 10% discount currently for opening specials.

When we arrived, I was quite surprised and impressed by the wide spread. There were italian food, japanese sushi, korea food, western & chinese food. The choice of sushi available was dazzling indeed.

As for a vegetarian, my choice was quite limited as their strength was in seafood and not vegetables. However I still got to enjoy the dessert. There were many cakes that were cut quite small so that you could take a variety. The cakes were delicious.

The korea influence was quite notable throughout the restaurant. Many of the staff were koreans and photos of Korea stars were used as decorations in the restaurant. The TVs were also playing Korean MTVs.

Overall the Todai Buffet experience was enjoyable.